Centrifuge Module Adaptive Control for STAT Sample Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional specimen processing and conveying systems face inefficiencies in processing STAT samples urgently due to the need for accumulating a predetermined number of samples before centrifugal processing can begin, which can delay the analysis of STAT samples.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for flexible and quick initiation of centrifugal processing based on the attributes of inputted samples, such as STAT or routine samples, and their arrival intervals, enabling centrifugal operation even when the maximum number of samples is not gathered, by using a configuration that includes an input buffer module and a centrifuge module with adaptive control for determining the start of centrifugal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centrifugal processing is started only after a predetermined number of samples are accumulated, then processing efficiency is improved, but STAT samples cannot be processed quickly when they arrive irregularly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the centrifugal processing start condition based on sample attributes. Instead of a fixed accumulation threshold, the control unit monitors sample types (STAT vs. routine) and determines processing timing flexibly. When STAT samples are detected, the system can initiate processing earlier or adjust the accumulation requirement, allowing rapid response to urgent samples while maintaining efficiency for routine samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the processing parameter (number of samples required to start centrifugal processing) based on sample characteristics. For STAT samples, the system may reduce the accumulation threshold or change other processing parameters to enable faster processing, while maintaining the original threshold for routine samples to ensure processing efficiency.
2Productivity
If the system waits for sufficient sample accumulation before starting centrifugal processing, then processing efficiency is enhanced, but the input timing flexibility for STAT samples is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adapts the processing start condition based on real-time sample arrival patterns and sample types. When STAT samples arrive, the system can flexibly adjust the accumulation requirement or processing timing to accommodate irregular input patterns, maintaining both efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (such as the number of samples required to trigger processing) based on sample attributes. This allows the system to maintain high processing efficiency for routine samples while providing input timing flexibility for STAT samples by adjusting parameters according to sample type and arrival context.
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
This approach enables rapid processing of STAT samples without compromising the efficiency of routine sample processing, allowing for immediate centrifugation of STAT samples while maintaining high processing efficiency for all samples.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifuge module which revolves at high speeds in the state where plural adapters holding plural sample tubes are installed, thus centrifuging the samples
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Input of a STAT sample is irregular and a STAT sample is inputted, interrupting the course of input of samples online. Meanwhile, a device having a centrifuge unit processes arriving samples by batch processing in order to carry out one session of centrifugal operation and therefore is often configured not to start centrifugal operation while samples can be retained on an adapter. When a STAT sample which needs to be centrifuged is inputted in the system, a measure to quickly realize centrifugation of the STAT sample is necessary. In view of the foregoing problem, the invention provides a specimen processing and conveying system in which a centrifuge module incorporated, the centrifuge module being capable of discriminating the operation status of the system at the time point when a STAT sample is inputted and the attribute of the inputted sample and starting centrifugation operation on the basis of the input interval of samples or the arrival interval at the device carrying out centrifugation, and thus capable of starting centrifugation operation quickly when a single or a group of plural samples of urgency is inputted.