Specimen Holder Shape Matching for Misprocessing Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen processing apparatuses require complex structures and identifier reading systems to ensure correct processing methods, leading to potential misprocessing if sample trays are incorrectly positioned.
Innovation Solution
A specimen processing apparatus with holders of different shapes and a corresponding holder placement unit, allowing for accurate processing without the need for identifier reading systems, by ensuring holders are correctly aligned and positioned for desired processing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an identifier reading apparatus is added to switch processing methods based on sample tray identifiers, then the system can accurately identify and process samples according to their designated methods, but the apparatus structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The sample tray itself serves as the identifier carrier through its unique shape, eliminating the need for external identifier reading apparatus. The tray's physical form (square, rectangular, circular, etc.) automatically identifies the required processing method, making the system self-identifying without additional complex equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical/electronic identifier reading system with a simple mechanical shape-matching system. The holder placement unit has corresponding receiving portions that physically accept only trays with matching shapes, substituting complex electronic identification with simple geometric compatibility
2Device complexity
If sample trays are placed at wrong positions without identifier reading, then the structure remains simple, but samples are processed by incorrect methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric shape design where each sample tray has a unique geometric form (square, rectangular, circular, triangular, etc.) that corresponds to a specific processing method. This asymmetry ensures that trays can only be placed in the correct position, as mismatched shapes physically prevent incorrect placement
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the holder placement unit have locally adapted receiving portions with specific shapes designed to accept only corresponding tray types. Each receiving portion is locally optimized for a specific tray shape, ensuring that samples are automatically directed to the correct processing method based on their tray's geometric properties
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen processing apparatus performs processing on a specimen contained in a container. The specimen processing apparatus includes: holders having different shapes, each of the holders being configured to hold the container; a holder placement unit that comprises holder receiving portions having different shapes, the shapes of the holder receiving portions corresponding to the shapes of the holders; and a specimen processing unit that performs processing on the specimen contained in the container held by one of the holders placed on the holder placement unit.