Semi-automatic operation device matched with comb-type immunospot method reagent for use

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of biomedicine, in particular to a semi-automatic operation device matched with a comb-type immunospot method reagent for use, which comprises a main body shell, a detection card clamp and a reagent bin bracket, a Y-axis movement system and a Z-axis movement system are mounted on the main body shell; the Y-axis movement system is used for driving the reagent bin support to move on the main body shell in the Y-axis direction; the detection card clamp is mounted on the Z-axis mechanical arm, and the detection card clamp is used for clamping a detection card; the reagent bin bracket is used for inserting a reagent bin; the Z-axis movement system is used for driving the Z-axis mechanical arm to move in the main body shell in the Z-axis direction, so that the detection card is inserted into the reagent bin for reaction. According to the device, the requirements on clinical operators are reduced, and the labor cost of reagent use is reduced; the manual operation is replaced by the instrument program, so that the influence of the operation error on the research result is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biomedical testing equipment technology, specifically a semi-automatic operating device for use with comb-type immunospot assay reagents. Background Technology

[0002] Comb immunospot assay technology is currently widely used in the pet health testing industry. This technique, which uses enzyme reaction substrates to produce dark precipitates for antibody localization, is called immunospot assay. The method of using comb antibody carriers to detect corresponding antigens by immunospot assay is called comb immunospot assay.

[0003] However, in related technologies, the use of comb-type immunospot assays lacks automated reagent application methods, requiring manual timing and operation. Human error can affect test results, limiting the technology's use in clinical settings. The reagent usage is cumbersome and highly specialized, with less than ideal operability. Furthermore, the accuracy of assays is inconsistent with changes in the analyte environment, impacting results. Currently, there is a lack of suitable instruments for comb-type immunospot assays on the market. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a semi-automatic operating device for use with comb-type immunospot assay reagents, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A semi-automatic operating device for use with comb-type immunospot assay reagents includes a main body shell, a test card clamp, and a reagent compartment support;

[0007] The main body shell is equipped with a Y-axis motion system and a Z-axis motion system;

[0008] The Y-axis motion system is used to drive the reagent compartment support to move along the Y-axis direction on the main body shell;

[0009] The test card clamp is mounted on the Z-axis robotic arm and is used to clamp the test card; the reagent compartment bracket is used to insert the reagent compartment.

[0010] The Z-axis motion system is used to drive the Z-axis robotic arm to move along the Z-axis direction on the main body shell so that the detection card can be inserted into the reagent compartment for reaction.

[0011] Furthermore, the reagent compartments are arranged in multiple rows along the X-axis, and each row of reagent compartments has multiple compartments along the Y-axis.

[0012] Furthermore, the Y-axis motion system includes a Y-axis motor and a Y-axis slide rail component. The Y-axis motor is located inside the main body housing and drives the Y-axis slide rail component to move the reagent compartment support on the main body housing along the Y-axis direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the Y-axis slide rail component includes a Y-axis slide rail and a Y-axis slider mounted on the Y-axis slide rail. The Y-axis slide rail is fixed to the main body shell, and the Y-axis slider is fixed to the bottom of the reagent compartment bracket. The rotating shaft of the Y-axis motor is fitted with a first gear protruding outside the main body shell, and the bottom of the reagent compartment bracket has a first tooth that meshes with the first gear.

[0014] Furthermore, a target detection block is installed at the bottom of the reagent compartment support, and a Y-axis position detection unit for detecting the position of the target detection block is installed on the main body shell.

[0015] Furthermore, the Z-axis motion system includes a Z-axis motor and a Z-axis slide rail component. The Z-axis motor is located inside the main body housing and drives the Z-axis slide rail component to move the Z-axis robotic arm along the upper Z-axis direction within the main body housing.

[0016] Furthermore, the Z-axis slide rail component includes a Z-axis slide rail and a Z-axis slider mounted on the Z-axis slide rail. The Z-axis slide rail is installed on the back side of the main body housing. The Z-axis slider is fixed to the Z-axis robotic arm. The rotating shaft of the Z-axis motor is fitted with a second gear protruding outside the main body housing. The side of the Z-axis robotic arm has a second tooth that meshes with the second gear.

[0017] Furthermore, the Z-axis robotic arm is L-shaped, and the second teeth are distributed along the Z-axis direction on the side of the Z-axis robotic arm.

