Automated Analyzer Urgent Sample Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In small automated analyzers, conveying urgent samples while maintaining speed is challenging due to limited resources and increased emphasis on speed, which complicates the device configuration and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dispensing lines that load and unload sample racks with sample containers and provide sample rack removal parts adjacent to the dispensing lines, allowing for efficient conveyance of urgent samples without increasing device complexity or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex sample rack removal area and multiple conveying lines are configured to handle urgent samples, then the ability to convey urgent samples is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the urgent sample handling function into the existing dispensing line by providing a sample rack removal part at a specific position adjacent to the upstream side of the sampling area. This allows the same conveying infrastructure to serve both normal and urgent samples without requiring separate dedicated conveying lines, thus improving urgent sample handling capability while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sample rack removal area is positioned adjacent to the upstream side of the sampling area, allowing urgent sample racks to be removed and positioned in advance before the sampling process begins. This preliminary positioning enables urgent samples to be prioritized without disrupting the normal sampling flow, improving response time while maintaining system simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sample rack is moved to the upstream side and urgent rack is positioned from downstream side in the dispensing line, then urgent sample conveyance is improved, but the conveying time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sample rack removal part acts as an intermediary mechanism between the conveying line and the sampling area. It provides a dedicated interface for quickly removing and positioning urgent sample racks without requiring complex movements of existing sample racks, thus enabling urgent sample prioritization while minimizing conveying time and operational complexity
3Volume of moving object
If resource constraints and speed emphasis are considered in small automated analyzers, then the device size is reduced, but the ability to convey urgent samples efficiently is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing the sample rack removal part at a specific location (adjacent to the upstream side of the sampling area) where it can most effectively prioritize urgent samples. This localized intervention allows small automated analyzers to maintain urgent sample handling efficiency without requiring overall system enlargement or complex reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
An automated analyzer is provided with one or more dispensing lines 109, 209 that are each for loading and unloading, at one end thereof, a sample rack 101 having placed therein one or more sample containers accommodating a sample for analysis and for conveying the sample rack back and forth from a dispensing position for dispensing the sample from the sample containers and sample rack removal parts 111, 211 that are provided adjacent to the other ends of the dispensing lines 109, 209 and provide and receive sample racks to and from the dispensing lines 109, 209. According to this configuration, it is possible to convey an urgent sample while suppressing device complexity, preventing cost from increasing, and also maintaining speed.