Cold Buffer Rack Handling for Fast Refrigerated Sample Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample handling systems with large-size cold containers for storing samples required for accuracy control are time-consuming for sample storage and retrieval, leading to delays in analysis results and potential sample evaporation or denaturation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a sample handling system with a thermally insulating cold container in a buffer unit, accessible via a transfer mechanism outside the container, allowing for random access and use of smaller cold containers with Peltier units to maintain samples in a thermally insulated state, enabling efficient storage and retrieval of samples or specimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large-size cold container is used to store all samples in the refrigerated state, then samples can be stored in the thermally insulated state, but it takes much time to store or take out the samples
Solution Approach 1:
The cold container is divided into multiple compartments, with each compartment capable of holding a limited number of racks. This segmentation allows for more targeted and efficient retrieval of specific samples without the need to access the entire large container, thereby reducing retrieval time while maintaining thermal insulation.
2Reliability
If a large-size cold container is used for storing samples, then samples can be kept refrigerated, but it takes time unnecessarily to take out samples to be rechecked
Solution Approach 1:
Samples that may be needed for rechecking are pre-positioned in specific compartments within the cold container. This preliminary arrangement allows for rapid retrieval when rechecking is needed, as the samples are already in accessible locations rather than requiring a search through the entire large container.
3Loss of time
If a small-size cold container is used with a Peltier unit, then storage and retrieval times are reduced, but the container can accommodate only a small number of racks
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple small-size cold containers with Peltier units are nested or arranged within the buffer unit, each capable of independent operation. This nested configuration allows the system to maintain the fast retrieval benefits of small containers while collectively accommodating a larger number of racks across multiple containers.
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 storage and retrieval times, prevents sample evaporation or denaturation, and allows for quicker access to necessary samples, minimizing temperature fluctuations and improving the efficiency of sample handling processes.
Implementation Method 1
a cold container having a thermally insulating function in a buffer unit
Implementation Method 2
employing a small-size cold container using a Peltier unit or the like to accommodate a small number of racks in the thermally insulated state therein
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a sample processing system for analyzing, preprocessing, or carrying out other operations for a biological sample such as blood or urea. With the sample processing system, it is possible to store samples to be stored in the thermally insulated state or specimens required for accuracy control in the thermally insulated state for preventing evaporation of denaturing of the samples and specimens by the unit of a transfer rack. Also it is possible to carry in or out the samples rack by rack according to the necessity. The sample processing system according to the present invention is realized by providing a buffer unit in a cold container having a capability for cold storage and also by accessing a sample rack at random for carrying in or out the rack with a transfer mechanism provided outside the cold container.