Sample screening system

Abstract

The utility model provides a sample screening system which comprises a sample handover module, a sample storage module, a sample processing module and a workbench which are arranged in sequence. The full-process automatic operation of sample receiving, information input, sample refrigeration, uncovering and film sealing, nucleic acid extraction (selective matching and amplification), abnormal sample retest and sample delivery and scrapping can be realized, personal errors are reduced, the accuracy of detection results is improved, the large-scale sample storage and detection requirements of a blood station can be met, and the detection efficiency is improved. The whole process from specimen receiving, report issuing, delivery and scrapping can be achieved, manual operation is not needed, the working efficiency is improved, the labor intensity is reduced, in addition, the modules are relatively simple in structure, small in occupied area, suitable for different laboratory scenes, capable of being flexibly arranged and the like, and the space requirements of different blood stations are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of sample screening, in particular to a sample screening system. Background Art

[0002] Blood screening is a type of sample screening. In blood stations, blood screening is a crucial step in ensuring blood safety. Traditional blood screening systems typically require manual operation, and most fail to automate the entire process. These processes, including sample handover, refrigerated storage, tube uncapping and sealing, nucleic acid extraction, PCR system construction, retesting of abnormal specimens, and specimen removal and disposal, often require extensive manual effort. These processes are cumbersome, require extensive manual operations, and are prone to errors at every stage. This not only impacts work efficiency but also increases labor costs. Furthermore, the lack of full traceability severely impacts the timeliness and accuracy of test results. Therefore, fully automated, intelligent, and streamlined blood screening has become an urgent need for blood stations. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a fully automated and intelligent sample screening system to address the deficiencies in the above-mentioned background technology, so as to realize full-process automation operation, reduce human errors, and improve the timeliness and accuracy of test results.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a sample screening system, comprising a sample handover module, a sample storage module, a sample processing module and a workbench arranged in sequence;

[0005] The sample handover module is used to hand over the sample to the system, and the sample handover module records the sample information through the camera and the sensor;

[0006] The sample storage module is used to store samples;

[0007] The sample processing module is used to test samples, open the test tubes on the test tube carrier, seal the test tubes, and remove the film during re-examination;

[0008] The workbench is used to set up instruments for sample screening.

[0009] Furthermore, the sample handover module includes a handover frame, a conveyor line assembly, and a rotary transmission assembly;

[0010] The handover frame is used to support the entire sample handover module. The handover frame is provided with a sample handover window, and the sample handover window is used for placing a test tube carrier manually or by equipment;

[0011] The conveyor line assembly is used to connect the sample transfer window and the rotary transmission assembly to transfer the transferred test tube carrier to the rotary transmission assembly;

[0012] The rotary transmission assembly is used to transport the loaded test tube carrier to the sample storage module, or to transport the loaded test tube carrier to a transfer-out channel, or to transfer an empty test tube carrier to an empty rack recovery channel.

[0013] Furthermore, the information entry of the sample handover module includes face recognition, ID card recognition, photoelectric counting, hat color recognition, and barcode scanning.

[0014] Furthermore, the sample storage module includes a refrigerated box, a refrigerated frame, and a refrigerated carriage assembly;

[0015] The refrigerator is used to refrigerate and store the test tube rack;

[0016] The refrigeration frame is arranged in the refrigeration box and is used to carry the test tube carrier;

[0017] The refrigerated trolley assembly is used to carry out placement and transfer operations on the test tube carrier placed on the refrigerated frame, and at the same time transfer the test tube carrier inside the refrigerated box.

[0018] Furthermore, the sample storage module also includes a conveyor platform assembly; the conveyor platform assembly includes a first conveyor platform and a second conveyor platform, the test tube carrier is transferred from the sample handover module to the first conveyor platform, the first conveyor platform transports the test tube carrier for a distance, and then the refrigerated trolley assembly transfers the test tube carrier from the first conveyor platform to the refrigerated frame, when the refrigerated trolley assembly transfers the test tube carrier to the second conveyor platform, the second conveyor platform transports the test tube carrier out of the sample storage module.

[0019] Furthermore, the sample storage module also includes an automatic door assembly, which is arranged on the refrigerator and is used to open and close the refrigerator.

