Centrifuging System Batch Allocation for Reduced Processing Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing centrifuging systems face inefficiencies due to variable sample input intervals and differing centrifuging conditions for samples, leading to idle time and increased costs when integrating multiple centrifuge devices into sample preprocessing systems, which hinders labor-saving and rapid examination processes.
Innovation Solution
A centrifuging system with a system management unit that optimizes the allocation of samples to centrifuge devices based on their specific conditions and priorities, minimizing processing time by determining the most suitable device for each sample and adjusting operational parameters for efficient batch processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple centrifuge devices are combined with a conveyance line to improve centrifuging efficiency, then centrifuging capacity increases, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance line is designed to be universally compatible with multiple different types of centrifuge devices, allowing a single conveyance system to serve multiple centrifuging functions. This enables the system to handle various sample types and centrifuging conditions without requiring separate dedicated conveyance lines for each centrifuge, thereby improving capacity while controlling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns samples to different centrifuge devices based on real-time conditions, sample priorities, and centrifuging requirements. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt to varying workloads and conditions, optimizing productivity while avoiding the need for rigid, overly complex fixed assignments
2Reliability
If samples are processed sequentially one by one in real-time, then processing order is maintained, but idle time increases when centrifuge is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous sample flow through the conveyance line by allowing samples to wait in transit or at intermediate positions rather than stopping the entire system. When one centrifuge is unavailable, samples can be redirected to other available centrifuges or held in buffer zones, ensuring the conveyance system operates continuously without idle time while maintaining proper processing order
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance line acts as an intermediary buffer between sample input and centrifuge processing. It decouples the sequential sample input from the batch centrifuging process, allowing samples to be transported and staged while centrifuges operate on their own schedules, thereby eliminating idle time in the overall system
3Device complexity
If centrifuge devices operate under the same conditions, then system simplicity is maintained, but flexibility to handle different sample conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Each centrifuge device is configured with specific local characteristics suited for particular sample types or centrifuging conditions. The system assigns samples to centrifuges based on matching sample requirements with the appropriate centrifuge's specialized capabilities, enabling diverse sample processing while maintaining simple, dedicated configurations for each device
4Device complexity
If a stand-alone centrifuge device is used independently, then system cost is reduced, but overall processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines centrifuge devices with a shared conveyance line system, merging previously separate functions into an integrated workflow. This allows samples to be automatically transported between centrifuges and other processing stations, eliminating manual handling and improving overall processing efficiency while maintaining relatively simple individual device configurations
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 reduces the overall processing time (TAT) and allows for simultaneous processing of various samples with different conditions, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of the centrifuging system, thereby contributing to labor-saving and rapid examination workflows.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifuging process for extracting a serum component from blood collected from a patient
Data Source
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AI summary
Required is a sample preprocessing system capable of reducing centrifuging time, which accounts for the majority of time required for a preprocessing step, and at the same time, performing centrifuging under various centrifuging conditions. In view of the above-mentioned problem, the invention achieves optimization of centrifuging time by a system management unit ascertaining the states of a plurality of centrifuge devices, particularly comparing centrifuging start times and centrifuging termination times for the respective centrifuge devices, and selecting the centrifuge device for which the processing time is shortest. Specifically, the system includes an adapter that forms a plurality of batches, sample transfer means for transferring a sample to the adapter, a plurality of centrifuge rotors that centrifuge the adapter in batch units, and calculation means for calculating in advance a start timing and a termination timing of the centrifuging in batch units, and the batch, into which samples are transferred, is controlled on the basis of at least one of the calculated start timing and termination timing.