Specimen Processing Device Dual Conveyance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing specimen processing systems are vulnerable to failure when issues occur in the unit controller or conveyance paths, leading to operational disruptions and inability to continue processing specimens.

Innovation Solution

A specimen processing system with independent control of the first conveyance mechanism by the information processing unit, allowing continuous operation even if the second conveyance mechanism or system controller is malfunctioning, through a dual control mode setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the partial line unit controls both the main conveyance path and the return conveyance path with one unit controller, then the control structure is simplified, but the entire partial line unit becomes inoperative when failure occurs in the unit controller

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol structureVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into a system control device that controls the main conveyance path and individual unit controllers that control the return conveyance path. This segmentation allows the return conveyance path to operate independently when the main conveyance path fails, preventing complete system shutdown and improving operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the specimen rack stops at each processing unit for processing, then processing can be performed accurately, but the processing time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous conveyance of the specimen rack through the main conveyance path without stopping at intermediate processing units. Processing operations are performed while the rack is in motion or immediately upon arrival, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-positions the specimen rack on the main conveyance path and prepares processing units in advance. The rack is conveyed continuously to the next processing unit without intermediate stops, and processing units are ready to receive and process specimens immediately upon arrival, reducing waiting time and improving throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the conveyance line is configured with multiple partial line units connected in series, then each unit can be independently managed, but the system becomes vulnerable to complete failure when any unit controller malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent unit managementVSAvoidsystem robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system can dynamically change operational parameters by switching between different control modes. When a unit controller fails, the system changes from centralized control to decentralized control, allowing the return conveyance path to continue operating with its own unit controller while the main conveyance path is repaired, thus maintaining system robustness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3663766B1Specimen processing device and specimen conveyance device

Publication Date: 2022.08.03 SYSMEX CORP

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AI summary

A specimen processing device comprising: a specimen processing unit for processing specimens; a first conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from a carry-in side towards a carry-out side on the opposite side of the carry-in side with respect to the specimen processing unit through a specimen supply position for supplying specimens to the specimen processing unit; a second conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from the carry-in side towards the carry-out side without passing the specimen supply position; a first control device for controlling the first conveyance mechanism; and a second control device for controlling the second conveyance mechanism, is disclosed. A specimen conveyance device and a specimen conveyance method are also disclosed.