Automated Ultracentrifuge Tube Layer Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting specific layers of particulate matter from ultracentrifuge tubes are inefficient and prone to disturbing the density gradient, leading to inaccurate and incomplete separation of solutes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an aseptic extraction chamber, a transfer arm, and an extractor arm with a computer-controlled imaging module and extraction module that generates location data to precisely position and extract specific layers from ultracentrifuge tubes, using a needle to puncture the tube and a piston to collect the desired solute without disrupting other layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual extraction methods are used to remove specific layers from ultracentrifuge tubes, then the extraction process can be performed, but the density gradient is disturbed and separation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical extraction with an automated robotic system that uses imaging guidance (optical field) to locate and extract specific layers. The robotic arm with precisely controlled needle insertion substitutes human manual operation, eliminating the disturbance caused by manual handling while maintaining extraction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy or map of the tube contents through imaging technology, generating location data that defines the positions of multiple layers. This optical copy allows the system to plan and execute extraction without physically disturbing the gradient during the planning phase, enabling precise targeting of specific layers.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated robotic arms are introduced to extract layers from ultracentrifuge tubes, then extraction precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is designed to perform multiple functions: positioning, needle insertion, extraction, and collection. The system integrates imaging, location data generation, and mechanical extraction into a single multi-functional platform, reducing the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces software control and imaging modules as intermediaries between the robotic arm and the extraction process. These intermediaries translate complex extraction requirements into precise robotic movements, simplifying the control architecture while maintaining high precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional extraction methods are used, then the process is simpler to operate, but extraction accuracy and completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning and self-extraction through automated robotic control. The robotic arm autonomously locates the target layer using imaging data, positions the needle, and executes extraction without requiring manual intervention, thereby achieving high accuracy while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses imaging modules to continuously monitor and provide feedback on the position of layers and the robotic arm's location. This feedback loop allows real-time adjustment of extraction parameters, ensuring high accuracy while the system operates autonomously, simplifying user interaction.
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
Enables precise and efficient extraction of specific layers from ultracentrifuge tubes, maintaining the integrity of the density gradient and ensuring accurate collection of solutes, thereby improving the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging module configured to generate location data defining a position of a UC tube within an aseptic extraction chamber, and further defining respective positions of multiple layers of particulate matter within the UC tube
Implementation Method 2
an extractor unit integrated into the extractor arm to fill a collection receptacle coupled to the extractor arm
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are provided for automated extraction of a substance from a tube. The technologies comprise a system that includes an aseptic extraction chamber and a transfer arm configured to position an ultracentrifuge (UC) tube within the aseptic extraction chamber. The UC tube contains a liquid solution that has particulate matter embedded therein, where the particulate matter forms multiple layers. The system also includes an extractor arm configured to extract a particular layer of the multiple layers.