Sample Analyzer Maintenance Record Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sample analyzer maintenance recording methods are cumbersome and prone to errors, as users often forget to record maintenance tasks, and the display of maintenance history is limited to recent dates, making it difficult to track multiple maintenance events and record personnel responsible.

Innovation Solution

A sample analyzer with a control device that automatically records maintenance operations and displays maintenance history in a calendar or date format, allowing users to easily view and manage maintenance plans and histories, reducing the burden on users and preventing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If maintenance recording is done manually on paper, then users can record maintenance tasks, but users often forget to record and the process is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance record accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance recording process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The analyzer automatically records maintenance tasks and implementation dates without requiring user intervention. The system self-monitors its own maintenance status and updates records autonomously, eliminating the need for manual paper-based recording and preventing forgotten entries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical paper-based recording system with an automated electronic recording system integrated into the analyzer. The control unit automatically captures maintenance data and stores it in memory, substituting manual writing and paper handling with automated digital processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If only the most recent maintenance date is displayed, then the display is simple, but users cannot check multiple maintenance dates at once

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance history checkingVSAvoidmaintenance history completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from displaying only a single maintenance date to displaying multiple maintenance dates simultaneously using a calendar view. This adds a temporal dimension to the display, allowing users to see maintenance history across different dates and months in one visual interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The maintenance history is segmented into different time periods (current month, previous months) and displayed in an organized calendar format. This segmentation allows users to efficiently navigate and check multiple maintenance dates without information overload, presenting comprehensive history in a structured manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the manual is kept accessible for recording, then maintenance can be recorded, but users look at the manual less as they become familiar with operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance recording consistencyVSAvoidmaintenance recording accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The analyzer performs self-recording of maintenance tasks, eliminating the need for users to consult manuals or perform manual recording. The system automatically monitors and records maintenance implementation, ensuring consistent recording without requiring user attention or manual accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1892531B1Sample analyzer
Publication Date: 2017.04.05 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP1892531B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1892531B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1892531B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sample analyzer is disclosed that includes: a memory configured to store a record of maintenance already performed on the sample analyzer; a display; and a display control configured to control the display to display a first table which chronologically shows the record of maintenance already performed, wherein the first table is assigned a predetermined term, in the table the term is divided into a plurality of sections.