Temperature controlled transport puck
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vitro diagnostics systems face inefficiencies in transporting temperature-sensitive samples due to the need for short transportation distances to maintain sample health, leading to bottlenecks and increased costs from localized temperature control solutions.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled transport puck system with active temperature control devices connected to carriers that move along a track system, allowing for efficient and controlled temperature maintenance of samples across multiple testing stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If samples are transported over long distances in traditional automation track systems, then throughput capacity increases, but sample integrity deteriorates due to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal control device is introduced as an intermediary between the sample container and the transportation environment. This device actively regulates the thermal field around the sample, mediating the interaction between the sample and the external temperature variations during transport, thereby maintaining sample integrity over long distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters (temperature) of the transportation environment by introducing active thermal control devices. These devices dynamically adjust temperature parameters to compensate for environmental variations, enabling long-distance transport while maintaining samples within required temperature ranges
2Temperature
If localized temperature control solutions are implemented, then sample temperature stability is maintained, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal control device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a temperature regulator and as a protective enclosure for the sample. By combining multiple functions into a single integrated device, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining temperature stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies thermal control locally at the sample level rather than requiring global temperature control of the entire transportation system. Each sample container is equipped with its own thermal control device, allowing temperature stability to be maintained with minimal additional complexity
3Temperature
If transportation distance is limited to short distances, then sample temperature can be maintained, but system productivity decreases due to bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal control device dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions during transport. The device can modify its thermal output in response to varying environmental conditions, transport duration, and sample requirements, enabling flexible adaptation that supports both temperature maintenance and extended transport distances for improved productivity
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
This solution enables faster and more efficient sample transportation while maintaining temperature stability, reducing bottlenecks and overhead costs by allowing for longer transportation distances without compromising sample integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerated compartment having a cooled environment
Implementation Method 2
an insulating material to maintain a temperature of the one or more payloads
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a method of controlling a payload temperature in in vitro diagnostics including: moving, using a track system, a plurality of carriers, along one or more paths between a plurality of testing stations, wherein the carrier is configured to hold one or more payloads, and limiting, using a temperature controlling device, temperature change of the one or more payloads, wherein each carrier is configured to hold one or more payloads and move the one or more payloads to one of the plurality of testing stations. Other aspects are described and claimed herein.