Sample Measurement Rack Transport Unit Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample measurement systems face challenges in efficiently managing a large number of samples within a limited installation area, as they require multiple rack delivery and collection units, which can occupy significant space.
Innovation Solution
A sample measurement system with a transport unit that includes multiple transport-in/transport-out units arranged in a specific configuration to allow for sequential and efficient transport of racks, controlled by a controller to optimize the use of space, enabling the system to handle multiple racks while minimizing the required installation area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple rack delivery units and rack collection units are installed to efficiently test a great amount of samples, then sample processing capacity is improved, but installation area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rack delivery unit and rack collection unit into a single integrated transport-in/transport-out unit. This unit can function as both a delivery unit (sending racks to the measurement unit) and a collection unit (receiving racks from the measurement unit), thereby eliminating the need for separate delivery and collection units for each rack position. This merging reduces the total number of units required while maintaining the ability to efficiently process multiple racks sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport-in/transport-out unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a rack delivery unit and a rack collection unit. By making each unit universal in its function, the system achieves the same sample processing capacity that would otherwise require separate specialized units, thereby reducing the overall installation area while maintaining high productivity.
2Productivity
If multiple rack collection units are provided to separately collect racks holding samples after measurement, then sample collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the delivery and collection functions into a single transport-in/transport-out unit. This unit sequentially sends racks to the measurement unit and receives racks from the measurement unit, combining what were previously separate delivery and collection units into one integrated system. This reduces device complexity while maintaining collection efficiency through sequential processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport-in/transport-out unit operates dynamically, switching between sending racks to the measurement unit and receiving racks from the measurement unit based on the measurement cycle. This dynamic operation allows a single unit to perform the functions previously requiring multiple static units, reducing complexity while maintaining efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample measurement system includes: a measurement unit that measures a sample stored in a sample container; a transport unit that transports a rack capable of holding sample containers via the measurement unit; a first transport-in/transport-out unit and a second transport-in/transport-out unit in each of which racks can be set alongside in a first direction, and that send the set racks to be transported to the measurement unit and receive the racks transported from the measurement unit; and a controller that controls the first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit so that the racks are sequentially sent from the first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit. The first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit are disposed alongside in a second direction crossing the first direction, and each send the racks from one side in the first direction, and receive the racks from the other side.