Automated Sample Rack Transport Module for Laboratory Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-throughput analysis systems face inefficiencies and errors due to the high frequency of human interaction in manually loading and managing samples, which slows down and complicates the automated processing of large numbers of samples.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory module with guiding rails, a transport chamber, barcode scanner, and controller that automates the storage and delivery of sample racks to processing systems, reducing the need for manual intervention by identifying and tracking sample locations and controlling the movement of racks within the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sample loading and management is used, then flexibility and ease of operation are maintained, but productivity and reliability deteriorate due to high frequency of human interaction and potential for errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation through automated sample rack transport. The transport chamber automatically moves sample racks between storage bays and processing bays without human intervention. The barcode scanner automatically identifies and tracks sample racks, and the controller coordinates the entire process, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for constant manual loading.
2Ease of operation
If manual sample loading and management is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to human error in sample handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated transport system. The transport chamber, guided by a controller and identified through barcode scanning, automatically transports sample racks to the correct processing bays. This substitution of manual operations with an automated mechanical system eliminates human error in sample handling and tracking.
3Productivity
If automated transport system is implemented, then productivity and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The transport chamber serves multiple functions: it transports sample racks between bays, aligns with guiding rails for precise positioning, and works with the barcode scanner for identification. The guiding rails provide both structural support and positioning guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
4Productivity
If automated transport system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced manual control
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through barcode scanning. When a sample rack is placed in the transport chamber, the barcode scanner reads the identifier and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this information to automatically manage the transport process, ensuring the correct samples are delivered to the correct processing bays without requiring manual control input.
Data Source
AI summary
A laboratory module for storing and providing access to a plurality of samples, the laboratory module comprising a plurality of bays comprising a plurality of guiding rails and a plurality of rack tray bays for accommodating a plurality of rack trays, and a transport chamber for transporting at least one sample rack to a storage location and for delivering at least one sample rack at predetermined times to a processing system. The transport chamber is adapted to align with any one of the plurality of guiding rails, comprised in the bays and in the rack trays, for placing and moving on the guiding rails the at least one sample rack, and a sensor for sensing the presence and location of a sample rack on any one of the guiding rails, and a barcode scanner that identifies the sample rack and a storage device for storing data.