[0020] Furthermore, the sample processing module includes a sample detection component, a capping component, a film sealing and tearing component, and a clamping and transmission component;

[0021] The sample detection component is used to identify the quality of the samples in the test tube carrier and to temporarily store abnormal samples;

[0022] The capping assembly is used to perform capping operations on test tubes;

[0023] The film sealing and tearing assembly is used to seal or tear the film of the test tube after the cap is removed;

[0024] The gripping and transporting assembly is used to transfer the test tube carrier from the sample processing module to the workbench, and to transfer the test tube carrier inside the sample processing module.

[0025] Furthermore, the film sealing and tearing assembly is used to seal the test tubes after the samples on the test tube carrier are extracted, and when an abnormality is detected subsequently, the film of all the test tubes on the corresponding test tube carrier is torn.

[0026] Furthermore, the workbench is provided with a nucleic acid extractor, or a nucleic acid extraction and amplification integrated instrument.

[0027] Furthermore, the workbench is provided with a waste needle bucket placement area and a consumables placement area, and the consumables placement area is physically isolated from the waste needle bucket placement area.

[0028] The above solution of the utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] The sample screening system provided by the present invention realizes the automation of the entire process from sample reception, information entry, sample refrigeration, lid opening and sealing, nucleic acid extraction (optional amplification), abnormal sample retesting, and sample delivery and scrapping through the arrangement of the sample handover module, sample storage module, sample processing module and workbench, thereby reducing human error, improving the accuracy of test results, and meeting the large-scale sample storage and testing needs of blood stations, etc., and realizing the entire process from sample reception to report issuance, and then to delivery and scrapping without manual operation, thereby improving work efficiency and reducing labor intensity. In addition, the structure of each module is relatively simple, the floor space is small, and it is suitable for different laboratory scenarios and can be flexibly arranged to meet the space requirements of different blood stations, etc.

[0030] Other beneficial effects of the present invention will be described in detail in the subsequent specific implementation section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is a system block diagram of the utility model;

[0032] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of each module of the system of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the sample handover module of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the handover frame and sample handover window of the present utility model;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the sample storage module of the present utility model;

[0036] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator and automatic door assembly of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration frame of the present utility model;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of the sample processing module of the present utility model.

[0039] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0040] 10-sample handover module; 11-handover frame; 12-conveyor line assembly; 13-rotating conveyor assembly; 14-sample handover window; 20-sample storage module; 21-refrigerated box; 22-refrigerated frame; 23-refrigerated crane assembly; 24-conveyor platform assembly; 25-automatic door assembly; 30-sample processing module; 31-sample detection assembly; 32-capping assembly; 33-film sealing and tearing assembly; 34-clamping and transmission assembly; 40-workbench; 50-test tube rack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantages to be solved by the present invention clearer, the following will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating positions or relationships, are based on the positions or relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate the description of this utility model and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a locking connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they may refer to internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a sample screening system, comprising a sample transfer module 10, a sample storage module 20, a sample processing module 30, and a workbench 40. The system can perform functions including sample transfer, sorting, refrigeration, lid opening, film sealing, and film tearing. Furthermore, the system can be connected to other instruments, such as a nucleic acid extractor (or integrated nucleic acid extraction and amplification instrument) located on the workbench 40, to achieve full automation from sample transfer to nucleic acid extraction using a streamlined operation method.

[0045] At the same time Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the sample transfer module 10 is used to implement sample transfer functions and includes a transfer frame 11, a conveyor line assembly 12, and a rotary transmission assembly 13. The transfer frame 11 is the supporting structure of the sample transfer module, used to support other components of the sample transfer module 10. The transfer frame 11 is composed of a combination of profiles, sheet metal parts, acrylic panels, etc. The transfer frame 11 is also provided with a sample transfer window 14, which is used for manual or other equipment to place the test tube carrier 50 for sample introduction into the system.

[0046] The conveyor line assembly 12 adopts a linear conveying method, which is used to connect the position of the sample transfer window 14 with the position of the rotating transmission assembly 13, so as to transport the transferred test tube carrier 50 to the rotating transmission assembly 13. In one specific embodiment, the conveyor line assembly 12 includes a conveyor belt, a connecting shaft, a synchronous wheel, a synchronous belt and a drive motor. The drive motor is in the form of a stepper motor, which is connected to the connecting shaft through the synchronous wheel and the synchronous belt, so that the connecting shaft rotates and drives the conveyor belt to perform linear translation. Of course, in other embodiments, the transmission structure can also be a sprocket chain or gears.

