Integrated Specimen Dispensing for Multifaceted Blood Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen analysis methods require operators to perform multiple tasks, such as setting blood collection tubes and manually spotting test devices, which are time-consuming and burdensome.
Innovation Solution
A specimen analysis apparatus with a dispensing mechanism that dispenses specimens to both a measurement cell and a separate test device, combined with a centrifugal mechanism for separating specimen components, allowing multifaceted testing while reducing operator burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated apparatuses are used for different measurement methods, then measurement versatility is improved, but operator burden and task complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (blood count measurement and CRP measurement) into a single integrated apparatus. The blood analysis apparatus includes both a measurement cell for automated blood count and a test device holder for CRP tests, allowing one apparatus to perform multiple measurement types that previously required separate dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The blood analysis apparatus is designed with universal functionality to handle different measurement methods. It can process blood specimens for both automated hemocyte counting and CRP measurement using test devices, making a single apparatus capable of performing multiple specialized functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators perform multiple manual tasks for different measurements, then comprehensive testing is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is prepared in advance with both the measurement cell and test device holder ready to receive specimens. The integration of multiple measurement functions in one device eliminates the need for operators to sequentially set up different apparatuses, reducing preparation time and enabling comprehensive testing to be performed more efficiently.
3Ease of operation
If a single apparatus performs multiple measurement functions, then operator burden is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blood analysis apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: a measurement cell for automated blood count and a test device holder for CRP measurements. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function independently while being integrated into a unified system, managing complexity through functional division.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables multifaceted specimen testing by automating the dispensing and separation processes, thereby reducing the time and effort required from operators.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal mechanism that centrifugally separates, by rotating the test device, the components of the specimen with which the test device is spotted
Data Source
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AI summary
A specimen analysis apparatus includes a specimen measurement cell and a dispensing mechanism that dispenses a specimen. The dispensing mechanism dispenses the specimen to the specimen measurement cell and to a test device held in a different place from the specimen measurement cell.