Sample Processing Apparatus Washing Control via Tube Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample processing apparatuses face issues with dirt accumulation in the fluid system, leading to accuracy deterioration and operation failures, and current washing methods are inefficient, causing samples to wait for completion of the washing process.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing apparatus with a system controller that identifies and separates washing fluid tubes from sample tubes, allowing for sequential processing and washing, preventing automatic washing from starting before sample processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the washing fluid tube is supplied to the sample processing apparatus before the sample tube, then the automatic washing can be started, but the sample processing has to wait until the washing is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs identification of tube types in advance using an identification data acquirer that reads barcodes or other identification marks on tubes as they are being transported. This preliminary identification allows the system to predict future tube types and make scheduling decisions before the actual washing or processing needs to occur, thereby avoiding waiting time while maintaining efficient washing schedules
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the washing schedule based on real-time identification data. The control unit continuously monitors the sequence of tubes being transported and modifies the washing execution timing accordingly. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize both washing efficiency and sample processing throughput by making scheduling decisions adapt to the actual tube sequence rather than following a fixed schedule
2Reliability
If the washing is performed using the washing fluid, then the dirt accumulation in the fluid system is removed, but the washing process takes a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic washing by identifying when sample tubes have been processed and scheduling washing fluid tube execution at these periodic intervals. The control unit determines washing timing based on the completion of sample processing cycles, creating a rhythmic pattern of washing operations that maintains system accuracy without continuously occupying the sample processing apparatus, thereby reducing overall washing duration impact on productivity
3Reliability
If the washing fluid tube is automatically aspirated and the fluid circuit is washed, then the dirt accumulation is removed, but the sample to be processed has to wait until the washing is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The identification data acquirer performs preliminary identification of washing fluid tubes by reading their identification data before they reach the sample processing section. This advance identification allows the control unit to prepare and coordinate the washing execution timing in advance, ensuring that washing operations are scheduled optimally without causing delays to sample processing throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the identification data acquisition process to adjust washing scheduling decisions. The control unit continuously receives information about the tube sequence being transported and uses this feedback to optimize the timing of washing operations, balancing fluid system cleanliness maintenance with sample processing throughput requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A sample processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample processing section, a transporting section, an identification data acquirer and a system controller. When identification data of a washing fluid tube is acquired by the identification data acquirer, the system controller controls the transporting section to supply the washing fluid tube to the sample processing section. When the washing fluid tube arrives at the sample processing section, the sample processing section aspirates the washing fluid in the supplied washing fluid tube and performs a washing of at least one part of the sample processing section. The system controller prohibits the washing with the washing fluid tube if identification data of a sample tube is acquired after the identification data of the washing fluid tube is acquired and before the washing is started.