Analytical sample cuvette timer rack and method for operating an analytical sample cuvette timer rack
By designing and analyzing a cuvette timer holder for sample analysis, automated reaction time management was achieved, solving the problem of cumbersome operation in the determination of various analytes and improving accuracy and reliability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HACH LANGE HACH LANGE
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies are cumbersome and imprecise when simultaneously measuring multiple different analytes, especially in different tanks in water treatment plants, where manual control of reaction time is inefficient.
An analytical sample cuvette timer rack was designed, comprising a vertically positioned container, a signaling device, a dispensing device, a reader station, an electronic time management device, and a temperature detector, achieving automated reaction time management through optical indicators and electronic control.
It improves the operational accuracy and reliability of multiple analytical sample cuvettes, simplifies the operation process, reduces human error, and adapts to changes in temperature and reaction time.
Smart Images
Figure CN122319367A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an analytical sample cuvette timer holder (preferably for water analysis) for assisting in the operation of analytical sample cuvettes, and to a method for operating the analytical sample cuvette timer holder.
[0002] This invention generally relates to a laboratory apparatus for manually analyzing analytes (e.g., ammonium, phosphate, or nitrate) using a laboratory analyzer. Typically, a water sample is transferred using a pipette into an analytical sample cuvette, which generally already contains suitable reagents. The cuvette is then placed in a sample cuvette rack until it is ready for analysis in the laboratory analyzer apparatus. The user manually determines the reaction time for the type of analysis being performed, typically using a stopwatch or similar manual control. This method can become cumbersome if multiple different analytes from different locations (e.g., different tanks in a water treatment plant) are being measured simultaneously.
[0003] A very complex and relatively expensive modular cuvette holder system is known from DE 2021 126 081 A1.
[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a simple apparatus and method for supporting the operation of multiple analytical sample cuvettes.
[0005] This objective is achieved using an analytical sample cuvette timer holder having the features of device claim 1 and a method for operating the analytical sample cuvette timer holder having the features of method claim 6.
[0006] The analytical sample cuvette timer holder is a laboratory device and is typically a component of an analyzer, but preferably not a component of the analyzer apparatus that ultimately determines the concentration of the analyte.
[0007] However, the analytical sample cuvette timer holder can be electrically and / or informationally connected to the analyzer device so that the analyzer device can plan the measurement sequence.
[0008] The analytical sample cuvette timer rack includes multiple identical vertical sample cuvette holders (receptacles) for vertically storing analytical sample cuvettes, each cuvette being equipped with a readable analysis type indicator. The holders can be vertical slots within the rack frame or in the rack housing. Preferably, more than two identical holders are provided.
[0009] Analytical sample cuvettes are typically equipped with a machine-readable analysis type indicator that indicates the type of analyte, which can be analyzed using that specific cuvette. In most cases, suitable reagents are already provided in the sample cuvette by the manufacturer. The analysis type indicator can be of any technical type, but is preferably an optical indicator implemented as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode affixed to the outer surface of the sample cuvette.
[0010] Each sample cuvette container is equipped with a signaling device that enables the provision of at least one signal. Preferably, the signaling device is an optical signaling device, and preferably it can emit two or more signals containing different information. Each signaling device is specifically assigned to a particular container. However, the signaling device can be implemented as a single monitor to clearly display the signal of a particular container. Preferably, the signaling device, implemented as individual signal elements physically assigned to the cuvette containers, is implemented as an optical signaling device. More preferably, the signaling device can indicate more than one type of information.
[0011] The analytical sample cuvette timer rack is equipped with a dispensing device for dispensing analytical sample cuvettes into specific sample cuvette storage containers. The dispensing device can be passive or active. If the dispensing device is active, it signals to the user which sample cuvette storage container should be used to store the sample cuvettes. If the dispensing device is passive, the user decides which available sample cuvette storage container to use. However, the dispensing device can be of any type that allows for the determination and storage of which sample cuvette is placed in which storage container.
[0012] The analytical sample cuvette timer holder is equipped with a single, independent sample cuvette reader station, which has an indicator reader for reading the analysis type indicator of the analytical sample cuvette. Typically, the reader station can be of any type. However, the sample cuvette reader station is suitable for reading the analysis type indicator of the sample cuvette. In the case of an optical analysis type indicator, the sample cuvette reader station is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional camera for reading the corresponding barcode defining the analysis type indicator of the analytical sample cuvette.
[0013] The sample cuvette timer holder is equipped with an electronic time management device, which is connected to an indicator reader, a signaling device, and a dispensing device. The electronic time management device includes an analysis type timing library that stores reaction times for at least two different analysis types (i.e., all analysis types available or used at this location).
