Laboratory Sampling Machine Universal Lid Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated laboratory sampling machines face inefficiencies and human error when processing samples in non-standard vial sizes, as existing lid-opening devices are often adapted for only specific vial types, requiring manual transfer or additional steps that compromise contamination control and chain of custody.

Innovation Solution

A laboratory sampling machine with a multi-vial staging system, featuring automated and manual lid-opening capabilities, and a sample handling robot that can translate heads for aspiration and data reading, allowing for processing of various vial designs while maintaining a detailed chain of custody through computerized data recording.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single standardized lid-opening device is used for specific vial types, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot process non-standard vial sizes requiring manual transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevial size compatibilityVSAvoidlid-opening device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid-opening device is designed with a universal carriage mechanism that can accommodate multiple vial sizes and types. The carriage can be positioned at different locations along the rail to match various vial dimensions, allowing a single device to handle standard and non-standard vials without requiring multiple specialized devices or manual transfers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lid-opening device incorporates a movable carriage that can dynamically adjust its position along a rail system. This dynamic positioning capability allows the device to adapt to different vial sizes and locations, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to having multiple fixed devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If manual transfer of samples to standardized vials is required, then vial standardization is achieved, but contamination risk and chain of custody compromise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination controlVSAvoidsample processing workflow

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The automated sampling system performs the sample transfer operation itself without requiring manual intervention. The robotic arm or automated mechanism directly transfers samples from source vials to destination vials, eliminating the need for manual handling and thereby preventing contamination while maintaining chain of custody integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of transferring samples is replaced with an automated mechanical system. The automated carriage and positioning mechanisms handle the sample transfer, replacing human hands and actions with controlled mechanical operations that reduce contamination risk and improve workflow consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated sample processing is implemented, then productivity increases, but complexity of maintaining chain of custody data recording increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample processing throughputVSAvoiddata recording system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data recording functions are merged into the existing automated sampling system architecture. The chain of custody tracking is integrated with the sample handling mechanisms, so that data recording occurs as a natural byproduct of the automated operations rather than requiring a separate complex data management system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where each automated action (picking, transferring, placing) automatically generates and records chain of custody data. The system tracks and records each step of the sample handling process, providing automatic verification and maintenance of chain of custody without requiring additional manual data entry or complex recording systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8870059B1Laboratory sampling machine and methods for maintaining chain of custody for samples

Publication Date: 2014.10.28 HUPPENTHAL JOE

AI summary

A machine and methods for maintaining chain of custody during a sampling procedure is provided, the machine including a sample handling robot having an operation head and a verification head. The verification head can be one of a barcode reader, OCR scanner, of RFID tag reader. The verification head of the machine is adapted to read a sample container prior to sampling an aliquot of liquid, and transferring the aliquot to a testing vial. Each sample container and corresponding testing vial is read prior to performing an operation, such that a chain of custody is properly recorded. The machine can further comprise a lid-opening and closing device adapted for articulating the lid of one or more standard vial types. Additionally, the machine may comprise a manual vial staging area for non-standard vial types. The machine may be further adapted to prepare diluted testing samples or combined reagent samples.