[0047] The rotating transport assembly 13 is used to transport loaded test tube carriers 50 to the transfer platform of the corresponding sample storage module 20, transfer loaded test tube carriers 50 to the transfer platform of the transfer channel, or transfer empty test tube carriers 50 to the transfer platform of the empty rack recovery channel. In other words, the sample transfer module 10 is provided with the aforementioned three channels. Therefore, the rotating transport assembly 13 also has a translational transport function, and the direction is switched by the rotation mechanism.

[0048] In one specific embodiment, the rotating mechanism includes a rotating base and a rotating table, which is rotatably connected to the rotating base and driven by a drive motor, a synchronous belt, and a synchronous wheel on the rotating base. The translation conveying mechanism is arranged on the rotating base, and adopts a similar conveying method as the conveyor line assembly, which will not be described in detail here. As a preferred embodiment, the angle of each rotation of the rotating table is 90 degrees, that is, the three channels are distributed at 90 degrees to each other, so as to facilitate the internal channel setting and the operator's operation of the system. When the rotating table is not rotating, the translation conveying mechanism directly transports the loaded test tube carrier 50 to the transfer table of the sample storage module 20. When the rotating table rotates 90 degrees, the other two transfer tables are docked, and the operator can take out the sample on the test tube carrier 50 and then reverse to recycle the empty test tube carrier 50.

[0049] At the same time, the sample handover module 10 also includes functions such as face recognition, ID card recognition, photoelectric counting, hat color recognition, and barcode scanning. Among them, face recognition is captured by a camera and recognized by the system. ID card recognition, electrical counting, hat color recognition, barcode scanning, etc. are sensed by corresponding sensors. It can be understood that the camera and sensor are both set at the sample handover window 14 position of the handover frame 11. When the operator (or equipment) places the test tube carrier 50 carrying the sample on the sample handover window 14, the corresponding information can be obtained through the camera and sensor, thereby ensuring one-to-one correspondence of information during subsequent screening, and enabling rapid and accurate traceability.

[0050] At the same time Figure 5-Figure 7 As shown, the sample storage module 20 includes a refrigerator 21, a refrigerated frame 22, a refrigerated carriage assembly 23, a conveyor assembly 24, and an automatic door assembly 25. The refrigerator 21 is equipped with a refrigeration unit for cooling the interior of the refrigerator 21, thereby refrigerating the test tube carriers 50. As a preferred embodiment, the interior of the refrigerator 21 is foamed with sheet metal to effectively insulate the test tube carriers 50, thereby improving the refrigerated storage efficiency of the test tube carriers 50. The refrigerated frame 22 is disposed within the refrigerator 21 and is provided with multiple loading positions for supporting the test tube carriers 50, so that the test tube carriers 50 can be stably placed on the refrigerated frame 22. For example, as shown, a total of 72 test tube carriers 50 can be placed. The refrigerated frame 22 is assembled from profiles and sheet metal components. The test tube carriers 50 are placed on the sheet metal components, which are fixed to the profiles. Positioning grooves are machined on the profiles to ensure the installation accuracy of the sheet metal.

[0051] The automatic door assembly 25 is provided on the refrigerator 21 and is used to open and close the refrigerator 21 so that the automatic door assembly 25 can be opened when the test tube rack 50 needs to enter or exit the refrigerator 21 and closed during refrigerated storage to avoid damage to the refrigeration effect.

[0052] The refrigerated trolley assembly 23 is designed to coordinate with the refrigerated frame 22 and is used to retrieve, place, and transfer test tube carriers 50 placed on the refrigerated frame 22. The refrigerated trolley assembly 23 facilitates the transfer of test tube carriers 50 within the refrigerator 21. The refrigerated trolley assembly 23 uses a motor to drive a synchronous belt to control translational movement in the Y and Z directions (via two sets of tracks). When picking up a test tube carrier 50 from the refrigerated frame 22, the trolley assembly 23 moves upward to carry the test tube carrier 50. When placing a test tube carrier, the trolley assembly 23 moves downward to allow the test tube carrier 50 to be supported by the refrigerated frame 22. The center slot of the sheet metal assembly allows for the passage of test tube carriers 50 when placing or removing them.