[0014] The electronic time management device includes a timer coordination unit that activates a signal device on the assigned sample cuvette placement container when the reaction time for the analysis type identified by the sample cuvette reader station has elapsed. The signal device indicates to the user that the analytical sample cuvette is ready for analysis in a separate analytical instrument (e.g., a photometer).
[0015] Additionally, the signaling device controlled by the electronic time management device can also emit signals indicating other information, such as providing intermediate process steps, such as the addition of other reagents, or it can emit signals indicating that the maximum acceptable reaction time has elapsed, and therefore the analytical sample cuvette should be removed and no further analysis should be performed. Different information signals can be emitted, for example, through different light colors of visual indicators such as the signaling device and / or through flashing or gliding, and / or alternatively or additionally, different information signals can be emitted through acoustic signals.
[0016] Because the cuvette timer holder assists in the operation of even a large number of cuvettes, the accuracy and reliability of the cuvette analysis method are generally improved.
[0017] Preferably, the analytical sample cuvette timer holder is equipped with a cuvette temperature detector, which is physically assigned to the sample cuvette reader station for detecting the cuvette temperature of the analytical sample cuvette. The temperature detector is preferably a non-contact infrared temperature sensor, and even more preferably, it targets and detects the temperature of the bottom wall of the sample cuvette located in the sample cuvette reader station. An analytical type timing library already stores temperature-related reaction times.
[0018] Reaction time typically depends on the temperature of the solution containing the reagents and the liquid sample. Typically, the liquid sample is taken from a water tank in a water treatment plant, allowing the temperature of the liquid sample to range from 0°C to 35°C, thus allowing the reaction kinetics and the appropriate reaction time to vary over a relatively wide range.
[0019] Since the cuvette temperature detector at least roughly measures the temperature of the liquid contents of the cuvette, the timer coordination unit activates the signal device of the assigned sample cuvette placement container when the reaction time for the detected cuvette temperature for the detected analysis type has elapsed.
[0020] The dispensing device can be implemented as an active dispensing device, instructing the user to place the sample cuvette into a designated storage container immediately after the indicator reader reads the analysis type indicator of the sample cuvette. The instruction can be provided by a signaling device.
[0021] Alternatively and preferably, each sample cuvette holder is equipped with a sample cuvette presence sensor, which is connected to the dispensing device. The dispensing of the sample cuvette holder is triggered by the corresponding sample cuvette presence sensor. After the indicator reader has read the information from the analysis type indicator of the analyzed sample cuvette, the user then places the same sample cuvette into an empty cuvette holder, which is detected by the corresponding sample cuvette presence sensor in that holder. This information is stored by an electronic time management device so that the timer coordination unit can activate the signal device of the correctly allocated holder.
[0022] Preferably, the sample cuvette timer holder is also equipped with an ambient temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature. The electronic time management device adjusts the reaction time based on the detected ambient temperature.
[0023] The temperature of the sample cuvette and the liquid sample within it typically varies with the ambient temperature. Typical reaction times range from a few minutes to more than 30 minutes. When the sample cuvette is applied to the sample cuvette reader station, the temperature difference between the analytical sample cuvette timer holder and the ambient temperature of the liquid sample can reach 30 K. Therefore, the temperature of the liquid sample in the sample cuvette can change significantly during the reaction interval, which can consequently affect the reaction kinetics and thus the ideal reaction time.
[0024] Therefore, incorporating ambient temperature into the calculation of reaction time improves the quality of the analytical results.
[0025] Preferably, the sample cuvette reader station is provided with a sample cuvette reader container, which is equipped with a motor-driven rotating container base for rotating the analytical sample cuvette during the reading procedure. The analytical sample cuvette may be equipped with an optical analysis type indicator, which is readable only on one side of the sample cuvette body. The rotating container base allows the sample cuvette to be rotated to align the analysis type indicator of the sample cuvette with the indicator reader.
[0026] The method for operating the cuvette timer holder for analytical samples includes the following method steps controlled by an electronic time management device:
[0027] Identify the analysis type of the indicator detected by the indicator reader.
[0028] Based on the identified analysis type, the reaction time of the identified analysis type is read from the analysis type timing library.
[0029] The dispensing device dispenses empty sample cuvettes into containers for storing analytical sample cuvettes, and...
[0030] When the read reaction time has elapsed, the electronic signal device of the assigned sample cuvette storage container is activated.
[0031] Preferably, the timer coordination unit reads the reaction time from the analysis type timing library based on the identified analysis type and also based on the corresponding cuvette temperature.
[0032] See attached document picture One embodiment of the present invention is described. picture A laboratory analyzer apparatus is schematically shown, which includes a laboratory analyzer unit and a separate sample cuvette timer holder.
