A fecal analysis system

Abstract

This invention discloses a fecal analysis system, comprising an automatic sample loading mechanism, a liquid extraction mechanism, a reaction detection mechanism, and an automatic reaction cup loading mechanism. In use, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism loads the reaction cup into the reaction detection mechanism. The automatic sample loading mechanism and the liquid extraction mechanism respectively deliver the fecal sample to be tested and the reaction liquid into the reaction cup. The reaction detection mechanism detects the reaction between the fecal sample and the reaction liquid in the reaction cup. After the detection is completed, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism collects the discarded reaction cup from the reaction detection mechanism. This invention avoids sample contamination caused by manual operation and prevents discomfort to staff from the smell and sight of the fecal sample. It ensures accurate test results while shortening the testing time and improving testing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of fecal detection technology, specifically relating to a fecal analysis system. Background Technology

[0002] Fecal testing is an important clinical examination. By analyzing biomarkers in fecal samples, doctors can indirectly assess the functional status of the digestive tract, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder, detect gastroenteritis and liver disease early, and it can also serve as a basis for the diagnosis and screening of digestive tract tumors.

[0003] Fecal occult blood is an important indicator for clinical examination of gastrointestinal bleeding. It can screen out a certain proportion of patients with advanced colorectal adenomas and colorectal cancer (CRC) in the general high-risk population, reducing their morbidity and mortality. It is recommended by guidelines as the preferred screening method for CRC. Fecal transferrin testing has a high detection rate in upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and combined with fecal occult blood testing, it can significantly improve the positive detection rate of gastrointestinal bleeding diseases. Fecal calprotectin is a marker of general acute inflammation as well as tumors and inflammatory bowel diseases. Irritable bowel syndrome and chronic inflammatory bowel disease are often difficult to distinguish, which may lead to extensive and unnecessary colonoscopies. In contrast, quantitative detection of fecal calprotectin can clearly distinguish between patients with inflammatory bowel disease (acute Mobscrohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and irritable bowel syndrome.

[0004] However, existing methods for detecting fecal biomarkers are mostly based on chromatographic test strips, which have many shortcomings.

[0005] First, doctors need to handle the fecal sample multiple times during the testing process, which not only increases the risk of sample contamination but also poses a potential threat to the health of medical staff. Second, chromatographic test strips are all qualitative tests, only providing a positive or negative result, but not a specific quantitative value, thus failing to realize the clinical value of the aforementioned biomarkers and meet clinical needs. Third, although there are devices for quantitative detection of fecal occult blood in existing technologies, their level of automation is generally low. For example, manual loading of the reaction container is required, or the posture of the reaction container cannot be guaranteed after automatic loading, leading to deviations in the test results and seriously affecting the work efficiency of medical staff.

[0006] Therefore, developing a novel, highly automated combined detection device for fecal biomarkers, which truly automates the entire process from consumable loading, sample loading, reagent management, reaction cup loading, and collection, aims to reduce the direct involvement of medical staff, shorten detection time, and improve detection efficiency and accuracy. This is of great value for improving the clinical diagnostic process. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a fecal analysis system that solves the problems of existing fecal testing equipment being cumbersome to operate, unable to guarantee the posture of the reaction cup after loading into the analysis system, requiring manual adjustment, resulting in easy sample contamination, long detection time, and low detection efficiency.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the first technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows: a fecal analysis system includes an automatic sample loading mechanism, a liquid extraction mechanism, a reaction detection mechanism, and an automatic reaction cup loading mechanism; in use, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism loads the reaction cup into the reaction detection mechanism, the automatic sample loading mechanism and the liquid extraction mechanism respectively transport the fecal sample to be tested and the reaction liquid into the reaction cup, the reaction detection mechanism detects the reaction between the fecal sample to be tested and the reaction liquid in the reaction cup, and after the detection is completed, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism collects the discarded reaction cup from the reaction detection mechanism.

[0009] Furthermore, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism includes a cup selection module, a cup sorting module, and a reaction cup transport module. The cup selection module is used to transport the reaction cups sequentially to the cup sorting module. The cup sorting module is used to adjust the posture of the reaction cups and transfer them to the reaction cup transport module. The reaction cup transport module is used to transport the reaction cups to the reaction detection mechanism.

[0010] Furthermore, the reaction cup transport module includes a horizontal drive component, a first vertical drive component, and a cup gripper disposed on the first vertical drive component, wherein the first vertical drive component is disposed on the horizontal drive component.

[0011] Furthermore, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism also includes a cup-throwing module, which is used to transfer the waste reaction cups to the outside of the fecal analysis system and collect them.

[0012] Furthermore, the automatic sample loading mechanism includes an automatic sample injection module and a sample transport module. The automatic sample injection module is used to load the fecal sample to be tested onto the sample transport module, and the sample transport module is used to transport the fecal sample to be tested into the reaction cup of the reaction detection mechanism.

