Automated Analyzer Sample Transport Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic analyzers face challenges in efficiently transporting samples at optimal timing, especially when integrating different measuring methods like biochemical and electrolyte items, leading to increased costs, complex configurations, and reduced flexibility, particularly in small-sized devices with limited space and high costs.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a transport unit and a control unit that allows pre-measurement operations for each method before sample aspiration, enabling sample transport at the optimal time based on a planned analysis schedule, even when the sample is still in the transport unit, without the need for additional waiting positions or mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a waiting position is added to the transport unit for sample storage, then the sample can be delivered in advance without being affected by dispensing situation, but the arrangement area of the analysis unit becomes large and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs pre-measurement operations for electrolyte items before the sample is actually delivered to the analysis unit. By preparing measurement conditions in advance (performing pre-measurement of internal standard solution), the system eliminates the need for physical waiting positions while maintaining the ability to deliver samples at optimal times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of adding physical waiting positions with a control-based solution. The control unit coordinates the timing of sample delivery with the measurement schedule, using software control rather than additional hardware infrastructure to achieve flexible sample delivery.
2Loss of time
If pre-measurement operation is performed before sample arrival at analysis unit, then sample transport timing can be optimized, but coordination between transport unit and analysis unit becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives information about the measurement schedule from the analysis unit and uses this feedback to determine the optimal timing for sample delivery. The system continuously monitors the state of both the transport unit and analysis unit, adjusting sample delivery timing based on real-time feedback about measurement progress and sample queue status.
3Area of stationary object
If different measuring methods are integrated into one analysis unit, then space is saved, but the measurement operation planning becomes more complex due to different timing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis unit is designed to handle multiple types of measurements (biochemical items and electrolyte items) with different measurement requirements. The control unit provides universal coordination that adapts to the specific timing needs of each measurement type, allowing one analysis unit to serve multiple functions while maintaining optimal performance for each.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzer is capable of transporting a sample at an optimum timing and a method of transporting the sample. An automatic analyzer includes an analysis unit which measures a sample, a transport unit which transports the sample to the analysis unit, and a control unit which controls the analysis unit and the transport unit. A sample is transported to the analysis unit by a time of starting an aspirating operation on the sample by allowing the analysis unit to perform a pre-measurement operation for each measuring method which needs to be performed before aspirating the sample even when the sample is still in the transport unit.