[0018] Furthermore, the detection card is comb-shaped with spaced teeth, and the detection card clamp includes a fixed clamping arm and an adjusting clamping arm. The fixed clamping arm is mounted on the Z-axis robotic arm, and the adjusting clamping arm is fixed to the fixed clamping arm by a locking nut. The adjusting clamping arm has limiting protrusions for limiting the teeth.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a control unit mounted on the main body shell, which is used to issue movement commands to the Y-axis motion system and the Z-axis motion system. The control unit is located on the front side of the main body shell and is equipped with a button. One side of the reagent compartment has a protruding anti-fooling part. The reagent compartment bracket has a limiting groove for limiting the position of each row of reagent compartments. The front side of the reagent compartment bracket has a positioning groove for positioning the locking teeth.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] This device, when used for comb-type immunospot assays, coordinates the movement of the Y-axis and Z-axis motion systems to add the sample into the first reagent compartment and mix it thoroughly. Then, the test card is inserted into the first reagent compartment, and after the reaction, it is inserted into the second compartment. This process is repeated sequentially from the first to the seventh reagent compartment. After the reaction is complete, the sample is removed and dried. The position and color intensity of the precipitated spots on the comb-type test card are compared to determine the concentration level of the analyte. This allows for the testing of multiple samples, reducing the workload of staff and improving work efficiency.

[0022] Using this device for testing solves the problems of the need for timely and manual operation when using current comb-type spot detection reagents, as well as the impact of human operation errors and environmental changes on the test results. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model (initial positions of each component).

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the back side structure of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the Y-axis motion system of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the Z-axis motion system of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the reagent compartment structure of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the detection card clamp of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation and positioning of the detection card for this utility model.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the detection card of this utility model located at position 11.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the detection card of this utility model located at position 11.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the measuring card of this utility model located at position 77.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the measuring card of this utility model at position 77.

[0034] In the diagram: 1-Main body shell, 2-Y-axis motion system, 3-Y-axis motor, 4-Y-axis slide rail, 5-Y-axis slider, 6-Y-axis position detection unit, 7-Target detection block, 8-First gear, 9-Z-axis motion system, 10-Z-axis motor, 11-Z-axis robotic arm, 12-Z-axis slide rail, 13-Z-axis slider, 14-Second gear, 15-Second tooth, 16-Detection card, 17-Detection card clamp, 18-Reagent compartment bracket, 19-Reagent compartment, 20-Fixed clamping arm, 21-Adjusting clamping arm, 22-Limiting protrusion, 23-Wire inlet hole, 24-Clamping tooth, 25-Limiting groove, 26-Fault prevention part, 27-First tooth, 28-Button, 29-Compartment body, 30-Positioning groove. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper end," "lower end," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 11 This utility model provides a technical solution:

[0039] A semi-automatic operating device for use with comb-type immunospot assay reagents includes a main body shell 1, a test card clamp 17, and a reagent compartment support 18.

[0040] The main body shell 1 is equipped with a Y-axis motion system 2 and a Z-axis motion system 9.

[0041] The Y-axis motion system 2 is used to drive the reagent compartment support 18 to move along the Y-axis direction in the main body shell 1;

[0042] The test card clamp 17 is mounted on the Z-axis robotic arm 11 and is used to clamp the test card 16. The reagent compartment bracket 18 is used to insert the reagent compartment 19.

[0043] The Z-axis motion system 9 is used to drive the Z-axis robotic arm 11 to move along the Z-axis direction in the main body shell 1 so that the detection card 16 can be inserted into the reagent chamber 19 for reaction.

[0044] Specifically, it also includes a control unit installed on the main housing 1, which is used to issue motion commands to the Y-axis motion system 2 and the Z-axis motion system 9;

[0045] The reagent compartments 19 have multiple rows along the X-axis, and each row of reagent compartments 19 has multiple compartments 29 along the Y-axis.

[0046] Specifically, the Y-axis motion system 2 includes a Y-axis motor 3 and a Y-axis slide rail assembly. The Y-axis motor 3 is located inside the main housing 1 and drives the Y-axis slide rail assembly to move the reagent compartment support 18 along the Y-axis direction on the main housing 1. The Y-axis slide rail assembly includes a Y-axis slide rail 4 and a Y-axis slider 5 mounted on the Y-axis slide rail 4. The Y-axis slide rail 4 is fixed to the main housing 1, and the Y-axis slider 5 is fixed to the bottom of the reagent compartment support 18. The shaft of the Y-axis motor 3 is fitted with a first gear 8 protruding outside the main housing 1. The bottom of the reagent compartment support 18 has a first tooth 27 that meshes with the first gear 8. The first tooth 27 is distributed along the Y-axis direction on the bottom surface of the reagent compartment support 18.

