Specimen Conveying Alignment for Stable Automatic Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers require significant changes in configuration and incur high costs when the inspection system is modified, necessitating changes to the specimen container conveying units and dispensing units, which also burden operators with new maintenance procedures.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analyzer is designed with a specimen container conveying unit that intersects with the specimen dispensing position, using alignment mechanisms such as pins and holes or alignment jigs to maintain consistent relative positions and operations, allowing for seamless integration of different types of specimen containers and reducing the need for extensive reconfiguration and operator training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the configuration of the inspection system is changed, then the inspection system can be adapted to new requirements, but the specimen container conveying unit and specimen dispensing unit must be greatly changed, leading to increased cost and operator burden
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen container conveying unit is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different types of specimen containers and conveying systems. The unit can be mounted on the automatic analyzer in various configurations (left side, right side, front side, or rear side) and still function with different inspection systems, eliminating the need for major reconfiguration when the inspection system changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The specimen container conveying unit incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that allow it to adapt its configuration dynamically. The unit can be repositioned and reconfigured to work with different inspection system layouts without requiring complete replacement or major modifications, enabling flexible adaptation to changing system requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the specimen container conveying unit is changed to match a new inspection system, then compatibility is improved, but the relative position between the conveying unit and specimen dispensing unit changes, requiring changes to the dispensing unit and increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen container conveying unit uses a standardized mounting interface with alignment mechanisms (pins and holes) that ensure consistent relative positioning with the specimen dispensing unit regardless of which inspection system is connected. This universal interface design maintains manufacturing precision while allowing compatibility with different inspection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment mechanism consisting of pins and holes acts as an intermediary between the specimen container conveying unit and the specimen dispensing unit. This intermediary structure ensures that the relative position between these components remains consistent even when the external inspection system configuration changes, preventing the need to reposition or redesign the dispensing unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inspection system configuration is changed, then new functionality is achieved, but operator maintenance burden increases due to need to memorize new maintenance methods
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen container conveying unit is designed with a standardized configuration and interface that remains consistent across different inspection system configurations. This universality means that the maintenance procedures, access points, and operational methods remain the same regardless of which inspection system is connected, reducing operator burden and eliminating the need to memorize multiple maintenance methods.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is to realize an automatic analyzer capable of suppressing an increase in cost without greatly changing the configuration even when the configuration of an inspection system is changed, and reducing burden of an operator. A pin 306 to be fitted into a hole 305a formed in a specimen container conveying unit 102a is formed on a specimen container conveying unit mounting surface 304 at a position below a specimen suction position 110, and it is possible to make relative positions between components of a specimen dispensing unit 105 and the specimen container conveying unit 102a at the time of a specimen dispensing operation, as well as driving conditions when moving each axis of the specimen dispensing unit 105 identical even when the types of the specimen container conveying unit are different, and it is possible to ensure stability of the same specimen dispensing operation before and after changing the specimen container conveying unit. Although it is necessary for an operator to memorize a procedure of maintenance work relating to the specimen container conveying unit 102a, work procedures relating to other units of the automatic analyzer are not changed and it is not necessary to memorize new maintenance procedures of the other units, and thus the burden of the operator can be reduced.