Automated Sample Processing System with Direct Transport Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated sample processing systems experience delays in transporting samples to automatic analyzers due to unnecessary units in the processing path and limited storage capacity, leading to congestion and increased time for sample measurement.
Innovation Solution
The dispensing unit is positioned on the most downstream side, equipped with mechanisms to stop and direct samples, read vessel IDs, and communicate with a computer to control sample transport, allowing direct transport to the analyzer without passing through additional units, and providing dedicated discharge sections for each vessel type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If processing units such as storage unit and vessel closing unit are located at positions on the downstream side relative to dispensing unit, then sample processing functions are complete, but sample transport time to automatic analyzer is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the transport path into separate segments: one path for samples requiring storage/closing operations and another direct path for samples that can be transported immediately after dispensing. This segmentation allows different samples to take different routes, reducing overall transport time for urgent samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a dimensional aspect to the transport architecture by creating parallel transport paths (different routes) rather than a single linear path. This allows samples to be routed through different dimensions of the transport system, with some samples bypassing intermediate units entirely.
2Productivity
If storage unit capacity is limited, then system size is controlled, but sample transport and discharge must be stopped when capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts sample routing based on real-time storage unit capacity. When storage capacity is available, samples are routed through the storage path; when capacity is exceeded, samples are automatically routed through the direct transport path. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous productivity without requiring large storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transport path parameter based on storage unit capacity status. By monitoring capacity levels and adjusting routing decisions, the system maintains continuous sample flow without being constrained by fixed storage capacity limitations.
3Productivity
If multiple samples are transported on the same transport line, then system complexity is reduced, but transport line congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the transport flow by creating separate paths for different sample types and priorities. Urgent samples that need rapid analysis are routed through the direct path without mixing with samples requiring storage or closing operations, preventing congestion and maintaining high transport speed for critical samples.
Data Source
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AI summary
After being dispensed, a sample that needs to be quickly measured passes through another unit and is transported to an automatic analyzer. An automated sample processing system includes a plurality of units that are provided for functions of processing a sample and combined so as to form the system. The plurality of units include at least a dispensing unit that dispenses the sample stored in a sample vessel into another sample vessel. The automated sample processing system has at least one discharge line that discharges the sample from the dispensing unit to a transport line; a line that is perpendicular to the discharge line; and a reverse direction transport line that transports the sample in a direction reverse to a direction in which the sample loaded in the system is transported to the dispensing unit. The sample that is processed by the dispensing unit is transported to a storage unit located on the upstream side of the system, through the reverse direction transport line.