Sample Vessel Locator Using RFID Tag and Handheld Reader
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated clinical analyzers, locating individual sample vessels after analysis is time-consuming due to the need to check each vessel for identification, and fully automated storage solutions may not be available in all environments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vessel holder with an array of positions and an information tag for storing and retrieving machine-readable information, along with a handheld device for inputting and outputting the location of sample vessels, allowing quick access to samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If samples are stored in compartments without automated retrieval, then storage flexibility is improved, but sample location time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by attaching information tags to vessel holders and pre-storing location data before samples need to be retrieved. When a sample needs to be located, the handheld device can immediately read the pre-stored information from the tag, eliminating the need to manually check each vessel for identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The information tag acts as an intermediary between the vessel holder and the handheld device. It carries machine-readable information about sample vessel positions, enabling quick identification without direct manual inspection of each sample vessel, thus resolving the contradiction between storage flexibility and retrieval time.
2Device complexity
If manual checking of each vessel is performed, then storage simplicity is maintained, but access speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical/manual process of checking each vessel with an information-based system. The handheld device reads machine-readable information from tags on vessel holders, substituting manual visual inspection with automated optical or electromagnetic reading, thereby increasing access speed while maintaining storage simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly examining physical sample vessels, the system uses copies of information about vessel locations stored on information tags. The handheld device reads these informational copies to locate samples quickly, avoiding the need to physically inspect each vessel while maintaining accurate location data.
3Loss of time
If fully automated storage solutions are implemented, then sample retrieval time is reduced, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial automation by using simple information tags on vessel holders that can be read by handheld devices, rather than implementing fully automated robotic retrieval systems. This partial approach achieves significant time savings while avoiding the high complexity and cost of complete automation, allowing customers to implement the solution based on their specific needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for locating sample vessels are presented. The system comprises a holder having an array of positions for holding sample vessels. An information tag is attached to the holder for storing and/or retrieving machine-readable information related to the positions of sample vessels with respect to the array of positions. The system further comprises a handheld device capable of reading information on the information tag. The handheld device has an input for inputting information related to a to-be-located sample vessel and an output for outputting a position of the to-be-located sample vessel with respect to the array of positions based on information stored in the information tag. The method comprises inputting information related to a to-be-located sample vessel into the handheld device, reading information stored in the holder's information tag with the handheld device; and outputting a position of the to-be-located sample vessel.