Specimen Container Load Balancing for Stable Detection Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated detection systems for pathogenic microorganisms in biological fluids face inefficiencies in load balancing and temperature variation across multiple detection apparatuses, leading to suboptimal processing times and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for load balancing specimen containers between multiple automated detection apparatuses, involving a method that determines the loading ability and cell availability of each apparatus, transfers containers based on ratios of effective available cell count to effective capacity, and includes status assignments (active, disabled, load-only, pass-through) to optimize resource allocation and reduce temperature variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If specimen containers are distributed across multiple automated detection apparatuses, then system capacity and throughput are improved, but temperature variation and load imbalance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distribution of specimen containers across multiple automated detection apparatuses based on real-time temperature conditions and load status. The controller continuously monitors temperature variation and modifies allocation decisions to maintain thermal stability while maximizing throughput, transforming a static distribution problem into a dynamic optimization process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different operational characteristics to different detection apparatuses based on their specific temperature conditions and current loads. Each apparatus is evaluated individually for its loading ability, and containers are routed to specific apparatuses that best match the required thermal and capacity conditions, rather than treating all apparatuses uniformly.
2Productivity
If more specimen containers are loaded into detection apparatuses, then processing capacity is improved, but system overload and detection accuracy worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the load status, temperature conditions, and detection performance of each apparatus. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts container allocation to prevent overload conditions that would compromise detection accuracy, while still maintaining high processing capacity through optimal utilization of available resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting the effective capacity and loading thresholds based on real-time conditions. When detection accuracy begins to deteriorate due to high load, the system modifies the effective capacity parameter to reduce incoming containers to that apparatus, thereby maintaining precision while preserving overall productivity through redistribution to other apparatuses.
3Device complexity
If automated detection apparatuses operate independently, then system simplicity is improved, but resource utilization and efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional controller that performs multiple roles: monitoring temperature, tracking load status, calculating effective capacity, and making allocation decisions. This universal controller enables independent apparatuses to work together as an integrated system, improving resource utilization without requiring complex inter-apparatus communication or coordination protocols.
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
This approach enhances the efficiency of microbial detection by ensuring optimal distribution of specimen containers, reducing overall temperature variation, and preventing system overload, thereby improving processing times and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
The detection unit may include the features of U.S. patents 4,945,060; 5,094,955; 5,162,229; 5,164,776; 5,217,876; 5,795,773; and 5,856,175, or it may include other technology for detecting the presence of a microbial agent in the test sample
Implementation Method 2
The automated detection system also comprises one or more heating means to provide a heated enclosure or incubation chamber
Implementation Method 3
a holding structure and/or agitation means for holding and/or agitating the specimen container to promote or enhance microorganism growth therein
Data Source
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Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a system and method for load balancing specimen containers between a plurality of automated detection apparatuses. The method may include receiving a specimen container at a container pick-up station in a first automated detection apparatus; determining loading ability, transfer status, and cell availability of the first automated detection apparatus and one or more downstream automated detection apparatuses; and transferring the specimen container from the first automated detection apparatus to a downstream automated detection apparatus when a first ratio of effective available cell count to effective capacity in the first automated detection apparatus is less than a second ratio of total effective available cell count to total effective capacity of a sum of the first automated detection apparatus and the one or more downstream automated detection apparatuses.