Sample Container Sorting Between Analyzers to Prevent Rack Jams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow-line sample analysis systems experience traffic jams and reduced efficiency due to sample racks being detained at analyzers with slower processing speeds, leading to increased reagent waste and higher costs, particularly with high-pressure liquid chromatography instruments like the glycosylated hemoglobin analyzer.
Innovation Solution
A sample analysis system with a sample sorting device that includes a connecting track, sorting platform, and transfer mechanism to sort sample containers between analyzers, allowing for efficient distribution of samples to multiple analyzers without detaining racks, reducing traffic jams, and optimizing analyzer utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sample racks are conveyed to analyzers sequentially for testing, then sample containers can be tested for various items, but sample racks tend to be detained on the transport device causing traffic jams and reducing overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sample rack into individual sample containers, allowing each sample to be independently transferred to different analyzers. This segmentation eliminates the constraint that entire racks must be moved together, enabling flexible routing of individual samples to appropriate analyzers based on testing requirements, thereby preventing rack detention and traffic jams while maintaining testing versatility
2Measurement precision
If HPLC is used for glycosylated hemoglobin analysis, then accurate test results and high speed are achieved, but reagents are wasted when testing is discontinuous, increasing measurement cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sample buffer storage system that holds samples temporarily between analyzers. This preliminary buffering action allows continuous operation of HPLC analyzers by providing a reservoir of samples, eliminating discontinuities that would cause reagent waste. The buffer ensures that even when no immediate testing is required, the analyzer can maintain continuous operation with minimal reagent consumption, while still providing accurate HPLC-based measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Sample analysis system and method are provided. The sample analysis system includes a first sample analyzer, a second sample analyzer, a sample rack transport device, and a sample sorting device provided between the first and second sample analyzers. The sample rack transport device includes a transport track for conveying a sample rack with sample containers to the first and/or second sample analyzer for testing. The first and second sample analyzers are arranged in sequence along a first transport direction of the transport track. The sample sorting device includes a connecting track, a sorting platform, and a sample transfer mechanism. The sample transfer mechanism is capable of moving to a position above the connecting track, so as to transfer the sample container(s) in the sample rack conveyed to the connecting track to a sample rack on the sorting platform. Efficiency of sample analysis is improved.