[0033] Should picture A laboratory analyzer device 100 is schematically illustrated, comprising a laboratory analyzer unit 90 and a separate sample cuvette timer holder 10. The laboratory analyzer unit 90 and the sample cuvette timer holder 10 can be connected by a connecting cable I for providing electrical power from the laboratory analyzer unit 90 to the sample cuvette timer holder 10 and / or for exchanging digital information and signals.
[0034] The analytical sample cuvette timer holder 10 includes a frame 50 that defines a plurality of cuvette holders 541-544 (vertical slots) for vertically accommodating analytical sample cuvettes 20'. Each cuvette holder 541-544 is equipped with an individual sample cuvette presence sensor 561-564, which detects the presence of analytical sample cuvettes 20' in the respective cuvette holder 541-544. In this embodiment, the sample cuvette presence sensors 561-564 are respectively disposed at the bottom of each cuvette holder 541-544 and may be configured as, for example, optical sensors or capacitive sensors.
[0035] A separate signal device 551-554 is provided near each cuvette placement container 541-544. In this embodiment, the signal device 551-554 is a multicolor LED that enables the representation of multiple different signals through color changes and flashing frequencies.
[0036] The analytical sample cuvette timer holder 10 also includes a single, independent sample cuvette reader station 52, which defines a cuvette reader container 540 for housing the analytical sample cuvettes 20. Each analytical sample cuvette 20, 20' is provided with a cuvette body 22, which is provided with a readable analytical type indicator 26 indicating the analytical type ty of the analytical sample cuvette 20. Typically, the analytical type indicator 26 is a paper label attached to the outer surface of the cuvette body 22. The analytical type indicator 26 of this embodiment includes a one-dimensional barcode indicating the analytical type of the analytical sample cuvette 20, 20'. The sample cuvettes 20 are supplied with suitable reagents by the cuvette manufacturer. A typical analytical type ty for water analysis is a test for determining the concentration of ammonium, phosphate, or nitrate.
[0037] The sample cuvette reader station 52 is provided with an indicator reader 32 for reading the analysis type indicator 26 of the sample cuvette 20 when it is inserted into the cuvette reader container 540. In this embodiment, the indicator reader 32 is a one-dimensional line camera.
[0038] A rotatable container base 36, driven by an electronic base motor 37, is provided at the bottom of the cuvette reader container 540. When the electronic base motor 37 is activated, the sample cuvette 20' rotates within the cuvette reader container 540 about a vertical axis of rotation.
[0039] The sample cuvette reader station 52 is also equipped with a cuvette temperature detector 34, which detects the cuvette temperature tc of the sample cuvette 20 inserted into the cuvette reader container 540. In this embodiment, the cuvette temperature detector 34 is a non-contact infrared temperature sensor.
[0040] An ambient temperature sensor 39 is installed on the outside of the sample analysis cuvette timer holder 10, which is located on the frame 50. The ambient temperature sensor detects the ambient air temperature te.
[0041] The sample cuvette timer holder 10 is also equipped with an electronic time management device 40, which is connected to an indicator reader 32, signal devices 551-554, sample cuvette presence sensors 561-564, cuvette temperature detector 34, and ambient temperature detector 39. The electronic time management device 40 includes a distribution device 46 connected to the sample cuvette presence sensors 561-564, a signal driving unit 44 for driving the signal devices 551-554, a camera controller 42, an analysis type timing library 49, and a timer coordination unit 48.
[0042] The analysis type timing library 49 has stored reaction times Tr for all different analysis types ty and cuvette temperatures tc within a temperature range of, for example, 0°C to 140°C, at degree-wise intervals. High cuvette temperatures are typical for cuvettes after the digestion step and originate from the temperature chamber. The stored reaction time Tr is the reaction time after which the reaction between the reagent in sample cuvettes 20, 20' and the analyte in liquid sample 24 is completed, thus making sample cuvette 20' ready for analysis in the laboratory analyzer unit 90.
[0043] The laboratory analyzer unit 90 includes an analyzer container 94, in which an analyzer indicator reader 97, a rotatable base 95 driven by a base rotation motor 96, and a spectrophotometer device 94 are disposed. The laboratory analyzer unit 90 is controlled by an electronic analyzer controller 98, which is connected to the electronic time management device 40 of the sample cuvette timer holder 10.
[0044] The measurement and determination of reagents begins by transferring an appropriate volume of liquid sample into the corresponding sample cuvette 20 using a pipette, so that the reagent begins to react with the analyte in the liquid sample. Pipetting can be performed externally to the analytical sample cuvette timer holder, or it can be performed after the analytical sample cuvette 20 has been inserted into the cuvette reader container 540. The reading step can be initiated automatically or manually. The container base 36 begins to rotate, and the analysis type indicator 26 is read by the indicator reader 32, and the cuvette temperature tc is detected by the cuvette temperature detector 34.
