Dual Sample Rack Manipulation for Higher Analyzer Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample analyzers process sample racks one by one, limiting processing efficiency and detection throughput.
Innovation Solution
A sample rack manipulation device that can simultaneously engage and manipulate two sample racks, utilizing a first and second engagement portion and a driven portion, driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor, to enhance operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional sample analyzer processes sample racks one by one, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two sample rack manipulation functions into a single integrated device. The manipulation device includes a first engagement portion for engaging a first sample rack and a second engagement portion for engaging a second sample rack, both controlled by a single driven portion. This merging allows simultaneous processing of multiple sample racks while avoiding the need for separate manipulation devices for each rack, thus improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation device is designed with multi-functional engagement portions that can interact with different sample racks in various positions. The first and second engagement portions can independently engage with sample racks at different locations, allowing the device to perform multiple functions (loading, unloading, positioning) simultaneously, thereby enhancing productivity while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
2Loss of time
If sample racks are processed sequentially, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation device enables continuous processing by allowing the first sample rack to be manipulated while the second sample rack is simultaneously manipulated. The driven portion can drive both engagement portions in a coordinated manner, ensuring that useful actions (loading, sampling, unloading) continue without interruption or waiting time, thereby reducing the loss of time while maintaining manageable device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If additional positioning devices are added to improve precision, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portions are designed to automatically achieve precise positioning through their mechanical interaction with the sample racks. The first engagement portion and second engagement portion can independently position sample racks at required locations without requiring additional external positioning devices. This self-positioning capability achieves the necessary measurement precision while avoiding the increase in device complexity that would result from adding separate positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a sample rack manipulation device for a sample analyzer, a sample analyzer comprising the sample rack manipulation device, and a method for sample collection in a sample analyzer by the sample rack manipulation device. The sample rack manipulation device comprises: a first engagement portion, which can be engaged with a first sample rack; a second engagement portion, which can be engaged with a second sample rack; and a driven portion, which can be engaged with a driving device and is driven by the driving device. The sample rack manipulation device in the present application has a small size, a compact structure, and low costs, and can improve the sample rack transfer efficiency to meet throughput requirements of the sample analyzer.