Medical analyzer and method for compensating installation errors thereof

Abstract

The application provides a medical analyzer and an installation error compensation method thereof. The medical analyzer comprises a body, a sample adding mechanism, a controller and a plurality of functional modules. The body is provided with a base. The plurality of functional modules are arranged on the base in a flat manner. The upper surfaces of the plurality of functional modules are provided with at least three non-collinear calibration portions, and the at least three non-collinear calibration portions are arranged on two functional modules respectively. The sample adding mechanism comprises a sample adding arm and a driving mechanism. The sample adding arm is provided with a sample adding needle. The driving mechanism is connected with the sample adding arm to drive the sample adding arm to perform three-dimensional movement in space. The controller is electrically connected with the sample adding mechanism. The controller is used to calculate the installation error between the functional modules provided with the calibration portions, so as to control the sample adding mechanism to compensate the installation error. The application can compensate the installation error of the medical analyzer, and then can control the sample adding needle to accurately add the liquid such as reagent or sample into the micro-fluidic chip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and more specifically, to a medical analyzer and a method for compensating for installation errors thereon. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidics technology integrates the basic operational units of biological, chemical, and medical analysis processes, such as sample preparation, reaction, separation, and detection, onto a single micrometer-scale chip, automating the entire analytical process. It holds immense potential in fields such as biology, chemistry, and medicine.

[0003] Currently, medical analyzers based on microfluidic technology, such as biochemical analyzers, coagulation analyzers, and chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers, are prone to errors during transportation and assembly. The relative positions of the various modules on the medical analyzer after assembly may change from their designed positions. When the sample dispensing needle on the medical analyzer is used to dispense samples, the sample dispensing needle may not be able to accurately fill the microfluidic chip with reagents or samples. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a medical analyzer and a method for compensating for installation errors of the medical analyzer, which can compensate for installation errors of the medical analyzer and thereby control the dispensing needle to accurately dispense reagents or samples into the microfluidic chip.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a medical analyzer, comprising:

[0006] The body, on which a base is provided;

[0007] Multiple functional modules are laid flat on the base, and at least three non-collinear calibration parts are provided on the upper surface of the multiple functional modules. The at least three non-collinear calibration parts are respectively provided on two of the functional modules.

[0008] A sample dispensing mechanism, disposed on the body and above the base, includes a sample dispensing arm and a drive mechanism. The sample dispensing arm is equipped with a sample dispensing needle, and the drive mechanism is connected to the sample dispensing arm to drive it to perform three-dimensional movement in space.

[0009] A controller, electrically connected to the sample dispensing mechanism, is used at least to control the movement of the dispensing needle between the calibration sections to determine the coordinates of a point on each calibration section in a predetermined spatial rectangular coordinate system. The controller is also used to calculate the installation error between the functional modules on which the calibration sections are provided, thereby controlling the sample dispensing mechanism to compensate for the installation error.

[0010] Furthermore, the functional module includes at least a reagent / sample module and a detection module. The reagent / sample module is provided with at least two calibration sections, and the detection module includes a rotatable tray with at least one calibration section disposed in the center of the tray.

[0011] Furthermore, the calibration unit includes a metal part, and the medical analyzer is provided with a detection element. The detection element is electrically connected to the controller. The sample needle touches the metal part to trigger the detection element. The controller calculates the coordinates of a point on the calibration unit in the predetermined spatial rectangular coordinate system based on the signal transmitted by the detection element.

[0012] Furthermore, the calibration section includes a calibration ring or a calibration surface.

[0013] Furthermore, the medical analyzer also includes a manual adjustment module, which is connected to the sample dispensing mechanism and is used to adjust the sample dispensing mechanism to compensate for the installation error.

[0014] Furthermore, the medical analyzer includes a biochemical analyzer, a coagulation analyzer, or a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for compensating for installation errors in a medical analyzer, wherein the installation error compensation method is performed using the aforementioned medical analyzer, the installation error compensation method comprising:

[0016] Step S1: Establish a spatial rectangular coordinate system;

[0017] Step S2: Using the controller, the sampling needle is used to calibrate the calibration section sequentially to determine the coordinates of a point on each calibration section in the spatial rectangular coordinate system;

[0018] Step S3: Subtract the coordinates from the design coordinates of the medical analyzer to calculate the installation error;

[0019] Step S4: Control the sample dispensing mechanism to compensate for the installation error.