[0047] Specifically, the Z-axis motion system 9 includes a Z-axis motor 10 and a Z-axis slide rail assembly. The Z-axis motor 10 is located inside the main housing 1 and drives the Z-axis slide rail assembly to move the Z-axis robotic arm 11 along the Z-axis direction on the main housing 1. The Z-axis slide rail assembly includes a Z-axis slide rail 12 and a Z-axis slider 13 mounted on the upper Z-axis slide rail 12. The Z-axis slide rail 12 is mounted on the back side of the main housing 1, and the Z-axis slider 13 is fixed to the Z-axis robotic arm 11. The shaft of the Z-axis motor 10 is fitted with a second gear 14 protruding outside the main housing 1. The side of the Z-axis robotic arm 11 has second teeth 15 that mesh with the second gear 14. The Z-axis robotic arm 11 is L-shaped, and the second teeth 15 are distributed along the Z-axis direction on the side of the Z-axis robotic arm 11.

[0048] Specifically, the control unit is located on the front side of the main housing 1, and a button 28 is installed on the control unit. One side of the reagent compartment 19 has a protruding anti-fooling part 26. The reagent compartment support 18 has a limiting groove 25 for limiting the position of each row of reagent compartments 19. The front side of the reagent compartment support 18 has a positioning groove 30 for positioning the locking teeth 24.

[0049] Specifically, a target detection block 7 is installed at the bottom of the reagent compartment support 18, and a Y-axis position detection unit 6 for detecting the position of the target detection block 7 is installed on the main body shell 1, such as a pair of photoelectric sensors.

[0050] This device includes a control unit, on which buttons 28 are mounted, such as... Figure 1 As shown, button 28 has four buttons: "Reset," "Install Card," "Test," and "Pause." The control unit has a control circuit and can be an MCU (Microcontroller Unit).

[0051] The Y-axis motion system 2 includes a Y-axis motor 3, a Y-axis slide rail 4, and a Y-axis position detection unit 6. The Z-axis motion system 9 includes a Z-axis motor 10, a Z-axis robotic arm 11, a Z-axis slide rail 12, and a Z-axis slider 13. A detection card clamp 17 is located at the top of the Z-axis robotic arm 11, and a detection card 16 is clamped in the detection card clamp 17. The device is operated via button 28 to detect the detection card 16, causing the detection card 16 to react within the reagent compartments 19 fixed on the reagent compartment support 18.

[0052] Specifically, the detection card 16 is comb-shaped with spaced-apart teeth 24. The detection card clamp 17 includes a fixed clamping arm 20 and an adjusting clamping arm 21. The fixed clamping arm 20 is mounted on the Z-axis robotic arm 11, and the adjusting clamping arm 21 is fixed to the fixed clamping arm 20 by a locking nut. The adjusting clamping arm 21 has a limiting protrusion 22 for limiting the movement of the teeth 24. The fixed clamping arm 20, the adjusting clamping arm 21, and the limiting protrusion 22 can fix and clamp the detection card 16, thereby enabling it to move up and down in the Z-axis direction with the Z-axis robotic arm 11.

[0053] The Y-axis slide rail 4 and the Y-axis slider 5 mounted on the Y-axis slide rail 4 cooperate to restrict the Y-axis movement direction of the reagent compartment support 18 on the main body shell 1. The rotating shaft of the Y-axis motor 3 is equipped with a first gear 8 that meshes with the first tooth 27 at the bottom of the reagent compartment support 18, providing power for the movement of the reagent compartment support 18. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the Y-axis motor 3 is located inside the main body housing 1, but the main body housing 1 has an opening reserved for the first gear 8 to be exposed.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the upper end of the reagent compartment support 18 has 10 rows / slots of reagent compartments along the X-axis, corresponding to the protruding positions of the detection card 16. This means that each of the 10 rows of reagent compartments 19 is inserted into a corresponding slot. The reagent compartment 19 has a protruding anti-foolproof part 26 on its side, which helps to remove the reagent compartment 19 from the slot. A limiting groove 25 is provided on the side wall of the reagent compartment slot to facilitate fixing the reagent compartment 19.

