Robotic Sample Manager Interface With a Sealed Transfer Window
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid chromatography systems experience significant temperature fluctuations due to prolonged door openings during robotic sample loading and unloading, limiting system throughput and requiring time delays for temperature stabilization.
Innovation Solution
An interface module with a transfer drawer receiving apparatus and window apparatus that allows controlled access to the sample manager, sealing the internal environment from ambient conditions, and utilizing a robotic system for efficient loading and unloading while maintaining temperature stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robotic system opens the access door to load and unload sample-vial carriers, then automated sample handling is achieved, but the door remains open for extended periods causing significant temperature fluctuations in the sample manager
Solution Approach 1:
The access door is divided into multiple segments: a main access door and a secondary window opening. The window opening provides limited access without requiring full door opening, thereby reducing thermal exposure while enabling robotic sample handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer drawer serves as an intermediary mechanism between the robotic system and the sample tray. The transfer drawer can be moved in and out through the window opening without requiring the main access door to be fully opened, thus minimizing temperature fluctuations while enabling automated sample transfer.
2Extent of automation
If the access door is opened for robotic loading and unloading operations, then sample handling is automated, but system throughput is limited due to required time delays for temperature stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The access mechanism is segmented into a window opening for minimal access and a main access door for full access. This allows robotic operations to proceed through the window without requiring complete door opening, eliminating temperature stabilization delays and improving throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer drawer is pre-configured to work with the window opening mechanism, allowing sample transfer operations to be performed in advance through the limited opening without requiring full door access, thereby eliminating waiting time for temperature stabilization.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional access door is used for robotic operations, then simple access is maintained, but prolonged opening causes significant internal temperature variation exposing samples to ambient environment
Solution Approach 1:
The access system is segmented into a window opening for minimal exposure and a main door for full access. The window opening provides sufficient access for robotic sample handling while maintaining thermal isolation, thereby reducing temperature fluctuation exposure during operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The window opening provides localized access with minimal thermal exposure compared to full door opening. This local access point is specifically designed to enable robotic operations while maintaining the thermal integrity of the sample manager interior.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Described is an interface module for robotic loading and unloading of a liquid chromatography sample manager. The module includes a transfer drawer receiving apparatus having a device track and a drawer drive system configured to transport a transfer drawer along the device track into and out from a sample tray of a sample manager. The transfer drawer receives a sample-vial carrier that holds samples to be analyzed. The module further includes a window apparatus that has a window controllable to be in an open state or a closed state. When in the open state, transport of the transfer drawer through the window into or out from the sample manager permits loading of the sample-vial carrier into the sample tray and unloading of the sample-vial carrier from the sample tray. In the closed state, the window apparatus substantially seals the internal environment of the sample manager from the ambient environment.