Modular Vial Cap Handler and Slide Labeler Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual processing of biological sample vials and slides is time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to potential contamination and chain of custody issues, which are costly and can compromise diagnostic accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A composite modular system comprising a vial scanner, slide labeler, cap manipulator, and controller that automatically reads vial indicia, labels slides, removes and reattaches caps, and tracks identifiers to ensure accurate correlation between vials and slides, reducing human error and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual processing methods are used for removing caps and labeling slides, then device complexity is reduced, but processing time increases and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a cap manipulator for removing and replacing caps, a vial scanner for reading indicia, a slide labeler for marking slides, and a controller for coordinating operations. Each module performs a specific task independently, allowing the system to process multiple vials and slides simultaneously without requiring a fully integrated complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically reads vial indicia using the vial scanner, retrieves corresponding slide information from the database, and applies accurate labels without human intervention. The cap manipulator automatically removes caps and replaces them on the correct vials based on scanner input, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate manual labor while maintaining high processing speed and accuracy.
2Device complexity
If manual processing methods are used for removing caps and labeling slides, then device complexity is reduced, but error rate increases due to human involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The vial scanner reads indicia on each vial and provides feedback to the controller, which then retrieves the corresponding slide information from the database. The system verifies that the correct slide is labeled for each vial before proceeding, creating a closed-loop feedback system that eliminates human error in matching vials with their corresponding slides and ensures high accuracy in sample identification and labeling.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations of cap removal, reading, labeling, and recording are replaced with an automated system combining mechanical cap manipulation, optical scanning for indicia recognition, database retrieval for information management, and automated labeling. This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design.
3Productivity
If fully automated batch processing filter transfer systems are used, then processing speed and accuracy are improved, but system cost increases making it economically infeasible for all laboratories
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than implementing a fully automated batch processing filter transfer system, the patent segments the automation into discrete, independent modules: cap manipulator, vial scanner, slide labeler, and controller. This segmentation allows laboratories to implement automation at the specific tasks where it provides the most benefit without the high cost and complexity of complete system automation, making the solution economically feasible for a broader range of laboratories.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial automation to specific critical tasks (cap handling, scanning, labeling) rather than attempting to automate the entire filter transfer process. This partial action approach provides sufficient productivity improvement and error reduction for many laboratory applications without requiring the full complexity and cost of complete batch processing automation, achieving an optimal balance between efficiency and affordability.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite modular system for handling biological sample vials and slides comprises a vial scanner configured to read indicia on the sample vials, a slide labeler configured to mark the slides, a cap manipulator configured to uncap and cap the vials, and a controller, where all other elements are in communication with the controller and the system outputs the uncapped vial and the marked slide.