Sample Analyzer Controller Alternating Dispensing Intervals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers face challenges in continuous sample processing when a problem occurs in any of the processing sections, as they cannot seamlessly switch or alternate operations to functional sections, leading to interruptions in sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
The sample analyzer is designed to periodically repeat sample dispensing cycles, allowing the controller to skip dispensing at affected sections and transfer reaction containers to alternative processing sections, ensuring continuous sample processing by utilizing available functional sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the analyzer stops mechanisms other than the reaction table and photometric section when a problem occurs, then the photometry operation can continue, but new samples cannot be dispensed and processed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The sample dispensing cycle is segmented into multiple discrete dispensing timings (first dispensing timing, second dispensing timing, etc.) corresponding to different processing sections. When a problem occurs at one section, only the dispensing timing corresponding to that section is skipped, while other dispensing timings continue normally, allowing continuous processing through functional sections
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts the sample dispensing operation based on the occurrence of problems. It selectively skips dispensing at affected sections while maintaining dispensing at functional sections, enabling the system to adapt its operation in real-time to maintain continuous processing capability
2Reliability
If the analyzer skips sample dispensing at affected processing sections, then continuous processing through functional sections is enabled, but sample and reagent waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements a skipping strategy where sample dispensing is selectively omitted only at dispensing timings corresponding to processing sections with problems. This targeted skipping avoids waste by maintaining dispensing at all other timings where processing can proceed normally, minimizing overall sample and reagent consumption while ensuring continuous operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A sample analyzer comprising: a sample dispenser for dispensing a sample into a reaction container; a sample transporter for sequentially transports a plurality of reaction containers along a transporting path; a processing station including a plurality of processing sections and a transferring section that transfers a reaction container between the sample transporter and the processing sections; and a controller is disclosed. The sample dispenser sequentially dispenses samples at intervals. The controller alternates the interval when problem occurred at any of the processing sections.