Specimen Analyzer Transport Unit Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing specimen analyzer systems face challenges in efficiently processing a high volume of specimens per unit time, leading to increased frequency of operator intervention to place and retrieve specimen racks, which can hinder workflow efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A specimen analyzer system with a transport unit that includes multiple placement and collection regions, allowing for simultaneous placement and collection of multiple specimen racks, and a mechanism to transport them to a start position for measurement, reducing the frequency of operator intervention by increasing the capacity and efficiency of specimen processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of specimens processed per unit time is increased, then productivity is improved, but the frequency of operator intervention increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of specimens processed per unit timeVSAvoidfrequency of operator intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transport unit is divided into multiple placement regions (first placement region and second placement region) that can independently hold specimen racks. This segmentation allows continuous operation where while one region is being loaded by the operator, the other region is being processed, thereby maintaining high productivity without increasing operator intervention frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows preliminary placement of specimen racks in the placement regions before processing begins. The transport unit is pre-configured with multiple regions that can be independently loaded, enabling the operator to prepare racks in advance without interrupting the measurement process, thus maintaining high throughput without requiring frequent interventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple placement regions are added to increase processing capacity, then device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecimen processing capacityVSAvoidtransport unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple placement regions are designed with identical structures and functions, each capable of holding and transporting specimen racks independently. This universal design allows the system to increase processing capacity through replication of a standardized module, minimizing the increase in device complexity while maximizing productivity gains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240302398A1Specimen analyzer and specimen processing system

Publication Date: 2024.09.12 SYSMEX CORP

AI summary

Disclosed is a specimen analyzer that uses a specimen rack in which a plurality of specimen containers can be held to analyze a specimen in each of the specimen containers, and the specimen analyzer includes: a measurement unit configured to measure the specimen; and a transport unit comprising a first placement region which is disposed in front of the measurement unit and in which a plurality of the specimen racks can be placed, and a second placement region which is disposed in a left-right direction relative to the first placement region and in which a plurality of the specimen racks can be placed, the transport unit configured to transport the specimen racks placed in the first placement region and the second placement region to a start position at which the measurement unit starts measurement.