Centrifugal Analysis System Multi-Cassette Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional centrifugal analysis systems can only inspect one specimen at a time, making the process inefficient and inconvenient for multiple specimen inspections.

Innovation Solution

A centrifugal analysis system with multiple cassettes and an optical sensor device that allows for simultaneous inspection of multiple specimens by using a driving device, carrying device, and limitation mechanisms, enabling the detection of position and inspection signals from multiple storage grooves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If only one single cassette is operated at a given time, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but the productivity decreases and inspection time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection throughputVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the inspection task into multiple independent cassettes, each containing specific specimens. Multiple cassettes are arranged on a rotating tray, allowing parallel inspection of different specimens simultaneously. This segmentation enables the system to process multiple specimens in one operational cycle, significantly improving productivity without requiring entirely separate inspection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple cassettes and inspection functions into a single integrated centrifugal analysis system. The rotating tray merges multiple specimen containers, while the optical sensor device and centrifugal mechanism are consolidated into one system that handles all cassettes uniformly. This merging allows simultaneous operation of multiple cassettes while maintaining manageable system complexity through unified control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of time

If multiple cassettes are operated simultaneously, then the productivity increases and inspection time decreases, but the device complexity increases and positioning accuracy requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal inspection timeVSAvoidposition detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Position detection marks are introduced as intermediary elements between the cassettes and the optical sensor device. These marks serve as reference points that facilitate accurate positioning and identification of each cassette's location on the rotating tray. The detection marks enable the optical sensor to precisely identify and inspect specific specimens without requiring complex positioning mechanisms, thus maintaining measurement precision while enabling multi-cassette operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with an optical detection system. Instead of using precise mechanical stops or alignment features, the patent employs optical sensors to detect position detection marks and identify cassette locations. This substitution simplifies the mechanical structure while achieving the required positioning accuracy through non-contact optical measurement, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple cassettes are operated simultaneously, then the productivity increases, but the ease of operation decreases and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecimen inspection rateVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating tray and optical sensor device are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple cassettes of the same type. The system can inspect various specimens using the same operational procedure and detection mechanism, regardless of which cassette is being inspected. This universality allows operators to load multiple cassettes and run inspections simultaneously without requiring different operations for each cassette, maintaining ease of operation while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic rotation of the tray to bring different cassettes into the inspection position sequentially. This periodic action allows the optical sensor to systematically inspect each cassette in turn during a single operational cycle. The regular, repeating motion simplifies control and operation, as the system follows a predictable sequence that automatically manages multiple cassettes without requiring complex intervention, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while achieving high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the simultaneous inspection of multiple specimens in a single process, improving efficiency and convenience by allowing multiple cassettes to be operated simultaneously.

Implementation Method 1

The optical sensor device is configured to generate a detection beam and to detect the cassettes and the positioning device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission and reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

When the driving device drives the carrying device to rotate, the storage grooves and the positioning device pass through the detection beam in sequence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP2873963B8Centrifugal analysis system and analysis method thereof
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 SKYLA CORP

AI summary

A centrifugal analysis system includes a driving device, a carrying device, a number of cassettes, and an optical sensor device. The carrying device includes a tray disposed on the driving device, a number of limitation mechanisms disposed at the tray. The cassettes are detachably disposed at the tray and respectively and correspond to the limitation mechanisms. When the driving device drives the carrying device to rotate, the optical sensor circularly detects the cassettes in sequence.