Closed-Loop Tube Rack Routing for Compact Lab Analyzer Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological analysis systems are bulky and inefficient in managing sample flow, leading to potential bottlenecks and suboptimal workload distribution among laboratory staff.
Innovation Solution
A biological analysis system with a compact design featuring multiple inputs and outputs, a conveyor system with a closed loop, and a controller that intelligently manages rack distribution and transfer based on device load states and analysis requirements, allowing for modular and customizable workflow optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single input and output buffer zone are used in biological analysis systems, then the system structure is simplified, but the system becomes bulky and less efficient in managing sample flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single input/output buffer zone into multiple distributed buffer zones associated with different biological analysis devices. Each device has its own input and output buffer zones, allowing samples to be distributed across multiple locations rather than concentrated in one place. This segmentation reduces the bulkiness of any single location while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized single-point buffer architecture to a distributed multi-point buffer architecture across different spatial locations. By distributing buffer zones across multiple devices and locations, the system eliminates the need for large centralized buffer spaces while maintaining sample flow management capabilities.
2Productivity
If multiple biological analysis devices are connected through a transport system, then sample flow management is improved, but the system becomes more bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the buffer zone functionality directly into the biological analysis devices themselves, eliminating the need for separate, bulky buffer storage areas. Each analysis device incorporates its own input and output buffer zones, combining multiple functions (analysis, buffering, and sample holding) into integrated units, thereby reducing overall system bulkiness while maintaining efficient sample flow management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If buffer zones are added for each analysis module, then sample distribution flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that manages all buffer zones and conveyor operations across multiple biological analysis devices. This single controller performs multiple functions including rack distribution, buffer zone management, conveyor control, and load balancing across devices. By consolidating control functions into a universal controller, the system achieves high adaptability and flexibility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A biological analysis system comprising at least two biological analysis devices (4, 6, 8) connected to each other by a conveyor (10) defining a closed circuit, each biological analysis device () comprising at least one inlet (14, 16, 18) and one outlet (24, 26, 28) for racks (20) of tubes (22), and at least one area for exchanging racks (20) of tubes (22) by means of the conveyor (10), wherein the exchange area is separate from the inlet (14, 16, 18) and from the outlet (24, 26, 28). The inlet (14, 16, 18) of at least two biological analysis devices (4, 6, 8) each forms an inlet of the biological analysis system for racks (20) of tubes (22), and the outlet (24, 26, 28) of at least two biological analysis devices (4, 6, 8) each forms an outlet of the biological analysis system for racks (20) of tubes (22). The biological analysis system (2) further comprises a controller (12) arranged for controlling the transfer of a rack (20) of tubes (22) received in the biological analysis system (2) via the conveyor (10) to another biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) depending on the operations to be performed on the tubes (22) of this rack (20), and/or depending on a respective load state of the biological analysis devices (4, 6, 8).