IVD Sorter Rack Threshold Alerts for Continuous Sample Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IVD laboratory systems face interruptions due to the risk of sample container racks becoming completely filled, which can disrupt the operation of the system.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a sorter device in an IVD laboratory system that includes setting threshold values for sample container racks to alert operators when they approach full capacity, allowing proactive measures to prevent complete filling and maintain system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If sample container racks are filled to maximum capacity to maximize storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but system operation reliability deteriorates due to risk of interruptions when racks become completely filled
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by issuing warnings before the sample container rack becomes completely filled. The evaluation unit detects when the number of stored sample containers reaches a predetermined threshold, and the notification unit alerts operators in advance, allowing them to transfer containers before the rack is full and system interruption occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the number of sample containers in each rack through detection units, comparing this information against predetermined thresholds, and providing real-time notifications to operators when thresholds are approached or exceeded, enabling proactive management of rack capacity.
2Reliability
If operators continuously monitor sample container rack levels to prevent overfilling, then system reliability is improved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the number of sample containers in each rack using detection units, evaluating whether thresholds are exceeded, and generating notifications without requiring continuous manual inspection by operators. This automated monitoring reduces operator time consumption while maintaining reliable system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical monitoring with automated detection technology. Detection units automatically sense and count sample containers in racks, substituting the need for operators to physically check and count containers, thereby reducing time loss while ensuring continuous monitoring for reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple sample container racks are used to distribute sample containers, then system reliability is improved by preventing single rack overfilling, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the storage function across multiple sample container racks instead of using a single large rack. Each rack is independently monitored and managed, allowing the system to distribute sample containers across multiple smaller units, which prevents any single rack from becoming overfilled and maintains operational reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a method for operating a sorter device (5) in an IVD laboratory system, the method comprising providing a sorter device (5) in an IVD laboratory system (1) provided with a system operation controller (3), the sorter device (5) having a plurality of sample container racks each provided with reception holes for receiving sample containers (4), a handling device configured to pick sample containers (4) from and place sample containers (4) in the reception holes of the sample container racks, a sorter device controller configured to control operation of the sorter device (5) and connectable to the system operation controller (3), and an output device functionally connected to the sorter device controller and configured to output at least one of audio data and video data. The sorter device (5) is configured in a pre-operation process, the configuring comprising: assigning the plurality of sample container racks to a plurality of processing sub-targets conducted by the IVD laboratory system (1) in operation, wherein a first sample container rack is assigned to a first processing sub-target and a second sample container rack is assigned to a second processing sub-target which is different from the first processing sub- target, and assigning to the first sample container rack a first threshold value indicative of a first threshold number of sample containers (4) in the first sample container rack, wherein the first threshold number of sample containers (4) is smaller than a maximum number of sample containers (4) receivable in the first sample container rack. The sorter device (5) is operated in an operation process, the operating comprising: placing sample containers (4) in the reception holes of the first sample container rack by the handling device, determining a first present number of sample containers (4) received in the first sample container rack by the sorter device controller, comparing the first present number of sample containers (4) to the first threshold value by the sorter device controller, and if the first present number of sample containers (4) is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, outputting a first warning data through the output device. Furthermore, an IVD laboratory system (1) is provided.