Sample Processing System Centralized Start-Up Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample processing systems require complex and time-consuming manual start-up procedures for multiple apparatuses, lacking a centralized control mechanism for initiating the start-up of both sample analysis and transport apparatuses simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing system with a communication section for external communication and a controlling section that initiates the start-up of transport and sample processing units upon receiving a command signal, allowing for batch start-up of multiple units through a single interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual start-up procedures are used for each apparatus separately, then each apparatus can be started individually, but the operator effort and time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate start-up operations into a single integrated start-up command. The control device receives one start-up instruction and automatically distributes it to all connected analysis apparatuses and the transport apparatus, eliminating the need for operators to manually start each device separately. This merging of operations directly reduces both operator effort and start-up time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with universal functionality to manage multiple types of apparatuses (analysis apparatuses and transport apparatus) through a single interface. It can identify different apparatus types and send appropriate start-up commands to each, making the start-up process universally applicable across the entire system without requiring separate control mechanisms for each device.
2Device complexity
If separate control mechanisms are used for each apparatus, then each apparatus maintains operational independence, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent control mechanisms into a single centralized control device. This control device communicates with all apparatuses through a unified interface, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to control each apparatus individually when needed. The transport apparatus is specifically integrated into this centralized control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the operator and multiple apparatuses. It receives start-up commands from the operator and automatically distributes them to the appropriate apparatuses, including the transport apparatus. This intermediary role simplifies the control architecture by providing a single point of contact for system-wide operations.
3Reliability
If the transport apparatus is not integrated into the start-up control, then the analysis apparatuses can be started independently, but the coordination between transport and analysis units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transport apparatus into the same start-up control system as the analysis apparatuses. The control device sends coordinated start-up commands to both types of apparatuses, ensuring they are ready to operate together. This integration improves system coordination and reliability by ensuring all components are synchronized.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs preliminary coordination by sending start-up commands to the transport apparatus and analysis apparatuses in a coordinated sequence. This preliminary action ensures that all apparatuses are prepared and synchronized before actual sample processing begins, improving system reliability and coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample processing system comprising: a plurality of sample processing units; and a transport apparatus for transporting a sample to any of the plurality of sample processing units, wherein the transport apparatus comprises a communication section for communicating with an apparatus external to the transport apparatus and a controlling section for setting the transport apparatus in a start-up state when the communication section have received a start-up command signal from the external apparatus.