[0055] The Z-axis slide rail 12 and the Z-axis slider 13 mounted on the upper Z-axis slide rail 12 restrict the Z-axis movement direction of the Z-axis robotic arm 11 on the main body housing 1. The rotating shaft of the Z-axis motor 10 is equipped with a second gear 14 that meshes with a second tooth 15 on the side of the Z-axis robotic arm 11, providing power for the movement of the Z-axis robotic arm 11. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the Z-axis motor 10 is located inside the main body housing 1, but the main body housing 1 has an opening reserved for the second gear 14 to be exposed.

[0056] In this invention, both the Z-axis motor 10 and the Y-axis motor 3 can be controlled for rotation angle and forward / reverse rotation, and both adopt commonly available models. The detection card 16 is positioned corresponding to the reagent compartment 19 and moves with the Z-axis robotic arm 11. The device, controlled by the control unit, moves the reagent compartment 19 with the Z-axis robotic arm 11, and the detection card 16 moves with the Z-axis robotic arm 11. The control unit of the device has a built-in program that controls the motors, causing the detection card 16 to run sequentially on the reagent compartment 19.

[0057] This utility model, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in the X direction, the detection card 16 has 10 teeth 24, each tooth 24 being an Arabic numeral from 1 to 10. Correspondingly, the reagent compartment support 18 can accommodate 10 rows of reagent compartments 19, and the front side of the reagent compartment support 18 has positioning slots 30 for each tooth 24 to be inserted, which are the English letters A to J. In the Y-axis direction, i.e. from the front to the back of the main body shell 1, the side of the reagent compartment support 18 has Arabic numerals from 11 to 77 corresponding to the 7 compartments 29 on each row of reagent compartments 19, i.e., positions 11 to 77.

[0058] When using this device for comb immunospot assay, the sample is added to the first compartment (position 11) of reagent compartment 19 and mixed. Then, the test card 16 is inserted into the first compartment of reagent compartment 19. After the reaction, it is inserted into the second compartment (position 22). The process is repeated sequentially from the first compartment to the seventh compartment (position 77). After the reaction is complete, the sample is removed and dried. The position and color depth of the precipitated spots on the comb test card are compared to determine the concentration level of the analyte.

[0059] Working principle:

[0060] Commands are sent to the device via button 29 to perform semi-automatic experimental operations. Signals are transmitted as follows:

[0061] After pressing the operation button, the control commands of the motors (Y-axis motor 3 and Z-axis motor 10) and guide rails / slider (Y-axis slide rail 4 and Y-axis slider 5 and Z-axis slide rail 12 and Z-axis slider 13) of the Y-axis motion system and Z-axis motion system 9 will cause the device to move and perform experimental operations.

[0062] The button signal commands are as follows:

[0063] When the "Reset" button is pressed, the device will lift the detection card 16, check the Y-axis and Z-axis positions, and restore them to their original positions. Figure 1 The initial position is shown. At this position, the reagent compartment holder 18 detects the position of the target probe block 7 via the Y-axis position detection unit 6, and is close to the button 28, making it suitable for mounting the reagent compartment 19 onto the reagent compartment holder 18.

[0064] When the "Load Card" button is pressed, the device will lift the detection card 16, push the Y-axis to its maximum position, bringing it close to the Z-axis robotic arm 11, and then lower the Z-axis to the designated height. This position is suitable for fixing the detection card 16 onto the detection card holder 17, i.e. Figure 7 .

[0065] When the "Test" button is pressed, the device will sequentially react the test card in each reagent compartment according to the reagent detection method. After the final reaction is complete, it returns to the initial position. This allows for easy removal of the reagent compartments and test cards for colorimetric interpretation.

[0066] like Figures 8 to 11 Taking positions 11 and 77 of the chamber 29 as an example, the Y-axis motor 3 drives the reagent chamber bracket 18 to position 11, and then the Z-axis motor 10 drives the Z-axis robotic arm 11 to lower the detection card 16 to the appropriate position and insert it into the chamber 29 of position 11. This process is repeated until the card is inserted into the chamber 29 of position 77.

[0067] When the "Pause" button is pressed, the motor stops and the program steps are recorded, regardless of the current work step. Pressing the "Pause" button again resumes the operation and continues the operation before the pause.

[0068] This device reduces the need for clinical operators and lowers the labor costs associated with reagent use; by replacing manual operation with instrument programs, it reduces the impact of operational errors on research results.

[0069] The parts of this utility model not described are existing technologies.

