Sample Analyzer Transport Positioning for Concurrent Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analysis systems, such as urinary sediment testing systems, lack efficient configurations for simultaneous processing of multiple samples, leading to inefficiencies in sample processing.
Innovation Solution
The sample analyzer is designed with a transporting apparatus that positions samples at multiple supply points, allowing concurrent processing of two samples, and includes determination means to assess the need for further analysis, optimizing sample transport and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If samples are processed sequentially through multiple analyzers, then the system configuration is simple, but sample processing efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample processing function into multiple analyzers (first analyzer, second analyzer, etc.) positioned at different locations along the transporting apparatus. Each analyzer independently processes samples at its designated position, enabling parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The transporting apparatus serves multiple functions: it transports samples sequentially through different analyzers, positions samples at predetermined locations for each analyzer, and enables concurrent sample processing across multiple analyzers. This multi-functional design improves processing efficiency without requiring separate dedicated transport systems for each analyzer.
2Productivity
If the distance between supply positions is increased to accommodate more samples, then more samples can be processed concurrently, but the analyzer size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system arranges multiple supply positions and analyzers along the longitudinal direction of the transporting apparatus rather than spreading them out in a two-dimensional plane. By utilizing the linear transport path as the primary dimension, the system can accommodate multiple samples at different positions (e.g., first supply position, second supply position) without significantly increasing the overall footprint of the analyzer.
3Speed
If samples are transported continuously through the system, then processing speed is improved, but samples may be transported past their destination before analysis is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The transporting apparatus is configured to transport samples to predetermined positions corresponding to each analyzer before the analysis is initiated. The system prepares sample positions in advance along the transport path, ensuring that when a sample reaches a specific analyzer, it is already correctly positioned for immediate analysis, preventing premature transport past the destination.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
[Summary] [Object] To provide a sample analyzer and a sample analysis system which can efficiently perform processing of samples. [solution] A sample analyzer 1 includes a first measurement apparatus 11 and a second measurement apparatus 12 which measure samples, and a transporting apparatus 20 which transports a sample rack 50 holding a plurality of sample containers 51. A first supply position 26a for supplying a sample to the first measurement apparatus 11 and a second supply position 26b for supplying a sample to the second measurement apparatus 12 are set in the transporting apparatus 20. The distance between the first supply position 26a and the second supply position 26b is set to a multiple of the distance between adjacent sample containers 51 held in the sample rack 50. Accordingly, it is possible to concurrently locate sample containers 51 held in two different holders of the sample rack 50, at the first supply position 26a and the second supply position 26b. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously process two samples, and thus, it is possible to efficiently perform processing of samples.