Standby Control Unit for Automatic Analyzer Power Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analysis devices consume significant power when in standby mode due to the need to keep the central control unit operational for quick restoration, leading to increased energy usage in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A separate standby control unit is introduced to manage the device's power state, allowing the central control unit to be completely shut down, reducing power consumption and enabling quicker restoration by storing system states and monitoring operating parameters during standby.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the central control unit is kept operational in standby mode to enable quick restoration, then the device can be restored to operation quickly, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent parts: a simplified standby control unit that manages power-saving functions and a full central control unit that handles analysis operations. This segmentation allows the central control unit to be completely powered down while maintaining quick restoration capability through the standby control unit's memory of system state.
Solution Approach 2:
The standby control unit performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring system parameters and storing the complete system state in memory during standby mode. This preliminary storage of operational parameters enables the central control unit to be rapidly restored without time-consuming re-initialization or status re-determination.
2Reliability
If all electronics are kept powered to ensure immediate operation, then the device is ready for emergency samples, but the central control unit consumes significant power during non-use
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into a standby control unit that maintains minimal power consumption and a central control unit that can be completely powered down. The standby control unit preserves system state information, ensuring the analyzer can be rapidly restored to full operation for emergency samples without requiring the central control unit to remain powered.
Solution Approach 2:
The standby control unit creates a copy of the system state (operating parameters, sample queue status, reagent levels) and stores it in memory. This copy allows the central control unit to be restored using the stored state information rather than re-determining all system parameters, maintaining readiness while reducing power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the central control unit is shut down to reduce power consumption, then energy usage decreases significantly, but system status must be re-determined which increases restoration time
Solution Approach 1:
The standby control unit performs the preliminary action of continuously monitoring and storing the complete system state during standby mode. This includes capturing operating parameters, sample queue status, and reagent level information. When restoration is needed, this pre-stored information eliminates the need for time-consuming re-determination of system status.
Solution Approach 2:
The standby control unit provides feedback by continuously monitoring system parameters and updating the stored system state. This feedback mechanism ensures that the most current operational information is preserved, allowing the central control unit to be restored with accurate system state knowledge without requiring re-sensing or re-determination of all parameters.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The method involves starting up a standby control unit (24). An established system state of automated analysis device (1) is stored in central control unit (6). The central control unit is shut down by virtue of the central control unit which is separated from voltage supply by an electric switch that is controlled by the standby control unit. The automated analysis device is provided with a cooling unit (12) for reagents. The system state is load state of the sample and/or reagent storage. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a method for restoring operating mode in automated analysis device; and (2) an automated analysis device.