[0053] The conveyor assembly 24 is used to transport and transfer test tube carriers 50 and includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor. When a test tube carrier 50 is transferred from the sample transfer module 10 to the first conveyor, the first conveyor transports the test tube carrier 50 for a certain distance, after which the refrigerated trolley assembly 23 transfers the test tube carrier 50 from the first conveyor to the refrigerated frame 22. After the refrigerated trolley assembly 23 transfers the test tube carrier 50 to the second conveyor, the second conveyor transports the test tube carrier 50 out of the sample storage module 20. The conveyor assembly utilizes a similar design to the conveyor line assembly, with a drive motor driving a synchronous belt that drives a conveyor belt on a connecting shaft to transport the test tube carrier 50.

[0054] At the same time Figure 8 As shown, the sample processing module 30 includes a sample detection component 31, a capping component 32, a film sealing and tearing component 33, and a clamping and transmission component 34. The sample detection component 31 is used to identify the quality of samples in the test tube carrier 50 and can temporarily store abnormal samples. After the sample detection component 31 grabs the test tube on the test tube carrier 50 through a gripper, it takes a photo through a camera and uploads it to the system. At the same time, it can provide fill light through a light bar. The system identifies abnormal samples based on the image. When an abnormal sample is identified, the gripper places the test tube of the abnormal sample on the test tube holder of the sample detection component 31 for temporary storage.

[0055] The capping assembly 32 is used to remove the cap from the test tube. The motor drives the synchronous wheel and the synchronous belt to drive the capping robot (connected to the track) to move in the Z direction to realize the capping operation. At the same time, the cylinder drives the capping robot to open and close to clamp the cap body. In addition, a clamping robot is set to clamp the test tube. The two coordinate to complete the capping operation of the test tube.

[0056] The gripping and transporting assembly 34 is used to transfer the test tube carrier 50 from the sample processing module 30 to the nucleic acid extraction instrument on the workbench 40. This also includes transferring the test tube carrier 50 within the sample processing module 30, for example, to the film sealing and tearing assembly 33. The gripping and transporting assembly 34 similarly utilizes a drive motor, a timing belt, a synchronous wheel driving a connecting shaft, and a conveyor belt to achieve linear movement of the test tube carrier 50. Furthermore, the gripping and transporting assembly 34 utilizes a drive motor to drive a lead screw to achieve Z-axis movement of the gripping jaws, and also utilizes a drive motor to drive a lead screw to achieve opening and closing of the gripping jaws, thereby enabling precise transfer of the test tube carrier 50.

[0057] The film sealing and tearing assembly 33 is used to seal and tear film from test tubes. During the sealing process, the film sealing mechanism drives the aluminum film to move and transport it. Once the aluminum film covers the test tube opening, it is heated to seal it to the test tube. During the tearing process, the tearing mechanism clamps the aluminum film on the test tube and performs the tearing operation. The tearing mechanism also features a tearing failure detection function, using a camera or other device to check whether the aluminum film is still present at the test tube opening. If tearing fails, the film is re-teared.

[0058] It should be noted that after nucleic acid extraction is completed on the samples in the test tube carrier 50, the test tubes need to be sealed. Since this process is a sampling process, if an abnormality is detected later, all samples on the test tube carrier 50 need to be tested, so the film needs to be removed again before being transferred to the workbench 40.

[0059] In this embodiment, the workbench 40 is used to house a nucleic acid extraction instrument. Of course, it can also be equipped with an integrated extraction and amplification instrument. The workbench 40 is provided with a waste needle bucket area for removing needles from the nucleic acid extraction instrument. The workbench 40 also has a consumables area. It is understood that the consumables area must be physically isolated from the waste needle bucket area.

[0060] As described above, the sample screening system provided in this embodiment realizes the automation of the entire process from sample reception, information entry, sample refrigeration, lid opening and sealing, nucleic acid extraction (optional amplification), abnormal sample retesting and sample delivery and scrapping through the setting of multiple modules, reducing human errors, improving the accuracy of test results, and meeting the large-scale sample storage and testing needs of blood stations. It can realize the entire process from sample reception to report issuance, and then to delivery and scrapping without manual operation, thereby improving work efficiency and reducing labor intensity. In addition, the structure of each module is relatively simple, occupies a small area, is suitable for different laboratory scenarios, and can be flexibly arranged to meet the space requirements of different blood stations.

