Specimen Analyzer Error Controller Partial Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen analyzers face issues with waste and inefficiency when abnormalities occur during measurement, as stopping operations can result in the loss of specimens and reagents, and existing solutions may damage components or fail to properly operate the reaction table.
Innovation Solution
A specimen analyzer with a first holding section, a first mechanism section, a second holding section, a transfer mechanism, an error detector, and an error controller that stops the first operation and transfer while continuing the second operation when an abnormality is detected in the first mechanism section, allowing partial completion of specimen measurement and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the analyzer stops all operations when an abnormality occurs, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to waste of specimens and reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the analyzer operations into multiple independent sections (specimen dispensation section, reagent dispensation section, reaction table, detection section). When an abnormality occurs in one section, only that specific section is stopped while other sections continue to operate. This segmentation allows selective operation control, preventing complete shutdown and thereby reducing waste of specimens and reagents in other functional areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of stopping all operations completely when an abnormality occurs, the patent applies partial action by stopping only the specific section where the abnormality was detected. The control unit identifies the abnormal section and selectively halts operations therein while maintaining operations in other sections, achieving a balanced response that ensures reliability without excessive loss of resources.
2Measurement precision
If the pipette insertion detection is made more sensitive, then the measurement precision is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to potential damage to the pipette or reaction table
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a detection sensor to monitor the pipette insertion state and provides feedback to the control unit. When the sensor detects that the pipette is properly inserted, it sends a signal to the control unit to enable the reaction table operation. This feedback mechanism ensures that operations are only permitted when conditions are safe, preventing component damage while maintaining precise detection of the pipette position.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs a preliminary check to confirm proper pipette insertion before allowing the reaction table to operate. This beforehand verification acts as a protective measure, preventing harmful operations from causing damage to the pipette or reaction table. The system cushions against potential harm by ensuring safe conditions are met prior to operation initiation.
Data Source
AI summary
Specimen analyzer includes a first holding section for holding a container; a first mechanism section for executing a first operation for the container on the first holding section; a second holding section for holding the container; a first transfer mechanism section for transferring the container from the first holding section to the second one; a second mechanism section for executing a second operation for the container on the second one; an error detector for detecting error in the first mechanism section; and an error controller for controlling the operation of the first holding section, the first and second operation so that the first operation and the transfer operation of the first holding section would be stopped while the second operation would be continued in case of the error in the first mechanism section. An abnormality control method of the analyzer and computer program product are also disclosed.