Automatic Analyzer Buffer Unloading for Urgent Sample Priority
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hospital laboratories, automatic analyzers often face congestion and delays when multiple samples need urgent analysis, as existing systems lack efficient mechanisms for temporarily unloading and re-loading samples to prioritize urgent test items, leading to bottlenecks and prolonged analysis times.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analyzer includes a buffer area with randomly accessible buffer units and an unloading position, allowing operators to temporarily unload samples for re-analysis, enabling continuous analysis of other samples and prioritizing urgent test items by using a command-driven unloading process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If samples are transported to an upstream analysis unit first, then the rack transport path is established before transport, but the rack transport path becomes congested when large numbers of samples are analyzed at the upstream side, preventing downstream samples from overtaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic rack positions within buffer areas that can be randomly accessed and repositioned. Racks can be moved between different buffer units and analysis units as needed, allowing the system to adapt transport paths in real-time based on analysis priorities and congestion conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between path stability and throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer area acts as an intermediary between the transport line and analysis units. Racks can be temporarily stored in buffer units, allowing transport to continue while analysis is delayed or prioritized differently. This intermediary buffer zone decouples the transport flow from analysis flow, preventing congestion from propagating through the entire system
2Device complexity
If a single automatic analyzer processes all samples, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but urgent additional test items cannot be analyzed promptly when samples are stagnant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the analyzer system into multiple independent analysis units (first analysis unit, second analysis unit, etc.), each capable of processing different test items. This segmentation allows urgent additional test items to be redirected to appropriate analysis units while other samples continue processing, reducing time loss without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple analysis units are configured to handle different types of analysis, creating a multi-functional system. The buffer area and control unit enable flexible routing of samples to appropriate analysis units based on test item requirements, allowing a single integrated system to perform multiple functions efficiently
3Productivity
If racks are unloaded to storage section for prompt determination of additional items, then urgent test items can be prioritized, but the system requires complex buffer management and unloading mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically manages buffer operations, including loading racks into buffer units, selecting which racks to unload based on analysis priorities, and coordinating with analysis units. This automated self-service approach reduces the operational complexity burden while maintaining high productivity for urgent test items
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzer is provided that can promptly process a request for additional test items for a sample being analyzed or an error that has occurred in the sample. The automatic analyzer can output measurements of a sample analyzed, determine whether or not re-analyzing is necessary, and perform the re-analyzing. The automatic analyzer includes a buffer area for standby until analysis is completed and measurements are outputted. Each of analysis units includes a pair of buffer units that can randomly access the buffer area. The automatic analyzer further includes a position disposed near the buffer area, at which a sample can be unloaded and reloaded. A rack that stands by within the buffer area can be unloaded onto the unloading position by a command to unload issued by an operator. Subsequent reloading of the sample allows samples other than the sample in question to be analyzed continuously.