High-sensitivity reagent sample bin
By using Hall effect sensors and a magnet detection system in the reagent sample compartment, the problem of optocoupler failure in the refrigerated environment was solved, improving the stability and cost-effectiveness of the reagent sample compartment and ensuring accurate startup and on-site detection of the barcode scanner.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520387758.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing reagent sample chambers are prone to optocoupler failure due to condensation in refrigerated environments, increasing equipment costs and causing instability. Existing solutions cannot effectively solve this problem.
A Hall sensor is used instead of an optocoupler sensor. The Hall sensor is installed outside the reagent chamber. It uses a magnet with opposite polarity and the Hall sensor to detect the position of the sample strip. Combined with the guide rail and guide post design, it guides the linear movement of the sample strip to ensure accurate positioning and rapid response.
It improves the stability and reliability of the reagent sample chamber in low-temperature environments, reduces equipment costs, ensures timely start-up and accurate detection of the barcode scanner, and enhances detection sensitivity and ease of operation.
Smart Images
Figure CN223940953U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a highly sensitive reagent sample container. Background Technology
[0002] For reagent sample compartments used in medical instruments, barcode scanner activation and sample strip placement detection are essential functions. These functions are typically used to ensure sample safety and accuracy, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of medical diagnosis. With advancements in medical technology, the requirements for reagent sample compartments are becoming increasingly stringent, demanding not only precise detection capabilities but also stable operation under various environmental conditions.
[0003] Existing solutions primarily involve using optocouplers to detect both the scanner's activation and the sample strip's placement. Specifically, a common practice is to install an optocoupler sensor inside the reagent sample compartment, using the optocoupler's on / off state to determine whether the sample strip is in place and whether the scanner needs to be activated. Other conventional methods exist, such as using mechanical switches or infrared sensors, but these methods also have their limitations in practical applications.
[0004] However, existing optical coupling detection methods have significant drawbacks. Since reagent sample chambers typically require refrigeration, the optical couplers placed inside are susceptible to condensation, leading to increased equipment failure rates. Furthermore, the relatively high price of optical couplers increases the overall system cost. These issues limit the widespread adoption and long-term stability of existing technologies in practical applications. Therefore, a new method is urgently needed to address these problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] To improve the stability of the testing equipment, this application provides a highly sensitive reagent sample chamber.
[0006] The highly sensitive reagent sample chamber provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] A highly sensitive reagent sample compartment includes a housing and a barcode scanner mounted on the side wall of the housing. The housing contains a reagent compartment and a sample compartment. The sample compartment contains multiple parallel sample strips. Each sample strip has a number of placement slots along its length for placing sample tubes. A first magnet and a second magnet with opposite polarities are fixed to the end and front end of each sample strip, respectively. A first Hall sensor is located on the outer side of the sample compartment near the insertion port to detect the first magnet and activate the barcode scanner. A second Hall sensor is located on the inner side of the sample compartment away from the insertion port to detect the second magnet for position detection. A control circuit board is located under the panel of the sample compartment, and both the first and second Hall sensors are mounted on the control circuit board.
[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the Hall sensor, installed outside the reagent compartment, avoids malfunctions caused by condensation in refrigerated environments, thus improving the system's reliability and stability. The price of a Hall sensor is significantly lower than that of an optocoupler, especially a high-quality imported one. Replacing traditional optocouplers with Hall sensors significantly reduces equipment costs. Furthermore, the Hall sensor features rapid response, quickly detecting changes in the magnet, ensuring timely activation of the barcode scanner and accurate reporting of detection results. This effectively avoids equipment malfunctions caused by condensation affecting the optocoupler, improves the stability and reliability of the reagent sample compartment in low-temperature environments, and significantly enhances the detection sensitivity and reliability of the reagent sample compartment.
[0009] Optionally, the sample chamber is provided with multiple guide rails, which are parallel to the length direction of the sample chamber and are evenly distributed along the width direction of the sample chamber. Each sample strip has a concave groove at its bottom. The sample strip corresponds one-to-one with the guide rail, and the groove is fitted onto the guide rail and slides in cooperation with the guide rail.
[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the multiple guide rails inside the sample chamber effectively guide the sample strip to maintain a straight line during insertion, avoiding jamming or damage caused by skew. Simultaneously, the sliding fit design between the concave groove and the guide rail improves the positioning accuracy and stability of the sample strip, ensuring that each insertion accurately reaches the preset position, further enhancing the overall reliability of the reagent sample chamber.
[0011] Optionally, a guide post is provided between two adjacent guide rails. The guide post is located at the bottom of the sample chamber near the insertion port. The end of the guide post is tapered. The side walls on both sides of the sample strip along its length are provided with guide grooves that slide with the guide post. The guide grooves of two adjacent sample strips are slidably fitted onto the same guide post.
