Sample Distribution System Contamination Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generic sample distribution systems face issues with sample liquid spilling, leading to contamination of the transport surface, which can cause cross-contamination as sample carriers move over contaminated areas.
Innovation Solution
A sample distribution system equipped with a contamination detection device, including capacitive touch-sensitive surfaces and electromagnetic actuators, allows for the detection and localization of contamination, enabling the control device to adjust the movement path of sample carriers to avoid contaminated areas and prevent the spread of contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sample carriers are moved over the transport surface to transport samples, then sample transport efficiency is improved, but contamination can spread across the transport surface causing cross-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The contamination detection device proactively scans the transport surface before sample carriers are moved onto it. By detecting contamination in advance and marking contaminated areas, the system prevents sample carriers from entering contaminated zones, thus avoiding cross-contamination while maintaining continuous sample transport operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the transport surface for contamination and provides real-time feedback to the control device. When contamination is detected, the control device immediately adjusts the movement paths of sample carriers to avoid contaminated areas, creating a closed-loop control system that dynamically prevents cross-contamination.
2Reliability
If the transport surface is continuously monitored for contamination, then cross-contamination is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with a capacitive touch-sensitive surface that electronically detects contamination. This electronic field-based detection method is simpler and more reliable than mechanical approaches, reducing system complexity while maintaining high contamination detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport surface itself is designed with integrated contamination detection capability through the capacitive touch-sensitive layer. This multi-functional design combines the transport function with the detection function in a single component, eliminating the need for separate detection devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively detects and prevents the spread of contamination by controlling the movement of sample carriers, ensuring cleanliness and reducing cross-contamination within the laboratory automation system.
Implementation Method 1
the contamination detection device has a capacitive touch-sensitive surface
Implementation Method 2
a respective sample carrier has at least one magnetically active element which is designed to interact with a magnetic field generated by means of at least one electromagnetic actuator in such a way that a driving force is exerted on the sample carrier
Implementation Method 3
the sample distribution system has a control device which is designed to control electromagnetic actuators arranged under the transport surface
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a sample distribution system with a transport surface and sample carriers placed thereon, wherein a contamination detection device is provided to limit the effect of contamination.