Mobile Inspection Robot for Analyzer Maintenance Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzers require frequent maintenance, which is burdensome and often occurs at inappropriate times, leading to reduced operating efficiency and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An automated analysis support robot equipped with a vehicle body, camera, and computer system that performs inspections of analysis modules, including detergent level and pump pressure checks, to reduce the need for manual maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual maintenance is performed frequently to maintain high operating rate, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic analyzer performs self-diagnosis and self-inspection through integrated sensors and detection devices that automatically monitor detergent levels, pump pressures, and other operational parameters without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to service itself
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical inspection operations are replaced by automated detection devices, sensors, and computer-controlled monitoring systems that electronically measure and report operational parameters, eliminating the need for manual maintenance activities
2Reliability
If comprehensive maintenance is performed to ensure high operating rate, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple maintenance items
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic analyzer integrates multiple detection functions into a single unified system that can monitor detergent levels, pump pressures, component temperatures, and operational status simultaneously, allowing one system to perform multiple maintenance-related functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operational parameters through sensors and provides real-time feedback to the control unit, which automatically adjusts operations or alerts operators when maintenance is needed, creating a closed-loop monitoring system
3Measurement precision
If manual inspection is performed to monitor maintenance parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased operational burden
Solution Approach 1:
Manual visual inspection and physical measurement operations are replaced by electronic sensors, cameras, and automated detection devices that precisely measure detergent levels, pressures, and other parameters without requiring human operators to perform manual checks
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs its own inspection and monitoring functions through integrated sensors and detection devices, eliminating the need for operators to manually inspect maintenance parameters
Data Source
AI summary
This automated analysis support robot for carrying out an inspection of an analysis module that automatically analyzes a biological sample comprises a vehicle body, a camera mounted on the vehicle body, a communication device which communicates directly or indirectly with the analysis module, and a computer for controlling the vehicle body and the camera, wherein the computer: controls the vehicle body to move to a predetermined operating position and to face an inspection target provided in the analysis module; images the inspection target using the camera; and processes a video of the inspection target to calculate management data relating to the inspection target.