[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the tapered guide post helps guide the sample strip to the predetermined position quickly, allowing the sample strip to slide more smoothly along the guide rail during insertion. Furthermore, the design of the guide post makes the positioning between sample strips more accurate, reducing detection errors caused by shaking or offset, thereby improving the convenience and reliability of operation.
[0013] Optionally, multiple indicator LEDs are installed on the side wall of the sample chamber near the insertion port, perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the sample strip. Each indicator LED corresponds to a guide rail. When the sample strip slides to the position where the second magnet and the second Hall sensor are aligned, the corresponding indicator LED connects to the circuit and lights up.
[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, when the sample strip slides to the position of the second Hall sensor, the corresponding indicator light can be lit in time, thus intuitively indicating whether the sample strip has been correctly positioned. This design not only improves the operator's work efficiency but also enhances the system's visibility and reduces the possibility of misjudgment.
[0015] Optionally, a handle is provided at the end of the sample strip away from the housing.
[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the handle design makes it easier for operators to insert and remove sample strips, improving the convenience of operation and work efficiency.
[0017] Optionally, a guide is provided on one side of the sample strip along its length, and a groove is provided on the side of the sample strip opposite to the guide. The groove is provided along the length of the sample strip, and the guide is located in the groove on an adjacent sample strip and slides in cooperation with the groove.
[0018] By employing the above technical solution, the sample strips maintain good straightness and stability during sliding. The cooperation between the guide and the groove ensures more accurate relative positioning between multiple sample strips, avoiding detection errors caused by sample strip misalignment. This design improves the overall reliability of the reagent sample chamber, especially maintaining high accuracy even after multiple uses.
[0019] Optionally, a connecting plate is provided on the side wall of the sample strip, and a waist hole is provided on the side wall of the sample strip corresponding to each placement slot. An elastic abutment strip is connected to the connecting plate corresponding to each placement slot. The bottom end of the elastic abutment strip passes through the waist hole and abuts against the side wall of the sample tube in the placement slot.
[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, this design effectively improves the stability of sample tubes within the placement slot, preventing them from falling off or being damaged due to vibration or movement. The elastic abutment strip design ensures that each sample tube is firmly fixed within the placement slot, enhancing the safety and reliability of the sample processing process. Furthermore, this structure facilitates quick replacement and adjustment of sample tubes, improving operational convenience.
[0021] Optionally, the top of the sample strip is marked with a symbol corresponding to each placement slot.
[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the markings and labels help operators quickly and accurately identify the location of each placement slot, thereby improving the efficiency of sample loading and unloading. This not only reduces manual operation time but also lowers the error rate caused by misoperation, improving the overall ease of operation and reliability of the reagent sample chamber.
[0023] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:
[0024] 1. Because the Hall sensor is installed outside the reagent compartment, it avoids malfunctions caused by condensation in refrigerated environments, improving the system's reliability and stability. The price of a Hall sensor is significantly lower than that of an optocoupler, especially a high-quality imported one. Replacing traditional optocouplers with Hall sensors significantly reduces equipment costs. Furthermore, the Hall sensor features rapid response, quickly detecting changes in the magnet, ensuring timely activation of the barcode scanner and accurate reporting of detection results. This effectively avoids equipment malfunctions caused by condensation on the optocoupler, improving the stability and reliability of the reagent sample compartment in low-temperature environments, and significantly enhancing the detection sensitivity and reliability of the reagent sample compartment.
[0025] 2. Multiple guide rails inside the sample chamber effectively guide the sample strip to maintain a straight line during insertion, preventing jamming or damage due to skew. Simultaneously, the sliding fit design between the concave groove and the guide rails improves the positioning accuracy and stability of the sample strip, ensuring that it accurately reaches the preset position each time it is inserted, further enhancing the overall reliability of the reagent sample chamber.
[0026] 3. The tapered guide post helps guide the sample strip to the predetermined position quickly, allowing the sample strip to slide more smoothly along the guide rail during insertion. The guide post design also makes the positioning between sample strips more accurate, reducing detection errors caused by shaking or offset, thereby improving the convenience and reliability of operation. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application.
[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the sample strip and the markings in the embodiments of this application.
[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the elastic abutment strip and the sample strip in the embodiments of this application.
[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the first and second magnets and the sample strip in the embodiments of this application.
[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the first and second Hall sensors, the control circuit board, and the sample chamber in the embodiments of this application.