[0070] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A semi-automatic operating device for use with comb-type immunospot assay reagents, characterized in that, It includes the main body shell (1), the test card clamp (17), and the reagent compartment support (18); The test card clamp (17) is mounted on the Z-axis robotic arm (11) for clamping the test card (16), and the reagent compartment bracket (18) is used to insert the reagent compartment (19); The main body shell (1) is equipped with a Y-axis motion system (2) and a Z-axis motion system (9); The Y-axis motion system (2) is used to drive the reagent compartment support (18) to move along the Y-axis direction on the main body shell (1); The Z-axis motion system (9) is used to drive the Z-axis robotic arm (11) to move along the Z-axis direction on the main body shell (1) so that the detection card (16) can be inserted into the reagent chamber (19) for reaction.

2. The semi-automatic operating device for use with the comb-type immunospot assay reagent as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reagent compartments (19) have multiple rows along the X-axis, and each row of reagent compartments (19) has multiple compartments (29) along the Y-axis.

3. The semi-automatic operating device for use with the comb-type immunospot assay reagent as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The Y-axis motion system (2) includes a Y-axis motor (3) and a Y-axis slide rail component. The Y-axis motor (3) is located inside the main body shell (1) and drives the Y-axis slide rail component to make the reagent compartment support (18) move along the Y-axis direction on the main body shell (1).

4. The semi-automatic operating device for use with the comb-type immunospot assay reagent as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The Y-axis slide rail component includes a Y-axis slide rail (4) and a Y-axis slider (5) mounted on the Y-axis slide rail (4). The Y-axis slide rail (4) is fixed on the main body shell (1). The Y-axis slider (5) is fixed to the bottom of the reagent compartment bracket (18). The shaft of the Y-axis motor (3) is fitted with a first gear (8) protruding outside the main body shell (1). The bottom of the reagent compartment bracket (18) has a first tooth (27) that meshes with the first gear (8).

5. The semi-automatic operating device for use with the comb-type immunospot assay reagent as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the reagent compartment support (18) is equipped with a target detection block (7), and the main body shell (1) is equipped with a Y-axis position detection unit (6) for detecting the position of the target detection block (7).

6. The semi-automatic operating device for use with the comb-type immunospot assay reagent as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The Z-axis motion system (9) includes a Z-axis motor (10) and a Z-axis slide rail component. The Z-axis motor (10) is located inside the main body housing (1) and drives the Z-axis slide rail component to make the Z-axis robotic arm (11) move along the Z-axis direction on the main body housing (1).

7. The semi-automatic operating device for use with the comb-type immunospot assay reagent as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The Z-axis slide rail component includes a Z-axis slide rail (12) and a Z-axis slider (13) mounted on the Z-axis slide rail (12). The Z-axis slide rail (12) is mounted on the back side of the main body shell (1). The Z-axis slider (13) is fixed to the Z-axis robotic arm (11). The shaft of the Z-axis motor (10) is fitted with a second gear (14) protruding outside the main body shell (1). The side of the Z-axis robotic arm (11) has a second tooth (15) that meshes with the second gear (14).

8. The semi-automatic operating device for use with the comb-type immunospot assay reagent as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The Z-axis robotic arm (11) is L-shaped, and the second tooth (15) is distributed along the Z-axis direction on the side of the Z-axis robotic arm (11).

9. The semi-automatic operating device for use with the comb-type immunospot assay reagent as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection card (16) is comb-shaped and has mutually spaced teeth (24). The detection card clamp (17) includes a fixed clamping arm (20) and an adjusting clamping arm (21). The fixed clamping arm (20) is mounted on the Z-axis robotic arm (11). The adjusting clamping arm (21) is fixed on the fixed clamping arm (20) by a locking nut. The adjusting clamping arm (21) has a limiting protrusion (22) for limiting the teeth (24).

10. The semi-automatic operating device for use with the comb-type immunospot assay reagent as described in claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a control unit mounted on the main body housing (1), which is used to issue movement commands to the Y-axis motion system (2) and the Z-axis motion system (9). The control unit is located on the front side of the main body housing (1) and is equipped with a button (28). One side of the reagent compartment (19) has a protruding anti-fooling part (26). The reagent compartment bracket (18) has a limiting groove (25) for limiting the position of each row of reagent compartments (19). The front side of the reagent compartment bracket (18) has a positioning groove (30) for positioning the locking teeth (24).

Images