Blood Clotting Analyzer Dynamic Reaction Port Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analysis devices face inefficiencies in blood clotting analysis due to variable reaction times and limited reaction ports, leading to wasted time and reduced analysis efficiency, especially when compared to biochemical analyses.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analysis device optimizes the measurement order of test items by sorting them in descending order of predicted measurement time and dynamically reallocating reaction ports to ensure continuous analysis, even if a sample completes the reaction faster than anticipated, thereby preventing wasted time and improving overall analysis efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If test items are allocated to reaction vessels sequentially from the item that requires the longest processing time, then the time until measurement results of plural test items in a single sample unit are output is reduced, but optimization of all test items for plural samples requested is not achieved and wasted time still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic allocation of reaction vessels by continuously monitoring the actual completion time of each test item and adjusting the allocation strategy in real-time. When a reaction completes earlier than predicted, the system dynamically reassigns that reaction vessel to the next available test item, rather than following a fixed sequential allocation pattern. This dynamic approach prevents idle time and maximizes the utilization of limited reaction ports across multiple samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sorting of test items based on predicted measurement times before analysis begins. By pre-organizing the test item queue in descending order of expected duration, the system prepares an optimized allocation plan that anticipates which vessels will become available first. This preliminary organization, combined with real-time monitoring, enables the system to proactively assign tasks and minimize waiting time across the entire batch of samples.
2Device complexity
If the number of reaction ports is limited, then device complexity is reduced, but wasted time occurs in the whole analysis due to insufficient reaction vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous utilization of reaction vessels by implementing a monitoring and reassignment mechanism. When any reaction completes earlier than its predicted time, the system immediately detects this and reassigns the freed reaction vessel to the next pending test item. This continuous monitoring and dynamic reassignment eliminates idle periods and ensures that the limited reaction ports are constantly engaged in productive analysis, maximizing throughput without adding more hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reaction times are not fixed as in blood clotting analysis, then measurement flexibility is improved, but optimization of measurement order becomes difficult and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual completion times of reactions and using this information to adjust the allocation of test items to reaction vessels. The control unit receives real-time data on which reactions have completed and dynamically modifies the measurement schedule accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to variable reaction times in blood clotting analyses while maintaining high efficiency, as the allocation strategy is continuously optimized based on actual performance rather than relying solely on predetermined schedules.
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 significantly reduces the total time required to complete all test items, enhances analysis efficiency, and ensures rapid delivery of results, particularly in blood clotting analyses where urgent items can be prioritized, resulting in a more efficient use of reaction vessels and ports.
Implementation Method 1
an automatic analysis device that measures an amount of transmitted light or scattered light of a single or plural wavelengths obtained by irradiating a reaction solution which is a mixture of a sample and a reagent with light from a light source
Data Source
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AI summary
In blood clotting tests, a reagent is mixed with a sample and a blood clotting reaction is initiated. The time from initiation until the reaction is complete is not fixed. As a result, during analysis, whether or not the blood clotting reaction is complete is judged at fixed intervals based on the measured amount of scattered light. Therefore, if the blood clotting reaction reaches completion more quickly than the predicted measurement time due to reagent or sample conditions, in some cases time is wasted and analysis cannot be conducted efficiently. Provided is an automatic analysis device and method that takes this problem into consideration. When information about a plurality of samples is entered into an operating unit, the device compares the predicted reaction time length of each requested analysis item for the plurality of samples, determines an analysis sequence to carry out the analysis for each analysis item in order from the longest predicted reaction time length, and carries out the analysis on the basis of the determined analysis sequence.