Bi-directional Rack Transport for Automated Sample Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample testing systems face inefficiencies due to the need for a separate returning line to transport racks with samples requiring retesting, leading to increased apparatus size and stagnant sample transportation.
Innovation Solution
A sample testing system with a transporting apparatus that can move racks in both directions, allowing racks to be transported from a storage position back to the loading position for retesting without the need for a dedicated returning line, by integrating the transporting mechanism with the storage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate returning line is provided to transport racks requiring retesting, then racks can be returned to the upstream side for retesting, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transporting part is designed to perform multiple functions: it transports racks in the forward direction to the analyzing unit, transports analyzed racks to the standby unit, and returns racks requiring retesting to the upstream side. By merging the returning function into the existing transporting part, the patent eliminates the need for a separate returning line, thereby reducing apparatus size while maintaining retesting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The transporting part is configured as a multi-functional device that can operate in both forward and reverse directions. It serves as the forward transporting line for delivering racks to the analyzing unit and as the returning line for bringing racks back from the standby unit when retesting is required. This universal design allows one component to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the overall apparatus size
2Reliability
If racks are held on the transporting path until retesting necessity is determined, then retesting can be performed, but sample transportation becomes stagnant
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the rack handling process into distinct functional areas: the transporting part for active transportation, the standby unit for temporary storage of analyzed racks, and the analyzing unit for sample analysis. By separating the standby function from the transporting path, racks requiring retesting can be held in the standby unit without blocking the transporting path, allowing continuous sample transportation while maintaining retesting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The standby unit acts as an intermediary between the transporting part and the analyzing unit. It receives racks from the transporting part after analysis, holds them temporarily while retesting necessity is determined, and returns them to the transporting part when retesting is required. This intermediary structure prevents stagnation on the transporting path while enabling efficient retesting workflow
Data Source
AI summary
A sample testing system comprising: a test unit for loading and testing a sample contained in the sample container accommodated in the rack; a rack storage for storing the rack accommodating the sample container from which the sample has been loaded into the test unit; and a transporting part, configured to transport the rack in a first direction and in a second direction that is a reverse direction of the first direction, for transporting the rack in the first direction to the rack storage and transporting the rack stored in the rack storage in the second direction to a sample loading position at which the sample is loaded from the rack into the test unit, is disclosed. A transporting apparatus is also disclosed.