Blood Sample Transport Unit for Parallel Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing blood sample testing systems face inefficiencies in processing time due to the inability to transport sample containers between measurement and preparation units in both directions, leading to increased standby times and prolonged processing times for sample measurement and smear preparation.
Innovation Solution
A blood sample testing apparatus with a transport unit capable of bidirectional movement between blood-cell-count measurement and smear preparation units, allowing sample containers to be transported to the preparation unit before all measurements are completed, and a control unit that optimizes the transport order based on measurement results and unit availability to reduce processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sample containers are transported sequentially through a single-direction supply line after all measurements are completed, then measurement accuracy is ensured, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply line is divided into multiple independent transport lines (first supply line and second supply line) that can operate simultaneously. Sample containers are segmented into different groups that can be transported through different lines, allowing parallel processing of measurements and smear preparations without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
Sample containers are transported to the smear preparation apparatus in advance through the second supply line before all measurements are completed. This preliminary transport allows the smear preparation process to start earlier, overlapping with the measurement process and reducing total processing time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If all sample measurements are completed before transporting to smear preparation, then measurement quality is maintained, but standby time increases and processing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous useful action by allowing smear preparation to begin before all measurements are completed. The second supply line continuously transports sample containers to the smear preparation apparatus as soon as they are ready, eliminating idle standby time while the measurement process continues concurrently through the first supply line.
Solution Approach 2:
Sample containers are preliminarily transported to the smear preparation apparatus through the second supply line before the measurement process is fully completed. This preliminary action ensures that the smear preparation process can start without waiting for all measurements to finish, reducing standby time while measurement quality is maintained through the dedicated first supply line.
3Device complexity
If a single supply line is used for transporting sample containers, then device complexity is reduced, but processing parallelism is limited and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is segmented into multiple independent supply lines (first supply line for measurements, second supply line for smear preparation) that can operate in parallel. Each line is relatively simple in design, but their combination enables sophisticated parallel processing without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Both supply lines use similar transport mechanisms and can handle the same types of sample containers, providing universality. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain simplicity in individual line design while achieving high productivity through parallel operation of multiple lines with identical or similar capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A blood sample testing apparatus may include: a blood-cell-count measurement unit that performs measurement of a blood sample stored in a sample container positioned in a first position; a smear preparation unit that prepares a smear of the blood sample stored in the sample container positioned in a second position; and a transport unit that transports the sample container from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position.