Sample Tray Well LEDs for Direct Sample Status Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current thermal instruments lack physical feedback on sample status within the tray, requiring users to repeatedly check a user interface for sample-related information, leading to inefficiency and user errors.

Innovation Solution

Integrate a light emitting diode (LED) arrangement beneath each well of a sample tray to provide color-coded visual feedback on sample status, controlled by an instrument control system, allowing direct visual indication of sample variables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If users check sample status through software user interface, then sample status information is accessible, but workflow efficiency decreases and user errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample status information accessibilityVSAvoidworkflow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of sample status information by mapping digital status data to physical LED indicator states. Each LED indicator replicates the sample status (e.g., loaded, running, completed, error) in a visible format directly at the tray position, allowing users to obtain status information without accessing the software interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The LED indicators serve as an intermediary between the instrument's internal software system and the user. Instead of users directly interacting with the software interface to check status, the LED indicators mediate by translating digital status into visual signals that users can perceive immediately at the tray location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If users repeatedly refer to user interface for sample status, then accurate information is obtained, but time is lost and user errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation accuracyVSAvoidtime for checking sample status

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service by automatically displaying sample status information through LED indicators without requiring user intervention to access software menus or interfaces. The status information serves itself by being visually presented at the tray location, eliminating the need for users to search through software interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The LED indicators provide sample status information in advance and continuously, so users do not need to wait or actively query the software interface. The status is preliminarily displayed and maintained visually, allowing users to obtain information immediately when needed without time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If no physical feedback is provided at the tray, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidtray interaction convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color changes in LED indicators to convey different sample status information. Each LED can display different colors or illumination states corresponding to different sample statuses (e.g., green for completed, red for error, yellow for running), providing intuitive visual feedback that enhances ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Device complexity

If users must memorize tray positions or repeatedly check interface, then device complexity is maintained low, but user error increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoiduser error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the overall sample status information system into individual LED indicators for each tray position. Each LED is independently controlled and displays status for its specific tray location, allowing users to quickly identify the status of specific samples without having to remember positions or search through a unified software interface, thereby reducing user errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances workflow efficiency and reduces user errors by providing intuitive, color-coded visual feedback on sample status directly on the tray, minimizing reliance on software interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting diode (LED) arrangement below the plurality of wells, wherein each LED in the LED arrangement is below a well of the plurality of wells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20250383270A1Pan status indicator light for analytical instrument sample tray

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 TA INSTRUMENTS WATERS LLC

AI summary

A tray status indicator system comprises a tray comprising a plurality of wells. Each well in the plurality of wells is configured to receive a sample or reference material. A light emitting diode (LED) arrangement is below the plurality of wells. Each LED in the LED arrangement is below a well of the plurality of wells. The system also comprises an instrument control system that generates and outputs control signals to the LED arrangement to illuminate the each LED in the LED arrangement at a predetermined color of a plurality of different colors that indicate a state of a sample or reference in the well.