Sample Analysis System Shared Transport Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sample analysis systems face challenges in reducing installation area while maintaining processing capability, particularly in limited spaces such as examination rooms or centers, due to the need for multiple measurement units and transport paths.
Innovation Solution
The system optimizes space by arranging two measurement units adjacent to each other with a shared transport unit, allowing for efficient transport of sample racks between them, and utilizing a control unit to manage the transport and measurement processes, enabling simultaneous initial and retest processing within one set, thus reducing the required installation area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple measurement units and transport paths are arranged to maintain processing capability, then the processing capability is maintained, but the installation area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two measurement units (initial measurement unit and retest measurement unit) into a single integrated measurement block, sharing common transport paths and control systems. This merging allows the system to maintain both initial measurement and retest processing capabilities while occupying less space than separate independent units would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement block is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an initial measurement unit and a retest measurement unit. The same measurement apparatus can process samples for initial testing and subsequent retesting without requiring separate dedicated equipment, thereby reducing the overall installation area while maintaining full processing capability.
2Area of stationary object
If measurement units are arranged adjacent to each other with shared transport, then the installation area is reduced, but the transport path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is segmented into distinct functional paths: a first transport path for delivering sample racks to the initial measurement unit, and a second transport path for returning sample racks to the retest measurement unit. This segmentation organizes the complexity into manageable, clearly-defined routes rather than a single convoluted path.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement block serves as an intermediary between the initial measurement unit and retest measurement unit, facilitating the transfer and processing of sample racks. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall transport architecture by providing a centralized hub for sample handling between the two measurement functions.
3Productivity
If separate initial measurement and retest measurement units are used, then the processing capability is maintained, but the installation area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the initial measurement unit and retest measurement unit into a single integrated measurement block that handles both functions. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate physical units while preserving the complete processing capability for both initial testing and retesting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement block is designed with universal functionality to perform both initial measurement and retest measurement tasks. This multi-functional design allows one apparatus to replace what would traditionally require two separate units, thereby reducing installation area without compromising processing capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A sample analysis system (100) comprising one or more sets (101) each of which includes a measurement block including measurement units (10, 20) configured to test a sample contained in a sample container (110), and a transport unit (30) disposed corresponding to the measurement block, wherein the transport unit includes a first transport path (31) along which a sample rack (120) holding sample containers containing samples is transported from an upstream side to a downstream side and a second transport path (32) along which the sample rack received from the first transport path is transported to the measurement units in the measurement block, and the second transport path is configured to move the sample rack back and forth between the measurement units to distribute the sample containers held on the sample rack to the measurement units.