[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0033] 1. Housing; 11. Partition; 2. Barcode scanner; 3. Reagent compartment; 4. Sample compartment; 41. Guide rail; 42. Guide post; 43. Control circuit board; 44. Display LED; 5. Sample strip; 51. Placement slot; 52. Marking; 53. Waist hole; 54. Strip groove; 55. Guide groove; 56. Guide component; 57. Groove; 6. Handle; 7. Connecting plate; 71. Elastic abutment strip; 8. First magnet; 81. First Hall sensor; 9. Second magnet; 91. Second Hall sensor. Detailed Implementation
[0034] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-5 This application will be described in further detail.
[0035] This application discloses a highly sensitive reagent sample chamber.
[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A highly sensitive reagent sample compartment includes a housing 1 and a barcode scanner 2 mounted on the side wall of the housing 1. The housing 1 contains a reagent compartment 3 and a sample compartment 4, which are separated by a partition 11 to ensure they do not interfere with each other. Multiple sample strips 5 are arranged in parallel within the sample compartment 4, and each sample strip 5 has a handle 6 integrally formed at the end furthest from the housing 1.
[0037] Reference Figure 2 Each sample strip 5 has several placement slots 51 distributed along its own length for placing sample tubes, and the top of the sample strip 5 is electroplated with a mark 52 corresponding to each placement slot 51.
[0038] Reference Figure 3 A connecting plate 7 is bolted to the side wall of the sample strip 5, and a waist hole 53 is provided on the side wall of the sample strip 5 for each placement slot 51. An elastic abutment strip 71 is integrally formed on the connecting plate 7 for each placement slot 51. The bottom end of the elastic abutment strip 71 passes through the waist hole 53 and abuts against the side wall of the sample tube in the placement slot 51.
[0039] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 Inside the sample chamber 4, a guide rail 41 is fixedly installed for each sample strip 5. The guide rail 41 is parallel to the length direction of the sample chamber 4, and the spacing between two adjacent guide rails 41 is the same. Each sample strip 5 has a concave groove 54 at the bottom. The sample strip 5 corresponds one-to-one with the guide rail 41, and the groove 54 is fitted on the guide rail 41 and slides with the guide rail 41.
[0040] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5In order to guide the sample strip 5 into the sample chamber 4 correctly and provide additional support during the movement of the sample strip 5 to prevent the sample strip 5 from deviating or getting stuck, a guide post 42 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the sample chamber 4 near the insertion port. There is one guide post 42 between each of the two guide rails 41. The two ends of the guide post 42 are tapered. The side walls of both sides of the sample strip 5 along its own length direction are provided with guide grooves 55 that slide with the guide post 42. The guide grooves 55 of two adjacent sample strips 5 slide on the same guide post 42.
[0041] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 A guide 56 is provided on one side of the sample strip 5 along its length. One guide 56 is fixedly provided at the placement groove 51 at the front and end of the sample strip 5, and is located on the same side of the placement groove, which serves to support the sample tube. A groove 57 is also provided on the side of the sample strip 5 away from the guide 56. The groove 57 is provided along the length of the sample strip 5. The guide 56 is located in the groove 57 on the adjacent sample strip 5 and slides with the groove 57.
[0042] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 A first magnet 8 and a second magnet 9 with opposite polarities are fixedly installed at the bottom and front ends of the sample strip 5, respectively. A first Hall sensor 81 is provided on the outer side of the sample chamber 4 near the insertion port to detect the first magnet 8. A second Hall sensor 91 is provided on the inner side of the sample chamber 4 away from the insertion port to detect the second magnet 9. A control circuit board 43 is provided under the panel of the sample chamber 4, and both the first Hall sensor 81 and the second Hall sensor 91 are mounted on the control circuit board 43.
[0043] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first Hall sensor 81 can be either an N-pole sensitive type or an S-pole sensitive type, depending on the polarity of the first magnet 8. If the first magnet 8 is an N-pole, then an N-pole sensitive Hall sensor is selected. Commonly used models include SS495A-N and US5881LUA-N, which have high sensitivity and fast response time, effectively avoiding false detections. The first Hall sensor 81 is connected to the control system via wires. When it detects the first magnet 8 approaching, it sends a signal to the control system, thereby activating the barcode scanner 2.
[0044] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The second Hall sensor 91 can select the appropriate Hall sensor based on the polarity of the second magnet 9, such as an S-polarity sensitive Hall sensor. Commonly used models include SS495A-S and US5881LUA-S. The second Hall sensor 91 is also connected to the control system via wires. When it detects the approach of the second magnet 9, it sends a signal to the control system, thereby realizing position detection and reporting to the host computer.
