Dynamic Analyzer Masking for Laboratory Workload Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laboratory settings with multiple analyzers, static workload distribution can lead to wasteful energy and resource usage when the workload falls below average, as all analyzers are utilized even if one could handle the workload alone.
Innovation Solution
A method to dynamically adjust the number of active analyzers based on current workload, masking unnecessary analyzers when the workload is below a threshold and unmasking them as needed to ensure only the required number of analyzers are operational, utilizing a control device and data management system to manage task orders and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all analyzers are utilized with static workload distribution, then adequate handling of average workload is achieved, but energy and resource waste occurs when workload falls below average
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic workload distribution by continuously monitoring current laboratory workload and adjusting the number of active analyzers in real-time. When workload falls below a threshold, analyzers are dynamically deactivated; when workload exceeds threshold, analyzers are reactivated. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching analyzer utilization to actual workload demands, maintaining adequate productivity while eliminating energy and reagent waste during low-workload periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of analyzers from a static on/off state to a dynamic state based on workload thresholds. By monitoring workload parameters and adjusting analyzer activation status accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between productivity and resource consumption, ensuring analyzers are active only when necessary to handle the current workload.
2Reliability
If multiple analyzers are operated simultaneously, then adequate processing capacity is maintained, but resource efficiency decreases when fewer analyzers could handle the workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of active analyzers based on real-time workload monitoring. When the current workload can be handled by fewer analyzers, additional analyzers are deactivated, reducing reagent consumption while maintaining adequate processing capacity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliability and substance loss by ensuring reagents are consumed only when multiple analyzers are actually needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where current laboratory workload is continuously monitored and used to adjust analyzer activation status. This closed-loop control ensures that reagent consumption is optimized by activating additional analyzers only when workload exceeds the capacity of currently active analyzers, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing unnecessary substance consumption.
3Device complexity
If static workload distribution is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying workload conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability to the workload distribution system by implementing threshold-based analyzer activation and deactivation. The system monitors current workload and automatically adjusts the number of active analyzers based on predefined thresholds, enabling the system to adapt to varying workload conditions without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to optimize analyzer use in a laboratory having a plurality of analyzers based on laboratory workload is presented. The method comprises determining current laboratory workload, calculating workload capability of the plurality of analyzers minus one analyzer if the current laboratory workload is below a threshold criteria and if there are two or more analyzers in the plurality of analyzers, masking one of the plurality of analyzers if the current workload is met by the plurality of analyzers minus one analyzer, proceeding with current workload, and repeating the above steps until the current laboratory workload has been completed.