Rack Buffer Unit for Urgent Sample Prioritization in Analysis Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automatic analysis apparatuses, samples with high urgency cannot be quickly conveyed to the dispensing position due to the sequential nature of the rack conveying module, which hinders timely analysis and requires costly dedicated setups.
Innovation Solution
An additional sample-container loading module and a rack switching unit are introduced to prioritize the conveyance of urgent samples, allowing them to be switched and analyzed independently from the regular process, with a separate dispensing position for urgent samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-line rack conveying module is used to sequentially convey racks in order, then the system structure is simple and cost is low, but urgent samples cannot be quickly treated and analysis time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single conveying line into multiple independent conveying lines (first rack conveying line and second rack conveying line). The first line handles normal samples sequentially, while the second line is dedicated to urgent samples, allowing parallel processing and eliminating the bottleneck of sequential conveyance for urgent cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack buffer unit acts as an intermediary storage and switching mechanism between the two conveying lines. It temporarily stores racks and enables flexible routing, allowing urgent samples to be switched from the first conveying line to the second conveying line without disrupting the normal sequential flow.
2Loss of time
If a dedicated rack conveying line for urgent samples is set up, then urgent samples can be quickly analyzed, but the facility set-up cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a completely separate dedicated conveying line from scratch, the patent segments the existing single-line system into two functional lines by adding a parallel second conveying line and a rack buffer unit. This approach provides dedicated fast-track capability for urgent samples while utilizing a modular addition rather than a complete redesign.
3Adaptability or versatility
If racks are treated simply in order in a single-line conveying module, then the operation is straightforward and reliable, but samples with high urgency cannot be preferentially analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic routing capability through the rack buffer unit that can flexibly direct racks to different conveying lines based on urgency level. The system transitions from a static single-line sequential operation to a dynamic multi-line system where routing decisions are made in real-time based on sample priorities.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack buffer unit 8 serving as a sample-container switching unit is provided between a rack conveying module 4 and a rack conveying module 5 which convey racks 2 on which the sample containers 1 are mounted, and an urgent-sample loading module 7 installing a rack 2 on which a sample container 1 storing a sample desired to be preferentially analyzed is mounted is provided. The rack 2 which is in the process of sample dispensing and the rack 2 desired to be preferentially analyzed are switched from each other by the rack buffer unit 8, and the sample container 1 mounted on the rack 2 desired to be preferentially analyzed is moved to a sample dispensing position in a short period of time.