Modular IVD Vessel Mover Power Failover for Redundant Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power management systems for modular IVD analyzer vessel movers face challenges in maintaining redundancy and reliability while minimizing system footprint and addressing space constraints, scalability, and power distribution issues.

Innovation Solution

A modular IVD vessel mover subsystem with a power failover switch (PFS) that allows seamless switching between primary and backup power sources within and across modules, ensuring continuous operation even if individual modules fail.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If N+1 redundant AC-DC power supply system or derated single supply is implemented in each segment, then power source failure risk is reduced, but system footprint expands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source failure riskVSAvoidsystem footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple power supplies from different segments are electrically connected in parallel through the track to form a shared power pool, combining their outputs to provide redundant power without requiring duplicate power supply units in each segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The track structure serves dual functions: as a mechanical guide for carrier movement and as an electrical conduit for power distribution, eliminating the need for separate power distribution infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If central power supply with N+1 redundant AC-DC power supply system is implemented, then power source failure risk is reduced, but scalability and power distribution difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source failure riskVSAvoidpower distribution complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into independent segments, each with its own power supply unit, allowing modular scalability while maintaining system-wide power redundancy through electrical connection of these segmented power sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each segment's power supply automatically contributes to the shared power pool and can automatically receive power from other segments when needed, with automatic failover control eliminating complex manual power distribution management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of stationary object

If derating of power supplies is implemented, then service life is increased, but system footprint expands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply service lifeVSAvoidsystem footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple power supplies are combined in parallel to share the total load, allowing each individual power supply to operate at lower utilization rates which extends service life without requiring oversized derated power supplies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3487740B1Redundant power management for modular IVD analyzer vessel mover subsystem

Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC

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AI summary

A modular in vitro diagnostics (IVD) vessel mover system providing redundant power management includes a plurality of modules which are configured to provide storage to one or more IVD samples. Each module comprising a power failover switch which is configured to receive internal power from an internal primary power source and transmit backup power to one or more of the plurality of modules.