Sample Processing System Module Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In sample processing systems, the analysis module used for re-examination often has lower usage frequency, leading to increased power consumption due to being kept active even during periods of low sample activity, despite techniques for reducing overall system power consumption not addressing the specific module's energy usage effectively.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where the second module for re-examination can be placed in an inactive state by halting or reducing electricity supply to components like air pressure sources, heaters, or coolers, and monitoring activity to activate it only when necessary, ensuring processes can be executed without delay when required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the analysis module for re-examination is kept active to enable prompt re-examination, then the response time for re-examination is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse time for re-examinationVSAvoidpower consumption of analysis module
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the analysis module based on real-time demand. The module transitions between active and inactive states according to whether re-examination is needed, optimizing the balance between response time and power consumption. This dynamic state adjustment allows the system to maintain readiness when necessary while conserving energy during low-activity periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by keeping the analysis module in a standby or partially prepared state rather than fully active. This allows the module to be quickly activated when re-examination is needed without maintaining full operational power consumption continuously. The preliminary preparation includes maintaining basic system readiness while reducing energy-intensive operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the analysis module for re-examination is kept active, then the reliability of re-examination process is improved, but the loss of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of re-examination processVSAvoidenergy waste in inactive periods
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic monitoring of re-examination needs and adjusts the module's operational state accordingly. Rather than maintaining continuous active operation, the system periodically assesses whether re-examination is required and activates the module only during necessary periods. This periodic action pattern reduces energy waste while maintaining process reliability when actually needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters of the analysis module based on demand conditions. When re-examination is not needed, parameters such as power supply level, operational mode, and system readiness are adjusted to lower energy consumption states. When re-examination becomes necessary, these parameters are changed back to full operational levels, ensuring reliability while minimizing energy loss during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach significantly reduces power consumption of the re-examination module while allowing processes to be executed promptly when needed, optimizing energy usage and maintaining system readiness.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure source for generating air pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir pressure generation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a heater for heating a reagent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a cooler for cooling a reagent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP2293082B1Sample processing system, method for saving electricity consumed by sample processing system, and non-transitory storage medium
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP2293082B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2293082B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2293082B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sample processing system is disclosed which comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory that stores programs executable collectively by the at least one processor to: transport sample containers through a conveying path along which there are arranged at least one first module for testing of samples and at least one second module for processing of samples which have been tested by the at least one first module, wherein the at least one second module is switchable between an active state and an inactive state; obtain a determination result whether a sample which have been tested by the at least one first module is necessary to be processed by the at least one second module; if the sample has been determined necessary to be processed by the at least one second module, transport a sample container containing the sample to the at least one second module for processing; and if the at least one second module is in the inactive state, place the at least one second module in the active state to make it ready to process the sample.