Sample Inspection Automation with Multi-Loop Empty Holder Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample inspection automation systems face inefficiencies due to the need for large numbers of sample racks, leading to increased system complexity and congestion on transport lines, as well as challenges in quickly supplying empty holders to processing units and maintaining continuous operation in case of failures.
Innovation Solution
A sample inspection automation system with a circling path configured using multiple loop transport paths equipped with empty holder stoppers, allowing for controlled and efficient supply of empty holders to processing units, and enabling continuous operation by detaching affected parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large quantity of sample racks are set beforehand on the apparatuses, then the supply of empty holders to processing units is ensured, but the system complexity and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the holder supply function into multiple independent loops (first loop, second loop, third loop) that operate separately. Each loop can supply empty holders to processing units independently, reducing the complexity of managing a single large-scale holder supply system while ensuring reliable supply through distributed redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a holder circulation mechanism where used holders are collected, emptied, and returned to the circulation system. Empty holders are continuously recovered from processing units and replenished through the loop structure, eliminating the need to maintain a large static inventory of holders while ensuring continuous supply
2Productivity
If multiple sample racks are used to handle diverse sample processes, then the processing capacity is improved, but the congestion on transport lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is segmented into multiple independent loops that operate in parallel. The first loop handles general sample transport, while the second and third loops are dedicated to empty holder circulation. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of multiple processing functions without congestion on a single transport line
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a holder circulation system as an intermediary mechanism between processing units and the sample transport line. Empty holders are supplied through dedicated circulation loops rather than being transported on the main sample transport line, preventing congestion while maintaining high processing capacity
3Device complexity
If a single holder is used as the carrier for sample transport, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the processing speed decreases due to holder supply delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positiones empty holders at strategic points along the transport loops and maintains a continuous circulation of holders through the automated system. This preliminary preparation ensures that empty holders are readily available at processing units without delay, maintaining high processing speed while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The holder circulation loops operate continuously to supply empty holders to processing units and collect used holders for replenishment. This continuous circulation eliminates idle time and waiting periods for holder supply, maintaining high processing speed without requiring complex multi-rack systems
4Volume of stationary object
If the transport line is configured as a single loop for reusing sample racks, then the device size is reduced, but the processing speed decreases due to line intersections
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is divided into multiple independent loops (first loop for samples, second loop for empty holders, third loop for holder recovery) that operate in parallel without intersecting. This segmentation allows each loop to optimize its path and speed independently, achieving high processing speed while maintaining a compact device footprint through efficient spatial arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a sample inspection automation system which uses a single holder as its carrier, which can supply empty holders to a distant processing unit on an extended circling path without delay, and which permits continuous operation in case of a failure through detachment of a failed part for example. The system combining a plurality of processing units has an empty holder circling path with a mechanism to circle empty holders across all processing units within the system in unicursal fashion; stoppers for retaining empty holders on the circling path; and a mechanism for controlling the stoppers on the circling path given an empty holder request from a processing unit. The empty holder circling path is made of a plurality of loops each equipped with the stopper. The sample inspection automation system thus configured supplies empty holders efficiently and simplifies system operation through fallback operation.