Sample Rack Identification via Internal Distinction Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In high-volume sample processing facilities like hospitals and examination centers, barcode labels on sample racks often become dirty or detached, leading to inaccurate identification of sample containers, which can result in errors during processing.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing apparatus with a detecting section to identify the presence or absence of a rack distinction member on the sample rack, allowing for adjusted aspirating operations based on the type of sample container, thereby ensuring accurate processing regardless of barcode readability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barcode labels are used for identifying sample racks, then identification can be performed, but the barcode may become dirty or detached leading to reading errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a backup identification system by placing rack distinction members inside the sample rack at positions where they can be detected by the detection unit. This internal copy of identification information serves as a backup when the external barcode becomes unreadable due to contamination or detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack distinction member acts as an intermediary identification element that transfers the identification function from the external barcode to an internal component. The detection unit detects this intermediary marker to determine rack type, bypassing the contaminated barcode.
2Productivity
If barcode reading is used for rack identification, then the system can operate, but reading mistakes occur when barcodes are dirty or detached
Solution Approach 1:
The rack distinction member is pre-installed inside the sample rack during rack assembly, before the rack is used for sample processing. This preliminary placement ensures that the identification marker is always in position and protected from contamination, ready for immediate detection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system cushions against potential barcode reading failures by having a backup identification method ready in advance. The detection unit is configured to detect the rack distinction member as an alternative when barcode reading fails, preventing processing errors and maintaining productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the aspirating operation is fixed for all sample containers, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt to different sample container shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The aspirating operation is made dynamic and adaptable through the control unit, which automatically adjusts aspiration parameters based on the detected rack type. The system transitions from a fixed operation to a flexible one that adapts to different sample container shapes while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes aspirating parameters such as aspiration depth, speed, and volume based on the detected rack distinction member. This allows the system to adapt to different sample container shapes by modifying operational parameters rather than requiring manual adjustment, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample processing apparatus comprises a transporting section configured to transport a sample rack that is capable of holding a sample container at a plurality of holding positions, a detecting section that is configured to detect presence or absence of a rack distinction member at a holding position of the sample rack, an aspirating section that is configured to aspirate a sample in the sample container, and a control section that is configured to control an aspirating operation of the aspirating section. The control section changes an aspirating operation with respect to the sample container held in the sample rack based on the presence/absence of the rack distinction member at the holding position of the sample rack.