[0020] Furthermore, in step S1, a spatial rectangular coordinate system is established with one position of the sample application arm as the origin, a plane parallel to the upper surface of the base as the XY plane, and the height direction of the medical analyzer as the Z-axis direction.

[0021] Furthermore, in step S2, the method for determining the coordinates of a point on each of the calibration units includes:

[0022] The controller is used to control the sampling needle to touch three points on different lines that are in the same plane of the calibration section;

[0023] The controller is used to calculate the coordinates of the center of the circle determined by the three points, and then the X-axis and Y-axis coordinates of the center of the circle are determined.

[0024] The controller controls the dispensing needle to move directly above the center of the circle and lower the dispensing needle. When the dispensing needle touches the calibration part, the height at which the dispensing needle descends is the Z-axis coordinate of the center of the circle.

[0025] Furthermore, in step S4, the sampling needle is controlled using the controller or the manual adjustment module of the medical analyzer to compensate for the installation error.

[0026] Applying the technical solution of this invention, in actual use, the controller controls the drive mechanism of the sample application mechanism, thereby driving the sample application arm and the sample application needle mounted on the arm to move. When the sample application needle touches the calibration section, a corresponding signal is transmitted to the controller. The controller can then calculate the installation error of the medical analyzer based on this signal. In other words, by setting at least three non-collinear calibration sections on the medical analyzer, the controller can detect the installation error between functional modules when it controls the sample application needle to move between these calibration sections. Based on this installation error, the medical analyzer can be controlled to compensate for the installation error.

[0027] Furthermore, when assembling medical analyzers, it is not necessary to assemble them to the designed precision. The requirements for on-site assembly personnel are not high. Even if relative displacement occurs between the various functional modules of the medical analyzer during use and transportation, resulting in installation errors, the corresponding installation errors can be calculated through the coordinated positioning action of the dispensing needle and calibration unit. Subsequent control of the drive mechanism and other components can then compensate for these installation errors, thereby enabling precise dispensing of reagents or test samples to predetermined locations, such as within the microfluidic chip. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the medical analyzer disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the installation error compensation method for a medical analyzer disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0032] 10. Body; 11. Base; 20. Functional module; 21. Reagent / sample module; 22. Detection module; 221. Tray; 23. Calibration section; 30. Sample dispensing arm; 31. Sample dispensing needle. Detailed Implementation

[0033] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0034] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0035] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0036] See Figure 1 As shown in the embodiments of the present invention, a medical analyzer is provided, which may be a biochemical analyzer, a coagulation analyzer, or a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer.

[0037] Specifically, the medical analyzer in this embodiment includes a body 10, multiple functional modules 20, a sample dispensing mechanism, and a controller (not shown in the figure).

[0038] The device body 10 is provided with a base 11. The aforementioned multiple functional modules 20 are laid flat on the base 11. The upper surface of the multiple functional modules 20 (the surface facing upwards during use) is provided with at least three non-collinear calibration parts 23. The sample dispensing mechanism is provided on the device body 10 and located above the base 11. The sample dispensing mechanism includes a sample dispensing arm 30 and a drive mechanism (not shown in the figure). The sample dispensing arm 30 is provided with a sample dispensing needle 31. The drive mechanism is connected to the sample dispensing arm 30 to drive the sample dispensing arm 30 to perform three-dimensional movement in space. The controller is electrically connected to the sample dispensing mechanism to at least control the movement of the sample dispensing needle 31 between the calibration parts 23 to determine the coordinates of a point on each calibration part 23 in a predetermined spatial rectangular coordinate system. The controller is also used to calculate the installation error between the functional modules 20 provided with the aforementioned calibration parts 23, so that the sample dispensing mechanism can be controlled to compensate for the installation error.

