Sample Tray Locking Mechanism for Analysis System Data Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In analysis systems using turrets or conveyance devices for sample measurement, maintaining data integrity is challenging due to the ability of third parties to freely add or replace samples during consecutive measurements, which can compromise the integrity of the measurement sequence.
Innovation Solution
An analysis system with an integrated locking mechanism and information processing apparatus that locks sample trays during measurement operations and unlocks them based on user authorization, ensuring that only authorized users can replace samples during ongoing measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the measurement chamber is locked to prevent X-ray leakage during consecutive measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but sample replacement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample tray into multiple individual sample container positions, allowing the locking mechanism to secure the tray as a whole while individual positions remain accessible for sample replacement. This segmentation enables the measurement chamber to remain locked for X-ray protection while still permitting authorized sample changes at specific locations.
Solution Approach 2:
An authorization management system acts as an intermediary between the locked measurement chamber and the sample replacement operation. This intermediary system verifies user credentials and measurement status before allowing sample replacement, enabling controlled access during locked periods without compromising overall measurement reliability.
2Ease of operation
If third parties can freely add or replace samples during consecutive measurements, then ease of operation is improved, but data integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops that monitor measurement status, user authorization, and sample tray state. Before allowing sample replacement, the system checks whether the measurement is complete and verifies user authorization levels. This feedback mechanism maintains data integrity by preventing unauthorized changes while preserving ease of operation for authorized users through automated verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authorization verification and measurement status checking before allowing sample replacement. By checking authorization levels and measurement completion status in advance, the system ensures data integrity is maintained while still enabling smooth sample replacement operations for authenticated users without requiring manual intervention during critical measurement periods.
3Reliability
If the sample tray is locked during measurement operations, then data integrity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service functionality where authorized users can automatically trigger sample replacement operations without manual intervention during locked periods. The authorization management system automatically verifies credentials and coordinates the replacement process, maintaining data integrity through automated controls while improving ease of operation by eliminating manual coordination requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device locks the sample tray to the mounting unit at a position where none of the plurality of sample containers on the sample tray can be replaced. The locking device locks the sample tray during an operation period from the start of a measurement operation on the sample tray to measure samples in the plurality of sample containers until the end of the measurement operation. The information processing apparatus includes a storage unit for storing, for each user, a set value for authorization to unlock the sample tray during the operation period. The information processing apparatus determines, based on the set value, whether to unlock the sample tray during the operation period. The locking device unlocks the sample tray during the operation period, based on the determination of the information