Automated Vessel Holder Storage and Retrieval System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated clinical analyzers face inefficiencies in handling and processing large volumes of samples, requiring batch processing and manual intervention, which leads to increased operational time and unoccupied analyzer periods due to limitations in sample capacity and localization during analysis.
Innovation Solution
An automated system with vertically translating storage compartments and transport mechanisms allows for flexible loading and unloading of vessel holders, enabling increased or decreased sample capacity without altering the analyzer's dimensions, and enables localization of samples before loading, using multiple levels and independent translating mechanisms for efficient sample handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of samples is increased without enlarging the overall dimensions of the analyzer, then the sample capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multi-level storage sections and translating mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-level horizontal sample arrangement to a multi-level vertical storage configuration. Storage sections are arranged at different vertical levels and can be translated independently, allowing the system to increase sample capacity by utilizing the vertical dimension rather than expanding horizontally, thus avoiding enlargement of the overall analyzer dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample storage system is divided into multiple independent storage sections, each capable of being translated separately by individual translating mechanisms. This segmentation allows flexible access to different sample batches and enables the system to handle large volumes of samples through coordinated operation of multiple independent units, resolving the complexity issue by modularizing the storage and retrieval function.
2Productivity
If samples are localized and removed from the analyzer during an on-going run, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for independent translating mechanisms and transport systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system translates storage sections to positioning levels and transports sample vessels to the handing-over station in advance of when they are needed for analysis. This preliminary positioning and preparation of samples allows the analyzer to immediately process samples during an on-going run without waiting for batch completion, thereby improving productivity while the modular translating and transport mechanisms manage the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A handing-over station acts as an intermediary between the multi-level storage sections and the analyzer. This intermediary component receives sample vessels from different storage sections, prepares them for analysis, and delivers them to the analyzer, enabling sample localization and removal during ongoing runs while isolating the complexity of the translating mechanisms from the core analysis function.
3Measurement precision
If the technician handles each batch individually, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to manual intervention and unoccupied analyzer periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated translating mechanisms and transport systems that independently manage sample retrieval, positioning, and delivery to the analyzer. This self-service capability eliminates the need for continuous manual technician intervention, allowing batches to be processed automatically without unoccupied analyzer periods, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision through controlled automated handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The translating mechanisms and transport systems operate continuously to translate storage sections and deliver sample vessels to the analyzer without interruption. This continuous operation ensures that the analyzer remains occupied throughout the analysis process, eliminating idle periods between batches and reducing overall processing time while maintaining the precision of individual measurements through uninterrupted automated workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated system and method for storing/retrieving vessel holders is presented. A first storage compartment comprises first storage sections. A first translating mechanism vertically translates one storage section to a loading level for loading holders into the first storage compartment and translates one storage section to a handing-in level for handing in holders to/from an analyzer. A second storage compartment comprises second storage sections. A second translating mechanism vertically translates one second storage sections to a handing-out level and translates one storage section to an unloading level for unloading holders from the second storage compartment. A first transport mechanism comprises a first conveyor for transporting holders from a first storage section at the handing-in level to a handing-over station. A second transport mechanism comprises a second conveyor for transporting holders from the handing-over station to a second storage section at the handing-out level. A controller operates the mechanisms.