[0039] Optionally, the driving mechanism in this embodiment includes a stepper motor and a transmission assembly. The controller is electrically connected to the stepper motor to drive the stepper motor to work, and the transmission mechanism is connected between the sample application arm 30 and the stepper motor to transmit the power of the drive motor to the sample application arm 30. In order to drive the sample application arm 30 to perform three-dimensional movement in space, a slide rail and a lifting mechanism, etc., can also be provided, but this embodiment does not make specific limitations.

[0040] In actual use, the drive mechanism of the sample dispensing mechanism is controlled by the controller, which in turn drives the sample dispensing arm 30 and the dispensing needle 31 mounted on the sample dispensing arm 30 to move. When the dispensing needle 31 touches the calibration section 23, it transmits a corresponding signal to the controller. The controller can calculate the installation error of the medical analyzer based on this signal (the calculation method of the installation error will be explained in detail later). That is to say, in this embodiment, by setting at least three non-collinear calibration sections 23 on the medical analyzer, when the controller controls the dispensing needle 31 to move between the calibration sections 23, the installation error between the functional modules 20 can be detected. Based on the installation error, the medical analyzer can be controlled to compensate for the installation error, thereby enabling the dispensing needle 31 to accurately dispense reagents or test samples to a predetermined position, such as inside a microfluidic chip.

[0041] Furthermore, when assembling a medical analyzer, it is not necessary to assemble it to the required precision. The requirements for on-site assembly personnel are not high. Even if relative displacement occurs between the various functional modules 20 of the medical analyzer during use and transportation, resulting in installation errors, the corresponding installation errors can be calculated through the positioning action of the sample dispensing needle 31 and the calibration unit 23. Subsequently, the installation error can be compensated by controlling the drive mechanism, etc., so that reagents or test samples can be accurately dispensed into predetermined positions, such as inside the microfluidic chip.

[0042] It should be noted that the present invention can not only determine and compensate for the installation error between two functional modules 20, but also for the installation error between three or more functional modules 20. Specifically, when the functional module 20 is a fixed module, it is only necessary to provide at least two calibration parts 23 on the fixed functional module 20. When the functional module 20 is a rotatable functional module 20, it is only necessary to provide at least one calibration part 23 at the rotation center of the functional module 20, while ensuring that the above-mentioned at least three calibration parts 23 are not collinear.

[0043] In this invention, the description will focus on two functional modules, 20. Specifically, in this embodiment, the functional module 20 includes a reagent / sample module 21 and a detection module 22. The reagent / sample module 21 is provided with at least two calibration sections 23. The detection module 22 includes a rotatable tray 221 for placing a microfluidic chip (not shown in the figure), and at least one calibration section 23 is provided in the center of the tray 221.

[0044] Furthermore, the calibration unit 23 in this embodiment includes a metal part. The medical analyzer is provided with a detection element (not shown in the figure) that matches the metal part, such as a detection capacitor. The detection element is electrically connected to the controller. When the sampling needle 31 touches at least three points on the metal part that are in the same plane, the detection element can be triggered three times respectively and the position signal of the sampling needle 31 can be transmitted to the controller. The controller can calculate the two-dimensional coordinates of a point on the metal part in a predetermined spatial rectangular coordinate system based on the position signals of the three points. Then, the sampling needle 31 is moved above the point and then moved down until it touches the metal part, so that the three-dimensional coordinates of the point can be obtained. By comparing the coordinates with the design coordinates of the medical analyzer, the installation error of the medical analyzer can be obtained.

[0045] Optionally, the calibration section 23 in this embodiment includes a calibration ring or a calibration surface. The calibration ring can be a circular ring, a square ring, or other irregularly shaped ring, as long as the point where the sampling needle 31 touches the calibration section 23 is located in the same plane of the calibration section 23. It can be understood that the plane mentioned here can be a plane parallel to the XY plane.

[0046] Furthermore, the medical analyzer also includes a manual adjustment module (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the sample dispensing mechanism. This manual adjustment module is used to adjust the sample dispensing mechanism to compensate for installation errors. That is to say, the compensation for installation errors of the medical analyzer in this embodiment can be achieved through manual adjustment or automatic adjustment through the controller.

