Total Lab Automation Using Coordinated XYZ Conveyors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory automation systems require manual handling and complex robotics for sample analysis, leading to inefficiencies and high maintenance costs due to the need for dedicated analyzers and human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A total lab automation system utilizing coordinated conveyors with X, Y, and Z-axis movement, controlled by a controller, to automate sample, reagent, and test well handling, enabling precise alignment and operation of items across multiple stations for various analytic methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated analyzers with complex robotics are used for each analytic method, then analysis capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal analyzer platform that can perform multiple analytic methods (urinalysis, hemostasis, immunology, chemistry, hematology, molecular, microbiology) using a single integrated system with shared reagent storage, sample handling, and analysis modules, eliminating the need for separate dedicated analyzers for each method
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular functional segments including separate analyzers for different analytic methods that can operate independently but share common infrastructure, allowing flexible configuration and reduced overall complexity compared to fully integrated systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated analyzers with complex robotics are used for each analytic method, then analysis capability is improved, but maintenance requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal analyzer platform replaces multiple dedicated analyzers, reducing the total number of devices requiring maintenance and enabling shared maintenance resources and expertise across all analytic methods
Solution Approach 2:
Common maintenance functions such as reagent storage, sample handling, and data management are merged into shared modules that serve all analytic methods, reducing the overall maintenance burden compared to maintaining separate systems for each method
3Ease of operation
If manual handling and human maintenance are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated sample handling, reagent dispensing, and data processing functions that perform maintenance and operational tasks without human intervention, improving productivity while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable automation
Solution Approach 2:
The automation system is dynamically configurable to adapt to different analytic methods and laboratory requirements, allowing the same automated platform to maintain operational flexibility as manual systems while achieving higher productivity through consistent automated execution
4Measurement precision
If multiple discrete analyzers are used for different analytic methods, then specialized analysis is improved, but space requirements and system scalability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal analyzer platform consolidates multiple analytic methods into one device, reducing the total space required compared to having separate dedicated analyzers for each method while maintaining specialized analysis capabilities through dedicated analysis modules
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses nested modular architecture where specialized analysis modules are contained within the universal analyzer platform, allowing compact integration of multiple functions in a space-efficient manner while preserving the analytical precision of specialized systems
Data Source
AI summary
State-of-the-art analyzers in clinical laboratories require complex robotics, as well as daily human maintenance. In addition, a discrete analyzer is required for each analytic method, with two or more such analyzers containing expensive, redundant components. Accordingly, a total lab automation system is disclosed that is capable of combining the functions of all such analyzers using a compact superset of stations. In an embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of conveyors, arranged along an X-axis of a tabletop surface, and configured to move in both directions along a Y-axis, under the control of a controller. One or more stations may extend along the X-axis, to orthogonally span all of the conveyors, such that a tool of each station may move along the X-axis, and potentially along the Z-axis, to process items on the conveyors, under the control of the controller.