Shuttle Clamping and Puncture Tool for Automated Sample Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated clinical analyzers and pre-analytical systems require significant technician involvement, are prone to errors, and lack integration, leading to inefficiencies in sample processing and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A high-throughput system integrating a pre-analytical system with an analyzer, featuring modular components such as multiple decks, a multipurpose robot, and a Cartesian robot for automated sample processing and analysis, capable of performing assays like HPV detection without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sample preparation and transfer is performed by technicians, then sample processing can be completed, but operator error and exposure to communicable diseases increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the automated analyzer independently performs sample preparation, processing, and analysis without requiring technician intervention. The integrated pre-analytical system automatically receives samples, prepares them, and transfers them to the analyzer, eliminating manual handling and reducing operator error while maintaining high reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-analytical systems and analyzers operate independently, then each system can function autonomously, but integration and coordination become complex requiring technician involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pre-analytical system and the automated analyzer into a single integrated system. The pre-analytical system is directly coupled with the automated analyzer, allowing seamless sample transfer and coordinated operation. This combination simplifies the overall system architecture while enhancing adaptability, as the integrated system functions as a unified entity rather than separate components requiring complex coordination.
3Productivity
If samples are prepared at different rates than analyzers evaluate them, then flexibility in processing is maintained, but downtime and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining synchronized operation between the pre-analytical system and the automated analyzer. Samples are prepared and transferred continuously without interruption or downtime. The system is designed so that the preparation rate matches the analysis rate, eliminating idle time and maximizing productivity throughout the entire sample processing workflow.
4Ease of operation
If technicians manually transfer samples between systems, then sample handling can be performed, but skilled labor is required for menial tasks and technician distractions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical manual transfer process with an automated mechanical transfer mechanism. The integrated pre-analytical system and automated analyzer are coupled through an automated sample transfer interface that moves samples without technician intervention. This substitution eliminates the need for skilled labor to perform menial transfer tasks and removes distractions associated with monitoring and manually transferring samples between systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated analyzer that receives samples prepared for analysis in an automated pre-analytical module and a method of operation of such automated analyzer. The automated analyzer includes a shuttle transfer station that receives a shuttle carrier from the automated pre-analytical system. The shuttle transfer station has a clamping assembly for the shuttle. The clamping assembly has jaws that advance engagement members into contact with a bottom portion of sample containers disposed in the shuttle. The clamping assembly secures the sample containers in the shuttle when sample is aspirated from the sample containers. The automated analyzer also has a multichannel puncture tool that is adapted to be carried by a robotic gripper mechanism. The multichannel puncture tool has multiple puncture members that each defines a channel. Each channel is in communication with a different trough in the consumable. A pipette can pass through the channel in the puncture tool.