Sample Analyzer Washing Fluid Tube Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers face inefficiencies in re-measurement processes due to the need for prolonged washing cycles, which can delay subsequent analyses and interfere with re-measurement timelines, as the system waits for washing to complete before determining re-measurement necessity.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer system that includes a transportation section, measurement section, and system controller to manage the flow of sample and washing fluid tubes, allowing for controlled aspiration and washing of the measurement section only when necessary, based on real-time determination of re-measurement requirements, thereby optimizing the use of washing fluid and reducing idle times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the washing fluid is automatically aspirated from the washing fluid tube and the fluid circuit is washed, then the fluid system is cleaned to prevent dirt accumulation, but a long time is required to perform the washing once, causing the sample to be measured for a long time once the washing is started
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the washing fluid tube using identification data (barcode, RFID, etc.) before the washing process is fully initiated. This allows the system to prepare for washing in advance and coordinate it with the measurement schedule, reducing the impact on measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the washing process based on real-time conditions. The transportation section can pause or resume transporting tubes based on whether washing is in progress, and the system can selectively wash only the necessary parts of the fluid circuit rather than the entire system, reducing overall washing time.
2Productivity
If the washing is performed after all the measurements of the sample are finished, then the sample can be measured without interruption, but some samples require to be subject to re-measurement after the initial measurement, causing the re-measurement to wait for a long time until the washing is finished
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the transportation section to pause when washing is in progress and resume when washing is complete. This allows the system to perform re-measurements immediately after washing finishes, rather than waiting for the entire washing cycle to complete before allowing any re-measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses identification data to track which tubes have been washed and which samples require re-measurement. This feedback mechanism allows the system to make informed decisions about when to perform washing and when to allow re-measurements, optimizing the balance between measurement throughput and fluid system cleanliness.
3Reliability
If the transportation section supplies the washing fluid tube to the measurement section, then the washing process can be initiated, but the supply of washing fluid may be prohibited if a sample needs re-measurement, causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of tubes using identification data (barcode, RFID, optical recognition) before making decisions about washing. This allows the system to anticipate when washing will be needed and prepare accordingly, reducing delays in the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines whether washing is needed based on identification data and measurement results, and automatically controls the transportation section and measurement section accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention and optimizes the balance between washing and re-measurement automatically.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables timely re-measurement by minimizing waiting times for re-tests and optimizing the use of washing fluid, ensuring efficient operation of the sample analyzer by synchronizing washing processes with determination results, thus enhancing overall system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement section configured to aspirate a sample in a sample tube and measure the aspirated sample
Data Source
AI summary
A sample analyzer comprising: a measurement section; a transportation section; an identification data obtainer; and a system controller; is disclosed. The system controller is configured to acquire a result of determination regarding whether a sample needs a re-measurement for a sample based on a result of a measurement of the sample. When the system controller recognizes a presence of the washing fluid tube transported by the transportation section before a determination result regarding a necessity of re-measurement is obtained for an already aspirated sample, the system controller prohibits the supply of the washing fluid in the washing fluid tube to the measurement section.