Sample Testing Apparatus Automatic Retesting Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample testing systems are complex and inefficient, particularly in automatically returning sample containers for retesting or reflex testing, as they require a second blood analysis apparatus and lack a method for timely determination and execution of retests.
Innovation Solution
A sample testing apparatus with a transport unit, testing unit, determination result obtainer, and transport controller that aspirates samples, performs tests, and controls the transport of sample containers based on test results, ensuring retests are performed without moving beyond a certain position until determination results are obtained, allowing for automatic retesting even if it takes longer than expected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a second blood analysis apparatus is used for secondary analysis, then retesting capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the primary analysis and secondary analysis functions into a single blood analysis apparatus. The same apparatus that performs the first test also performs the retest, eliminating the need for a separate second blood analysis apparatus. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining retesting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blood analysis apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can conduct both primary analysis and secondary analysis (retesting) on the same sample. The apparatus has universal capability to handle different testing modes, making the separate second apparatus unnecessary and reducing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If sample container rack is pushed into buffer during transport, then transport efficiency is improved, but automatic return capability for retesting is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The transport mechanism uses a movable truck that can dynamically adjust its position and function. The truck can press the sample container rack into the buffer during normal transport for efficiency, but can also move backward to retrieve the rack when retesting is needed. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where the control unit receives information about whether retesting is needed and adjusts the transport mechanism accordingly. When retesting is required, the control unit commands the movable truck to retrieve the sample container rack from the buffer and return it to the blood analysis apparatus, enabling automatic response to testing results.
3Speed
If sample container is transported beyond second position before retest determination, then transport speed is improved, but retest execution becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines whether retesting is needed before the sample container is transported beyond the second position. The control unit evaluates the necessity of retesting while the container is still within the reachable range of the movable truck, ensuring that if retesting is required, the container can be easily retrieved and returned for additional testing.
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
The system simplifies the testing process by enabling automatic retesting of samples requiring it, reducing complexity and manufacturing costs, and improving work efficiency by determining retest necessity and performing retests based on initial test results.
Implementation Method 1
a testing unit for aspirating the sample from the sample container transported to the first position by the transport unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention is to present a sample testing apparatus comprising: a transport unit for transporting a sample container through a first position and a second position; a testing unit for performing a test on the sample in the sample container transported to the first position; a determination result obtainer for obtaining one of a first determination result indicating that a second test is required and a second determination result indicating that the second test is not required; and a transport controller for controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container back to the first position, if the first determination result has been obtained, wherein the sample container is not transported beyond the second position from the first position side before any one of the first and the second determination result has been obtained.