Sample Processing System Individual Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample processing systems in clinical laboratories face inefficiencies in processing multiple sample vessels simultaneously, limiting their ability to adapt to advanced analysis techniques and improve processing speed and labor efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing system with a conveying unit that includes a holder holding mechanism, allowing for individual conveyance and processing of each sample vessel by rotating and positioning sample vessel holders on a conveyor belt, enabling precise control and movement between system components and automatic analyzers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple sample vessels are conveyed together in a rack, then processing capacity is improved, but individual processing flexibility and adaptability to different analysis techniques deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sample conveyance process by separating the rack (holding multiple samples) from individual sample vessels. Each sample vessel can be individually extracted, rotated, and processed independently while maintaining the ability to handle multiple samples through the rack structure. This segmentation enables both high-throughput rack-based conveyance and flexible individual sample processing.
2Device complexity
If conventional rack-based conveyance is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but processing efficiency and speed for multiple samples deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic elements including rotatable sample vessel holders that can rotate to different positions, movable conveyance paths that can redirect samples to different processing stations, and programmable control that adapts the processing sequence. These dynamic features enable efficient concurrent processing of multiple samples without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration of the entire system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual sample vessel conveyance is implemented, then adaptability to different analysis techniques is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal sample vessel holders and conveyance mechanisms that can accommodate different types of sample vessels (test tubes, vials, containers) and transport them to various processing stations (centrifugation, plugging, analysis). This multi-functional design enables individual sample processing with high adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same basic mechanisms serve multiple purposes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample processing system includes: a sample vessel holder 1 including a disk-shaped base section 2 disposed so as to have a central axis extending in a vertical direction and a sample vessel holding section 3 that is formed coaxially with, and above, the base section 2 and has an outside diameter smaller than that of the base section 2, the sample vessel holding section 3 holding a sample vessel 17 in an upright posture; a conveyor 19 that conveys the sample vessel holder 1 placed thereon; and a holding plate 6 disposed so as to extend along an outer peripheral portion of a columnar space C that has a central axis extending in the vertical direction, and disposed at a position above a space past which the base section 2 of the sample vessel holder 1 moves along the conveyor 19 and at a position past which at least the sample vessel holding section 3 moves. The sample processing system controls a conveyance state of the sample vessel holder 1 conveyed by the conveyor 19. This enables individual conveyance processing to be performed for each of multiple sample vessels.