Analyzer Sample Transportation Controller Priority Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyzers with a single measurement unit face challenges in improving process performance due to limitations in sample transportation efficiency, particularly when prioritizing analysis of certain samples over others, leading to difficulties in promptly processing urgent samples without compromising the processing of other samples.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual measurement unit system with a transportation device and a controller that reserves transportation of samples to a secondary unit when a priority sample is instructed for analysis by the first unit, allowing for efficient handling of both priority and non-priority samples without increasing device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single measurement unit is provided with one transportation device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of sample processing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into multiple independent measurement units (first measurement unit and second measurement unit), each capable of processing samples independently. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples, thereby improving productivity while keeping each individual measurement unit and its associated transportation simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The transportation device is designed to serve multiple measurement units universally. A single transportation device can transport samples to either the first measurement unit or the second measurement unit based on control instructions, making the transportation system multi-functional and avoiding the need for dedicated transportation devices for each measurement unit.
2Productivity
If multiple measurement units are provided to improve productivity, then the sample processing performance is largely improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transportation device is designed as a universal system that can serve multiple measurement units. Instead of having separate transportation devices for each measurement unit, one transportation device is configured to transport samples to either the first or second measurement unit based on control instructions, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multiple measurement units for improved productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control of the transportation device through a control unit that can selectively direct samples to different measurement units based on priority instructions. This dynamic allocation allows the transportation device to adapt its function in real-time, serving different measurement units as needed without requiring fixed dedicated connections.
3Productivity
If the transportation device size is increased to efficiently transport samples to multiple measurement units, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transportation device is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can service multiple measurement units. This universal design allows a single, compact transportation device to perform the work that would otherwise require multiple larger dedicated transportation systems, thereby maintaining high productivity without increasing the size or complexity of individual transportation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the transportation functions for multiple measurement units into a single integrated transportation device. By combining these functions and adding intelligent control capabilities, the system achieves efficient sample transport to multiple measurement units without requiring proportionally larger or more complex transportation infrastructure.
4Productivity
If samples are transported efficiently to multiple measurement units, then the productivity is improved, but prioritizing urgent samples becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements dynamic sample routing based on priority instructions. When an urgent sample is identified, the control unit can dynamically adjust the transportation schedule to prioritize that sample's delivery to the appropriate measurement unit, while still maintaining efficient processing of other samples. This dynamic prioritization capability allows the system to handle both high-throughput requirements and urgent sample needs effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit receives priority information about samples and adjusts transportation operations accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to respond to changing priorities in real-time, ensuring that urgent samples receive appropriate attention while maintaining overall processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit for measuring samples; a second measurement unit for measuring samples; a transportation device for transporting samples to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit; prior sample measurement instructor for instructing to measure a predetermined sample prior to the other samples; and a transportation controller for controlling the transportation device to reserve the transportation of the other samples to the second measurement unit and to perform the other transportation operation, when the prior sample measurement instructor has instructed to measure the predetermined sample by the second measurement unit prior to the other samples, is disclosed. A sample transportation method and a computer program product are also disclosed.