[0047] Optionally, the manual adjustment module in this embodiment can be a drive component, such as a drive motor slide rail mechanism, etc. The drive motor drives the sample arm 30 to move on the slide rail mechanism, thereby compensating for the above-mentioned installation error. Any other structure and control method that can drive the sample arm 30 to move in space to compensate for the installation error is within the protection scope of this invention.

[0048] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an installation error compensation method for a medical analyzer is also provided, which is performed using the medical analyzer described above.

[0049] The following will describe in detail the installation error compensation method of the medical analyzer of the present invention. Specifically, the calibration method includes four steps.

[0050] Step S1: Establish a spatial rectangular coordinate system.

[0051] In step S1, a spatial rectangular coordinate system is established with one position (any position) of the sample loading arm 30 as the origin, a plane parallel to the upper surface of the base 11 as the XY plane, and the height direction of the medical analyzer as the Z-axis. This simplifies the process of the controller calculating the coordinates of points on the calibration unit 23, thereby improving the control and response speed of the medical analyzer in this embodiment.

[0052] Of course, in other embodiments of the present invention, a spatial rectangular coordinate system can also be established with a calibration part 23 as the center. Any other variations under the concept of the present invention are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0053] Optionally, the process of establishing a spatial rectangular coordinate system can be manually set on the controller or pre-programmed on the controller.

[0054] Step S2: Use the controller to control the sampling needle 31 to calibrate the calibration section 23 in sequence to determine the coordinates of a point on each calibration section 23 in the spatial rectangular coordinate system.

[0055] In this step, the coordinates of a point on each calibration unit 23 in the spatial rectangular coordinate system are determined as follows:

[0056] First, the controller controls the sampling needle 31 to touch three points on the calibration section 23 that are on the same plane (especially parallel to the XY plane) but not on different lines. Using the geometric principle that three points on the same plane define a circle, the controller can calculate the coordinates of the circle's center. These center coordinates can be calculated by combining the displacement of the sampling needle 31 with geometric relationships, thus determining the X and Y coordinates of the circle's center. Finally, the controller moves the sampling needle 31 directly above the center and slowly lowers it. When the sampling needle 31 touches the calibration section 23 (i.e., the center), the height it descends is the Z-axis coordinate of the circle's center. Following this method, the coordinates of any point on any calibration section 23 of the medical analyzer can be obtained sequentially.

[0057] It should be noted that when the sampling needle 31 is controlled by the controller to touch at least three points of the calibration part 23 that are in the same plane but on different lines, the plane determined by the three points is preferably parallel to the upper surface of the base 11. This can further reduce the calculation difficulty of the controller.

[0058] Step S3: Subtract the coordinates from the design coordinates of the medical analyzer to calculate the installation error between the functional modules 20.

[0059] In actual setup of the calibration unit 23, for rotatable modules, only one calibration unit 23 needs to be set at the center of the rotatable functional module 20. However, for stationary functional modules 20, at least two calibration units 23 are required. The coordinates of a point on the calibration unit 23 detected by the sampling needle 31 are subtracted from the design coordinates of the medical analyzer to calculate the installation error between the reagent / sample module 21 and the detection module 22.

[0060] Step S4: Control the sample dispensing mechanism to compensate for installation errors.

[0061] In this step, the sample dispensing mechanism can be adjusted and controlled based on the installation error calculated in step S3. Specifically, the movement of the sample dispensing needle 31 can be automatically controlled by the controller to compensate for the installation error, or the manual adjustment module on the medical analyzer can be used to control the sample dispensing needle 31 to supplement the installation error.

[0062] The installation error compensation method for the medical analyzer in this invention can compensate for installation errors. When assembling the medical analyzer, it is not necessary to assemble it to the design precision. The requirements for on-site assembly personnel are not high. Even if relative displacement occurs between the functional modules 20 of the medical analyzer during use and transportation, resulting in installation errors, the corresponding installation errors can be calculated through the positioning effect of the sampling needle 31 and the calibration unit 23. Subsequently, the installation error can be compensated by controlling the drive mechanism, etc., so that reagents or test samples can be accurately added to the predetermined position, such as inside the microfluidic chip.