[0061] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0062] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sample screening system, characterized in that: It comprises a sample handover module (10), a sample storage module (20), a sample processing module (30) and a workbench (40) which are arranged in sequence; The sample handover module (10) is used to hand over the sample to the system, and the sample handover module (10) records the sample information through a camera and a sensor; The sample storage module (20) is used to store samples; The sample processing module (30) is used to test the sample, open the cover of the test tube on the test tube carrier (50), seal the test tube, and tear the film when rechecking the sample; The workbench (40) is used to set up instruments supporting sample screening.

2. The sample screening system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample handover module (10) includes a handover frame (11), a conveyor line assembly (12) and a rotary transmission assembly (13); The handover frame (11) is used to support the entire sample handover module (10), and the handover frame (11) is provided with a sample handover window (14), and the sample handover window (14) is used to manually or by equipment place the test tube carrier (50); The conveying line assembly (12) is used to connect the sample transfer window (14) and the rotating transmission assembly (13), and to transport the transferred test tube carrier (50) to the rotating transmission assembly (13); The rotary transmission assembly (13) is used to transport the loaded test tube carrier (50) to the sample storage module (20), or to transport the loaded test tube carrier (50) to a transfer channel, or to transfer an empty test tube carrier (50) to an empty rack recovery channel.

3. The sample screening system according to claim 1, wherein: The information input of the sample handover module (10) includes face recognition, ID card recognition, photoelectric counting, hat color recognition, and barcode scanning.

4. The sample screening system according to claim 1, wherein: The sample storage module (20) includes a refrigeration box (21), a refrigeration frame (22), and a refrigeration trolley assembly (23); The refrigerator (21) is used for refrigerating the test tube rack (50) for cold storage; The refrigeration frame (22) is arranged in the refrigeration box (21) and is used to carry the test tube carrier (50); The refrigerated trolley assembly (23) is used to carry out placement and transfer operations on the test tube carrier (50) placed on the refrigerated frame (22), and simultaneously transfer the test tube carrier (50) inside the refrigerated box (21).

5. The sample screening system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sample storage module (20) also includes a conveyor platform assembly (24); the conveyor platform assembly (24) includes a first conveyor platform and a second conveyor platform, the test tube carrier (50) is transferred from the sample handover module (10) to the first conveyor platform, the first conveyor platform transports the test tube carrier (50), and then the refrigerated trolley assembly (23) transfers the test tube carrier (50) from the first conveyor platform to the refrigerated frame (22), when the refrigerated trolley assembly (23) transfers the test tube carrier (50) to the second conveyor platform, the second conveyor platform transfers the test tube carrier (50) out of the sample storage module (20).

6. The sample screening system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sample storage module (20) further comprises an automatic door assembly (25), which is arranged on the refrigerator (21) and is used to open and close the refrigerator (21).

7. The sample screening system according to claim 1, wherein: The sample processing module (30) comprises a sample detection component (31), a capping component (32), a film sealing and tearing component (33), and a clamping and transmission component (34); The sample detection component (31) is used to identify the quality of the samples in the test tube carrier (50) and is also used to temporarily store abnormal samples; The capping assembly (32) is used to perform a capping operation on the test tube; The film sealing and tearing assembly (33) is used to perform film sealing or tearing operations on the test tube after the cap is removed; The clamping and transporting assembly (34) is used to transfer the test tube carrier (50) from the sample processing module (30) to the workbench (40), and to transfer the test tube carrier (50) inside the sample processing module (30).

8. The sample screening system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The film sealing and tearing assembly (33) is used to seal the test tubes after the sample on the test tube carrier (50) is extracted, and to tear the films of all the test tubes on the corresponding test tube carrier (50) when an abnormality is detected later.

9. The sample screening system according to claim 1, wherein: The workbench (40) is provided with a nucleic acid extraction instrument, or a nucleic acid extraction and amplification integrated instrument.

10. The sample screening system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The workbench (40) is provided with a waste needle barrel placement area and a consumables placement area, and the consumables placement area is physically isolated from the waste needle barrel placement area.

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