[0045] Reference Figure 1 Multiple indicator LEDs 44 are installed on the side wall of the sample chamber 4 near the insertion port, perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the sample strip 5. Each indicator LED 44 corresponds to a sample strip 5, and the indicator LEDs 44 are controlled by the control system of the equipment. When a signal for arrival detection is received, the corresponding indicator LED 44 is connected to the circuit and lit up.
[0046] The implementation principle of a highly sensitive reagent sample chamber in this application embodiment is as follows: when a set of samples needs to be tested, the operator inserts the sample tube containing the sample into the placement slot 51 of the sample strip 5 according to the mark 52, and then holds the handle 6 and inserts it into the sample chamber 4 under the multiple guidance of the guide rail 41, guide post 42 and guide member 56.
[0047] During the insertion of the sample strip into the sample chamber 4, when the first magnet 8 approaches the first Hall sensor 81, the barcode scanner 2 receives the instruction and begins scanning. When the sample strip 5 is fully inserted into the reagent sample chamber, the second magnet 9 coincides with the second Hall sensor 91, achieving the positioning detection function. At this time, the system is notified, and the barcode scanner 2 is simultaneously turned off. By setting magnets with opposite polarities at both ends of the sample strip 5, and setting corresponding Hall sensors on the outer and inner sides respectively, the barcode scanner 2 can be turned on and the sample strip positioning detection can be completed without internal optocouplers. This method not only greatly reduces costs but also improves the reliability and anti-interference capability of the system. Especially in refrigerated environments, the Hall sensors are not affected by condensation, significantly improving the service life and stability of the equipment.
[0048] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A highly sensitive reagent sample container, comprising a housing (1) and a barcode scanner (2) mounted on the side wall of the housing (1), characterized in that, The housing (1) is provided with a reagent compartment (3) and a sample compartment (4). The sample compartment (4) is provided with multiple parallel sample strips (5). The sample strips (5) have several placement slots (51) for placing sample tubes distributed along their own length direction. The end and front end of the sample strips (5) are respectively fixed with a first magnet (8) and a second magnet (9) of opposite polarity. The sample compartment (4) is provided with a first Hall sensor (81) on the outer side near the insertion port to detect the first magnet (8) and start the barcode scanner (2). The sample compartment (4) is provided with a second Hall sensor (91) on the inner side away from the insertion port to detect the second magnet (9) to achieve positioning detection. The sample compartment (4) is provided with a control circuit board (43) under the panel. The first Hall sensor (81) and the second Hall sensor (91) are both mounted on the control circuit board (43).
2. The highly sensitive reagent sample chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that... The sample chamber (4) is provided with multiple guide rails (41). The guide rails (41) are parallel to the length direction of the sample chamber (4), and the multiple guide rails (41) are distributed at equal intervals along the width direction of the sample chamber (4). Each sample strip (5) has a concave groove (54) at its bottom. The sample strip (5) corresponds to the guide rail (41) one by one. The groove (54) is fitted on the guide rail (41) and slides with the guide rail (41).
3. The highly sensitive reagent sample chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that... A guide post (42) is provided between two adjacent guide rails (41). The guide post (42) is located at the bottom of the sample chamber (4) near the insertion port. The end of the guide post (42) is tapered. The side walls of the sample strip (5) along its length are provided with guide grooves (55) that slide with the guide post (42). The guide grooves (55) of two adjacent sample strips (5) are slidably fitted on the same guide post (42).
4. The highly sensitive reagent sample chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that... Multiple indicator lights (44) are installed on the side wall of the sample chamber (4) near the insertion port, perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the sample strip (5). Each indicator light (44) corresponds to a guide rail (41). When the sample strip (5) slides to the position where the second magnet (9) and the second Hall sensor (91) are connected, the corresponding indicator light (44) is connected to the circuit and lit up.
5. The highly sensitive reagent sample chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that... The sample strip (5) is provided with a handle (6) at the end away from the shell (1).
6. The highly sensitive reagent sample chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that... The sample strip (5) has a guide (56) on one side along its length direction, and a groove (57) is provided on the side of the sample strip (5) away from the guide (56). The groove (57) is provided along the length direction of the sample strip (5). The guide (56) is located in the groove (57) on the adjacent sample strip (5) and slides with the groove (57).
7. The highly sensitive reagent sample chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that... A connecting plate (7) is provided on the side wall of the sample strip (5). A waist hole (53) is provided on the side wall of the sample strip (5) corresponding to each placement slot (51). An elastic abutment strip (71) is connected to the connecting plate (7) corresponding to each placement slot (51). The bottom end of the elastic abutment strip (71) passes through the waist hole (53) and abuts against the side wall of the sample tube in the placement slot (51).
8. The highly sensitive reagent sample chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that... Each sample strip (5) has a marking (52) on its top corresponding to each placement slot (51).