[0045] Then, the electronic time management device 40 sends the following signal visually and / or acoustically: the analytical sample cuvette 20 can be placed into the idle cuvette storage containers 541-544. The user removes the analytical sample cuvette 20 from the cuvette reader container 540 and places the sample cuvette into the idle sample cuvette storage containers 541-544, where the corresponding sample cuvette presence sensors 561-564 send a signal to the dispensing device 46 indicating the presence of cuvette 20'.
[0046] Simultaneously, the electronic time management device 40 has read the stored reaction time Tr for the detected analysis type ty and cuvette temperature tc, and has corrected the stored reaction time Tr based on the ambient temperature te. After the reaction time Tr has elapsed, the timer coordination unit 48 activates the corresponding signal devices 551-554 to indicate that the corresponding analytical sample cuvette 20' is now ready for analysis in the laboratory analyzer unit 90. The ready signal can be, for example, a continuous green light emitted by the corresponding signal devices 551-554.
[0047] This procedure can be provided multiple times, as long as there are available empty sample cuvette storage containers 541-544.
Claims
1. An analytical sample cuvette timer holder (10), the analytical sample cuvette timer holder (10) comprising: Multiple identical vertical sample cuvette holding containers (541-544) are used for vertically holding analytical sample cuvettes (20'), wherein the analytical sample cuvettes (20') are provided with readable analytical type indicators (26) indicating the analytical type (ty). Each of the sample cuvette holding containers (541-544) is equipped with a signal device (551-554). A single, independent sample cuvette reader station (52) has an indicator reader (32) for reading the analysis type indicator (26) of the analytical sample cuvette (20). Dispensing device (46) for dispensing the analytical sample cuvette (20) into sample cuvette storage containers (541-544), and An electronic time management device (40) is connected to the indicator reader (32), the signaling device (551-554), and the distribution device (46). The electronic time management device (40) is equipped with an analysis type timing library (49), which stores reaction times (Tr) for at least two different analysis types (ty). and The electronic time management device (40) is provided with a timer coordination unit (48) that activates the signal device (551-554) of the assigned sample cuvette storage container (541-544) when the reaction time (Tr) for the analysis type (ty) identified by the sample cuvette reader station (52) has elapsed.
2. The analytical sample cuvette timer holder (10) according to claim 1, wherein a temperature detector (34) is provided for the sample cuvette reader station (52) to detect the cuvette temperature (tc) of the analytical sample cuvette (20), wherein the analytical type timing library (49) has stored temperature-related reaction times (Tr). When the reaction time (Tr) for the detected cuvette temperature (tc) for the analysis type (ty) has elapsed, the timer coordination unit (48) activates the signal device (551-554) of the assigned sample cuvette storage container (541-544).
3. The analytical sample cuvette timer rack (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each sample cuvette holding container (541-544) is provided with a sample cuvette presence sensor (561-564), the sample cuvette presence sensor (561-564) being connected to the dispensing device (46), wherein the dispensing of the sample cuvette holding containers (541-544) is caused by the corresponding sample cuvette presence sensor (561-564).
4. The analytical sample cuvette timer holder (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sample cuvette reader station (52) is provided with a sample cuvette reader container (540), and the sample cuvette reader container (540) is provided with a motor-driven rotating container base (36) for rotating the analytical sample cuvette (20).
5. The analytical sample cuvette timer holder (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an ambient temperature sensor (39) is provided for detecting ambient temperature (te), wherein the electronic time management device (40) adjusts the reaction time (Tr) based on the detected ambient temperature (te).
6. A method for operating an analytical sample cuvette timer holder (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following method steps controlled by the electronic time management device (40): The analysis type (ty) of the analysis type indicator (26) of the sample cuvette (20) is identified. The reaction time (Tr) for the identified analysis type (ty) is read from the analysis type timing library (49). The dispensing device (46) dispenses sample cuvette holding containers (541-544) into the analytical sample cuvettes (20'), and When the read reaction time (Tr) has elapsed, the electronic signal device (551-554) of the allocated sample cuvette holding container (541-544) is activated.
7. The method for operating the analytical sample cuvette timer holder (10) of claim 2 according to claim 6, the method comprising the following steps: The timer coordination unit (48) reads the reaction time (Tr) from the analysis type timing library (49) based on the identified analysis type (ty) and the corresponding cuvette temperature (tc).
8. The method for operating the analytical sample cuvette timer holder (10) of claim 4 according to claim 6 or 7, the method comprising the following steps: The rotating container base (36) is activated during the identification step.