Hot-Swappable Transport Modules for Lab Sample Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vitro diagnostic systems face challenges in detecting and reporting operation errors without interrupting the diagnostic process, particularly in laboratory sample distribution systems where transport modules may malfunction, requiring a method for reliable and safe replacement of faulty modules while maintaining continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for detecting and reporting operation errors in laboratory sample distribution systems, involving a transport device with a network of modules that allows for the assignment of network addresses, broadcasting replacement commands, and enabling hot swapping of faulty modules with new ones, ensuring continuous operation by moving sample vessels across the transport plane without stopping the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transport module malfunctions in a laboratory sample distribution system, then the system must be stopped to replace the faulty module, but stopping the system interrupts the diagnostic process and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device is divided into multiple independent transport modules that can be individually replaced. Each module has its own control unit and can be addressed separately via the daisy-chained network, allowing faulty modules to be isolated and replaced without affecting the entire system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A replacement transport module is pre-configured with a temporary network address (e.g., address 0) and can be connected to the system before the faulty module is removed. The system is reconfigured to route signals through the replacement module, ensuring continuous operation during the transition.
Solution Approach 3:
The network address assignment is dynamic rather than fixed. When a module is replaced, the system dynamically reassigns network addresses through the daisy-chained control units, allowing the replacement module to integrate seamlessly into the existing communication topology without system shutdown.
2Ease of repair
If a faulty transport module is replaced by removing it from the system, then the faulty module can be serviced, but the replacement process requires system interruption and increases loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement transport module is prepared in advance with a temporary network address and connected to the system while the faulty module is still in place. This allows the replacement to be initiated before the system needs to be stopped, minimizing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The daisy-chained network topology allows dynamic reconfiguration of communication paths. When a module is replaced, the control units automatically adjust the signal routing and network addresses, enabling hot-swapping without interrupting the overall system functionality.
3Device complexity
If transport modules are arranged in a fixed configuration with fixed network addresses, then the system structure is simple, but module replacement and reconfiguration become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The network address assignment is dynamic rather than fixed. Each control unit can determine its address based on its position in the daisy-chained network, allowing modules to be added, removed, or replaced without requiring manual reconfiguration of the entire network topology.
Solution Approach 2:
All transport modules use the same standardized interface and communication protocol, making them universally interchangeable. The daisy-chained network topology and address assignment scheme work regardless of which specific module is in which position, providing flexibility in module replacement and system reconfiguration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a method for operating a transport device in a laboratory sample distribution system, comprising: providing a transport device in a laboratory sample distribution system, the transport device having an arrangement of transport modules (2), wherein each transport module (2) is provided with a transport surface (6); a drive device (9) configured to move sample vessel carriers (5) on the transport surface (6); a module control device configured to control operation of the drive device (9); and a module network interface connected to the module control device and configured for data communication in a control network; a transport plane (4); and a controller device (13) connected to the control network through a controller network interface; and assigning a network address to each of the transport modules (2) in the control network; for each transport module (2), in the module control device storing its own network address and the network address of neighboring transport modules (8) located adjacent to the transport module in the arrangement of transport modules (2). A replacement operation is applied, comprising: receiving replacement information data indicative of replacement of an elected transport module (7) by a replacement transport module; transmitting a broadcast message through the control network to the module control device of the transport modules (2) including the replacement transport module, the broadcast message indicative of a start command; transmitting a network address request from the module control device of the replacement transport module to the module control device (10) of at least one of its neighboring transport modules (8); and ignoring the broadcast message by the module control device of the transport modules (2) of the arrangement excluding the replacement transport module. In the replacement transport module, the network address of the replacement transport module is received from the at least one neighboring transport module (8), and the network address of the replacement transport module is stored. The network address of the neighboring transport modules (8) located adjacent to the replacement transport module is stored. In the controller device a recovery message indicative of the replacement transport module being addressable by the network address for operation control is received. Further, a transport device and a laboratory sample distribution system are provided. (Fig. 1)