Specimen Transfer Device Parallel Handling Barcode Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing specimen processing systems face challenges in integrating pretreatment and analysis systems due to differences in carrier designs, leading to reduced processing capacity and issues with bar code recognition, especially when handling multiple analyzing systems with varying specimen types and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A specimen transfer device that enables flexible conveyance of specimen containers between carriers of different capacities and orientations, using a belt conveyance line, stopper mechanisms, and X-Y-Z transfer mechanisms to ensure uniform orientation and efficient transfer without stopping the process, and incorporates bar code readers for accurate identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transfer device is provided between carriers of different capacities to connect pretreatment and analyzing systems, then integration between systems is achieved, but processing capacity decreases due to sequential transfer requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device is divided into multiple transfer units (first transfer unit and second transfer unit) that can operate independently and simultaneously. Each transfer unit handles transfers to different analyzing systems, allowing parallel processing and eliminating sequential bottlenecks while maintaining system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple transfer units are merged into a single integrated transfer device that shares common components such as the conveyance line and control system. This allows simultaneous transfers to multiple analyzing systems while maintaining unified control and optimizing space utilization.
2Productivity
If carriers are fed to multiple analyzing systems in parallel, then processing capacity is maintained, but transfer coordination becomes complex when analyzing systems have different specimen requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device employs dynamic control where the conveyance line and transfer units can be independently controlled to adapt to different analyzing system requirements. The system can dynamically adjust transfer timing, speed, and orientation based on real-time demands of different analyzing systems, simplifying coordination while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance line acts as an intermediary between the pretreatment system and multiple analyzing systems, buffering and coordinating transfers. It manages the flow of carriers, ensuring proper timing and orientation for each analyzing system without requiring complex direct connections.
3Measurement precision
If bar code readers are positioned to read specimens in specific orientations, then reading accuracy is improved, but specimens with varying orientations cannot be read
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device performs preliminary orientation adjustment of specimens on carriers before they reach the bar code readers. By pre-positioning specimens in the correct orientation during the transfer process, the system ensures high reading accuracy without requiring the bar code readers to handle multiple orientations, thus maintaining both precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical repositioning of bar code readers with automated specimen orientation control during transfer. The transfer units adjust specimen orientation mechanically during conveyance, eliminating the need for multi-directional bar code readers while maintaining reading accuracy for all specimen orientations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A specimen transfer device having high flexibility is implemented, where a specimen can be transferred between carriers purposed for different kinds of conveyance without decreasing processing speed for the specimen. A plurality of trays that can retain specimen carriers of a transfer destination is provided, and these trays can be freely grouped, and therefore, while a carrier is fed from a tray, a specimen is automatically executed to a carrier in a different tray.