Sample Measurement System Vertical Transport Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample measurement systems face challenges in improving processing performance and reducing horizontal dimensions while efficiently transporting sample racks to multiple measurement units, leading to increased space requirements and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves transporting racks using multiple transport paths positioned at different heights, including a first and second transport path in the height direction, with a lifting-lowering mechanism to transfer racks between these paths, allowing for compact horizontal dimensions and efficient sample rack movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple transport paths are arranged on a plane to supply racks to multiple analysis units, then the processing performance is improved, but the horizontal dimension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of transport paths to a three-dimensional configuration by stacking transport paths vertically at different heights. This allows multiple transport paths to coexist in the same horizontal footprint while maintaining distinct operational levels, thereby improving processing performance without increasing the horizontal dimension of the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transport paths are arranged on a plane to transport racks, then the sample supply capability is improved, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension to arrange multiple transport paths at different heights, enabling the system to serve multiple analysis units with enhanced sample supply capability while confining the entire structure within a compact horizontal footprint, thus reducing the overall installation space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where transport paths are stacked vertically one above another, similar to nested dolls. This allows multiple transport functions to be integrated within a compact vertical envelope, maximizing the use of vertical space while minimizing the horizontal installation footprint.
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 configuration enables a sample measurement system with reduced horizontal dimensions, facilitating efficient supply of samples and consumables to multiple units, enhancing processing performance and expandability without increasing installation space.
Implementation Method 1
transferring the rack from which the containers have been supplied to the sample measurement unit, to a second transport path provided at a position different from the first transport path in a height direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sample measurement system according to an embodiment may include: sample measurement units that receive supply of containers and perform measurement on samples; a rack setting unit in which a rack storing the containers to be supplied to at least one of the sample measurement units is set; a first transport path that transports the containers from the rack setting unit to at least one of the sample measurement units; a second transport path that is provided at a position different from the first transport path in a height direction and that transports the containers from at least one of the sample measurement units to the rack setting unit; and a transfer path that transfers the containers between the first transport path and the second transport path.