Sample Processing Agitation Control for Low Volume Blood
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample processing apparatuses fail to adequately agitate low volume blood samples, leading to agitation failures due to the same agitation conditions being applied as for normal samples, which are insufficient for low volume samples.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing apparatus that differentiates between agitation conditions for normal and low volume samples by adjusting the duration and frequency of agitation cycles based on the type of sample tube, using an identification system to determine the sample type and apply specific agitation protocols to prevent failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same agitation conditions are applied to both normal and low volume samples, then the agitation mechanism can be simple and universal, but the agitation effectiveness for low volume samples deteriorates leading to agitation failure
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation mechanism dynamically adjusts its operation parameters based on sample type. The control unit receives information about whether a normal or low volume sample is present and automatically modifies agitation conditions (duration, intensity, number of cycles) to optimize mixing effectiveness for each sample type, preventing agitation failure in low volume samples while maintaining adequate agitation for normal samples
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the agitation mechanism according to sample type. For low volume samples, the control unit extends agitation time and may adjust agitation intensity to ensure sufficient mixing despite the smaller sample volume. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the agitation effectiveness reliable without requiring a completely different mechanical structure
2Reliability
If the agitation time is extended for low volume samples, then the agitation effectiveness improves, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically determines agitation duration based on real-time detection of sample type. When a low volume sample is detected, the system automatically extends agitation time to ensure proper mixing. For normal samples, the standard agitation time is maintained. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable agitation effectiveness while minimizing unnecessary time extension for all samples
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of sample type before initiating agitation. The control unit detects whether a low volume or normal sample is present and pre-determines the appropriate agitation parameters. This allows the system to apply the correct agitation duration from the start, avoiding both insufficient agitation and excessive processing time
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
The apparatus effectively prevents agitation failure in low volume samples by extending the agitation time and frequency, ensuring sufficient mixing and processing of blood cells, even when using smaller sample volumes.
Implementation Method 1
rotates the blood collecting tube by rotating the pickup mechanism to overturn and agitate the sample in the blood collecting tube
Implementation Method 2
rotates the blood collecting tube by rotating the pickup mechanism to overturn and agitate the sample
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample processing apparatus comprising an agitating means for agitating a sample in a sample tube; a processing means for processing the agitated sample; and a controlling means for controlling at least the agitating operation, characterized in that the controlling means controls the agitating means to agitate a sample in a first type of sample tube under a first agitation condition, and controls the agitating means to agitate a sample in a second type of sample tube, which contains a sample of lower volume than the first type of sample tube, under a second agitation condition different from the first agitation condition