Specimen Transport Apparatus with Parallel Paths and Simultaneous Aliquoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen preprocessing/transport apparatuses require complex parent and child specimen transport units, leading to inefficient processing due to the need for individual loading and unloading of specimens, which complicates the transport paths and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A specimen preprocessing/transport apparatus with a test tube transport path and a parallel rack transport path, featuring an aliquoting/dispensing device that simultaneously aliquots specimens from test tubes and dispenses them into sample cups, simplifying the transport paths and improving efficiency by allowing multiple specimens to be processed in sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual loading and unloading of specimens is performed using complex parent and child specimen transport units, then specimen processing can be performed, but processing efficiency deteriorates due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the transport path into distinct segments: a test tube transport path for parent specimens and a rack transport path for child specimens. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each transport path and enables parallel processing operations without interference between parent and child specimen handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The aliquoting/dispensing device combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit: it simultaneously performs aliquoting of parent specimens from test tubes and dispensing into child specimen racks. This merging eliminates the need for separate transport units and sequential operations, directly improving processing efficiency.
2Productivity
If complicated parent and child specimen transport units are used, then specimen handling can be performed, but the transport paths become complex and processing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the aliquoting/dispensing function from the complex parent-child transport system and positions it centrally on the test tube transport path. This extraction simplifies the overall transport architecture by eliminating the need for separate child specimen transport units and their associated complex paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The aliquoting/dispensing device serves multiple functions: it acts as both an aliquoting station for parent specimens and a dispensing station for child specimens, while also serving as a central hub that receives test tubes from the test tube transport path and outputs to the rack transport path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated specialized units.
3Speed
If specimens are loaded and unloaded one by one, then individual specimen processing is achieved, but processing speed deteriorates due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous parallel operations: while the aliquoting/dispensing device processes one set of test tubes and racks, the transport paths simultaneously move the next set of specimens into position. This continuity eliminates idle time and maintains constant processing throughput, improving both speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport paths are designed to pre-position test tubes and sample racks in advance before they reach the aliquoting/dispensing device. This preliminary positioning ensures that specimens are ready for immediate processing, eliminating waiting time and maintaining continuous high-speed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen preprocessing/transport apparatus includes a test tube transport path on which test tubes filled with specimens are held in test tube holders and transported, a rack transport path on which sample cups are held in a sample cup rack and the rack is transported, a filled-tube loading section which loads the test tubes into the test tube transport path, a rack loading section which loads the sample cup rack into the rack transport path, an aliquoting/dispensing device which is located in the middle of the test tube transport path and configured to simultaneously aliquot the specimens in the test tubes, and simultaneously dispense the sample cups on the rack transport path, and an analyzer which is located on the downstream side of the rack transport path and configured to receive the sample cup rack stored with the specimens and analyze the specimens.