[0063] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0064] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0065] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A medical analyzer, characterized in that, include: The body (10) is provided with a base (11); Multiple functional modules (20) are laid flat on the base (11). At least three non-collinear calibration parts (23) are provided on the upper surface of the multiple functional modules (20). The at least three non-collinear calibration parts (23) are respectively provided on two functional modules (20). The sample dispensing mechanism is disposed on the body (10) and located above the base (11). The sample dispensing mechanism includes a sample dispensing arm (30) and a driving mechanism. A sample dispensing needle (31) is disposed on the sample dispensing arm (30). The driving mechanism is connected to the sample dispensing arm (30) to drive the sample dispensing arm (30) to perform three-dimensional movement in space. as well as A controller, electrically connected to the sample dispensing mechanism, is used at least to control the movement of the dispensing needle (31) between the calibration sections (23) to determine the coordinates of a point on each of the calibration sections (23) in a predetermined spatial rectangular coordinate system. The controller is also used to calculate the installation error between the functional modules (20) on which the calibration sections (23) are provided, thereby controlling the sample dispensing mechanism to compensate for the installation error. The calibration unit (23) includes a metal part. The medical analyzer is provided with a detection element. The detection element is electrically connected to the controller. The sampling needle (31) touches the metal part to trigger the detection element. The controller calculates the coordinates of a point on the calibration unit (23) in the predetermined spatial rectangular coordinate system based on the signal transmitted by the detection element. The medical analyzer also includes a manual adjustment module, which is connected to the sample dispensing mechanism. The manual adjustment module is used to adjust the sample dispensing mechanism to compensate for the installation error.

2. The medical analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional module (20) includes at least a reagent / sample module (21) and a detection module (22). The reagent / sample module (21) is provided with at least two calibration parts (23). The detection module (22) includes a rotatable tray (221), and at least one calibration part (23) is provided in the center of the tray (221).

3. The medical analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calibration section (23) includes a calibration ring or a calibration surface.

4. The medical analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The medical analyzers include biochemical analyzers, coagulation analyzers, or chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers.

5. A method for compensating for installation errors in a medical analyzer, characterized in that, The installation error compensation method is performed using the medical analyzer described in any one of claims 1 to 4, and the installation error compensation method includes: Step S1: Establish a spatial rectangular coordinate system; Step S2: Using the controller, the sampling needle (31) is used to calibrate the calibration section (23) sequentially to determine the coordinates of a point on each calibration section (23) in the spatial rectangular coordinate system; Step S3: Subtract the coordinates from the design coordinates of the medical analyzer to calculate the installation error; Step S4: Control the sample dispensing mechanism to compensate for the installation error.

6. The method for compensating for installation errors in a medical analyzer according to claim 5, characterized in that, In step S1, a spatial rectangular coordinate system is established with one position of the sample loading arm (30) as the origin, the plane parallel to the upper surface of the base (11) as the XY plane, and the height direction of the medical analyzer as the Z-axis direction.

7. The method for compensating for installation errors in a medical analyzer according to claim 5, characterized in that, In step S2, the method for determining the coordinates of a point on each of the calibration units (23) includes: The controller is used to control the sampling needle (31) to touch three points on different lines that are in the same plane of the calibration part (23); The controller is used to calculate the coordinates of the center of the circle determined by the three points, and then the X-axis and Y-axis coordinates of the center of the circle are determined. The controller controls the dispensing needle (31) to move directly above the center of the circle and lower the dispensing needle (31). When the dispensing needle (31) touches the calibration part (23), the height at which the dispensing needle (31) falls is the Z-axis coordinate of the center of the circle.

8. The method for compensating for installation errors in a medical analyzer according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, In step S4, the sample dispensing needle (31) is controlled by the controller or the manual adjustment module of the medical analyzer to compensate for the installation error.

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