Smear Preparation Machine Manipulator and Reagent Vessel Coordination

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic smear preparation machines using a single manipulator for multi-degree-of-freedom motions are complex, costly, and difficult to control accurately, with high requirements for space and precision.

Innovation Solution

A smear preparation machine with a movable manipulator and reagent vessel, where the manipulator and reagent vessel cooperate to perform reciprocating translations in different directions, simplifying the internal structure and reducing complexity by decomposing multi-degree-of-freedom motions into single-degree-of-freedom motions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single manipulator is used to implement multi-degree-of-freedom motions, then the machine can perform complex operations, but the device complexity and production costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-degree-of-freedom operation capabilityVSAvoidmanipulator structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the multi-degree-of-freedom motion system into two independent single-degree-of-freedom systems: one manipulator for horizontal movement and one reagent vessel for vertical movement. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex multi-axis manipulator while achieving the same operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the manipulator perform all motions (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by making the reagent vessel movable to assist in the staining operation. This reduces the manipulator's burden from multi-degree-of-freedom to single-degree-of-freedom motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a manipulator implements all motions in multi degrees of freedom, then complete control is achieved, but the space required for manipulator motion and operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion control completenessVSAvoidmachine internal space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the motion control into two independent single-degree-of-freedom systems (horizontal manipulator motion, vertical reagent vessel motion), which requires significantly less internal space compared to a multi-axis manipulator that needs coupled motion spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces vertical dimension movement by making the reagent vessel movable up and down, while the manipulator handles only horizontal movement. This dimensional separation reduces the space requirements compared to a multi-axis manipulator operating in the same space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If multi-degree-of-freedom motions are implemented with high coupling requirements, then precise operation is achieved, but the process becomes difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation accuracyVSAvoidmotion control difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coupled multi-degree-of-freedom control into two independent single-degree-of-freedom controls: manipulator horizontal movement and reagent vessel vertical movement. This eliminates the complex coupling requirements while maintaining operational precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable reagent vessel acts as an intermediary that assists the manipulator in achieving precise staining operations. Instead of requiring the manipulator to precisely control all motions, the reagent vessel's movement compensates and simplifies the control requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20220146381A1Smear preparation machine and control method therefor

Publication Date: 2022.05.12 SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Smear preparation machine and control method therefor. The smear preparation machine includes a slide loading mechanism for loading slide, a sample applying mechanism for applying blood sample, a slide smearing mechanism for smearing blood sample to prepare smear slide, a staining mechanism and a slide transferring mechanism. The staining mechanism includes a reagent vessel for storing staining reagent and a first driving system for driving the reagent vessel to reciprocally translate in first direction. The slide transferring mechanism includes a manipulator and a second driving system for driving the manipulator to reciprocally translate in second direction. After reagent vessel and manipulator respectively translate to corresponding cooperative positions, the second driving system drives manipulator to move towards reagent vessel to place or remove smear slide in reagent vessel. Staining of smear slide is achieved by cooperation movement of manipulator and reagent vessel, thereby simplifying internal structure of smear preparation machine.