Dual Pump Specimen Aspiration Controller for Variable Volume Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen measurement apparatuses are limited in their ability to handle different aspiration quantities of specimens, as they typically operate in a simple aspiration mode where both syringe pumps are driven simultaneously, restricting their capability to handle varying specimen quantities.
Innovation Solution
A specimen measurement apparatus with a controller that selectively drives either a first pump or a second pump, each with different aspiration abilities, allowing for multiple measurement modes to aspirate varying or fixed quantities of specimens, enabling the apparatus to handle different aspiration requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both syringe pumps are driven simultaneously in a simple aspiration mode, then the apparatus can aspirate a certain amount of mixed liquid, but it cannot handle varying specimen quantities for different measurement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pump selection where the controller automatically chooses between the first and second pumps based on the measured specimen quantity. The system transitions from a static fixed-mode operation to a dynamic adaptive operation, enabling the apparatus to handle varying aspiration requirements by selecting the appropriate pump for each measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of pump selection based on specimen quantity thresholds. When the specimen quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the first pump is selected; otherwise, the second pump is selected. This parameter-based decision-making enables the system to adapt to different measurement requirements without increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus uses a single aspiration mode with fixed flow rates, then the system structure remains simple, but it cannot accommodate different measurement modes requiring different specimen quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the apparatus multi-functional by enabling it to perform different measurement modes (first measurement mode and second measurement mode) with different specimen quantity requirements using the same hardware configuration. The controller automatically selects the appropriate pump based on the measurement mode, allowing the system to handle various measurement tasks without requiring separate dedicated pumps for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining which pump to use based on the specimen quantity and measurement mode requirements. The controller autonomously makes the decision without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration, maintaining ease of operation while providing adaptability for different measurement modes.
3Quantity of substance
If the apparatus aspirates mixed liquid with combined flow rates from both pumps, then the total aspiration capacity increases, but it loses the ability to selectively aspirate different specimen quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aspiration function into two distinct pumps with different capabilities: the first pump for larger specimen quantities and the second pump for smaller specimen quantities. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high total aspiration capacity while providing the flexibility to select the appropriate pump based on the specific measurement requirements, thereby preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between the first and second pumps based on real-time measurement of specimen quantity. This dynamic selection mechanism ensures that the apparatus maintains high aspiration capacity when needed while adapting to aspirate smaller quantities when appropriate, resolving the contradiction between total capacity and selective capability.
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
The apparatus can efficiently handle different aspiration quantities of specimens by selecting the appropriate pump based on the measurement mode, ensuring accurate and flexible specimen aspiration for various tests, such as CD34-positive stem cell counting and CD4-positive lymphocyte measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump (121) and a second pump (122)... each having a different aspiration ability... to aspirate a specimen by the aspirator (101)
Data Source
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AI summary
A specimen measurement apparatus may include: an aspirator via which a specimen is aspirated; a flow path connected to the aspirator; a first pump connected to the flow path; a second pump connected to the flow path; and a controller that selects and causes either the first pump or the second pump to aspirate the specimen via the aspirator.