Sample Processing Controller Shutdown Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample processing apparatuses face inefficiencies in washing the fluid flow system, leading to prolonged shutdown times and potential loss of unmeasured specimens due to automatic power-off after washing, as operators may forget about remaining samples during the shutdown process.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing apparatus with a controller that prohibits shutdown if there are unexecuted orders and suspends washing operations when unmeasured samples are detected, ensuring all processes are completed before shutting down, thereby preventing the loss of unmeasured specimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the shutdown operation is performed after washing the fluid flow system, then the apparatus can be turned OFF and energy is saved, but the apparatus cannot be used for a long time and unmeasured specimens may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the execution status of orders and uses this feedback information to determine whether to allow shutdown. When unexecuted orders are detected, the system provides feedback to prohibit shutdown, ensuring specimens are processed before the apparatus turns OFF.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary checking of order execution status before allowing shutdown. By checking whether all specimens have been processed beforehand, the system prevents premature shutdown that would result in lost specimens, enabling energy saving without sacrificing specimen analysis.
2Reliability
If the washing operation is performed to clean the fluid flow system, then dirt accumulation is removed and reliability is improved, but the washing requires lengthy time and prolongs shutdown duration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs washing as a preliminary action before shutdown, ensuring the fluid flow system is cleaned while the apparatus is still operational. This sequencing allows reliable cleaning to complete before the brief shutdown period, minimizing overall downtime while maintaining system cleanliness.
3Ease of operation
If the automatic shutdown operation is implemented after washing, then the apparatus can turn OFF automatically and operation is simplified, but operators may forget about remaining samples and specimens are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from the order execution status database to automatically determine whether shutdown is appropriate. This intelligent feedback mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually track specimen status, providing ease of automation while preventing specimen loss through automated monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own operational status and making intelligent decisions about shutdown timing. The controller independently determines whether all specimens have been processed and controls the shutdown process without requiring operator intervention or memory, preventing specimen loss while maintaining simple operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample processing section configured to perform a process on a sample; and a controller configured to execute an order defining a process to be performed on a sample and to cause the sample processing section to perform the process on the sample according to the order. When the controller receives an instruction to perform a shutdown operation, the controller performs the following operations comprising: prohibiting the execution of the shutdown operation if an unexecuted order remains; and causing the sample processing section to perform the shutdown operation if there is no unexecuted order.