[0013] Furthermore, the automatic sample feeding module includes a sample rack and a sample propulsion component. The sample rack holds a sampling tube containing the fecal sample to be tested, and the sample propulsion component is used to move the sample rack to the sample transport module.

[0014] Furthermore, the sample transport module includes a second vertical drive component and a sample needle disposed on the second vertical drive component, wherein the second vertical drive component is disposed on the horizontal drive component.

[0015] Furthermore, the liquid collection mechanism includes a reagent pot assembly, a reagent needle, and a reagent delivery assembly. The reagent needle is disposed on the reagent delivery assembly, and the reagent needle and the reagent delivery assembly are located above the reagent pot assembly. During operation, the reagent delivery assembly is used to drive the reagent needle to collect the reaction liquid stored in the reagent pot assembly and transport the collected reaction liquid to the reaction detection mechanism.

[0016] Furthermore, the reaction detection mechanism includes a reaction plate and a detection component. Several reaction cups are placed on the reaction plate, and each reaction cup contains a fecal sample to be tested. The detection component is used to detect the reaction between the fecal sample to be tested and the reaction liquid in the reaction cup.

[0017] The second technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows: a control method for the above-mentioned fecal analysis system, specifically:

[0018] S1. The automatic loading mechanism for the reaction cup is used to load the reaction cup onto the reaction detection mechanism;

[0019] S2. The liquid-taking mechanism transports the reaction liquid to the reaction cup of the reaction detection mechanism;

[0020] S3. The automatic sample loading mechanism transports the fecal sample to be tested to the reaction cup of the reaction detection mechanism;

[0021] S4. The reaction detection mechanism detects the reaction between the fecal sample to be tested and the reaction solution. After the detection is completed, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism collects the waste reaction cups from the reaction detection mechanism for centralized processing.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: This utility model automatically loads reaction cups onto the reaction detection mechanism by setting an automatic reaction cup loading mechanism, ensuring that the mouths of each reaction cup are facing upwards and not tilted. The sample loading mechanism and the liquid extraction mechanism respectively add the fecal sample to be tested and the reaction liquid into the reaction cup. After the fecal sample and the reaction liquid react for a period of time, the reaction detection mechanism detects the reaction of the fecal sample and the reaction liquid to obtain the test results. After the test is completed, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism collects the waste reaction cups for centralized processing. In the fecal testing process, the sampling, liquid extraction, testing, reaction cup loading and unloading operations do not require manual intervention and can be completed automatically, avoiding sample contamination caused by manual intervention and avoiding discomfort to the staff in terms of smell and sight caused by fecal samples. While ensuring the accuracy of the test results, it shortens the test time and improves the test efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the fecal analysis system provided by this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the automatic sample loading mechanism in the fecal analysis system provided by this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the automatic loading mechanism for the reaction cup in the fecal analysis system provided by this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid sampling mechanism in the fecal analysis system provided by this utility model.

[0027] In the figure, 1-automatic sample loading mechanism, 11-automatic sample injection module, 111-sample rack, 112-sample pushing component, 12-sample transport module, 121-second vertical drive component, 122-sample needle;

[0028] 2-Liquid dispensing mechanism, 21-Reagent pot assembly, 22-Reagent needle, 23-Reagent delivery assembly;

[0029] 3-Reaction detection mechanism, 31-Reaction plate;

[0030] 4-Automatic reaction cup loading mechanism, 41-Cup selection module, 42-Cup sorting module, 43-Reaction cup transport module, 431-Horizontal drive component, 432-First vertical drive component, 433-Cup gripper, 44-Cup throwing module. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be clarified that the terms "vertical," "lateral," "longitudinal," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," "down," and "horizontal," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are merely for the convenience of describing this utility model. They do not imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or position, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances. Example 1

[0033] The fecal analysis system provided in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device includes an automatic sample loading mechanism 1, a liquid extraction mechanism 2, a reaction detection mechanism 3, and an automatic reaction cup loading mechanism 4. In use, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism 4 loads the reaction cup into the reaction detection mechanism 3. The automatic sample loading mechanism 1 and the liquid extraction mechanism 2 respectively deliver the fecal sample to be tested and the reaction liquid into the reaction cup. The reaction detection mechanism 3 detects the reaction between the fecal sample to be tested and the reaction liquid in the reaction cup. After the detection is completed, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism 4 collects the discarded reaction cup from the reaction detection mechanism 3.

[0034] Based on the above structure, the fecal analysis system automatically loads the reaction cup onto the reaction detection mechanism 3 using an automatic reaction cup loading mechanism 4. After loading, the reaction cup is positioned with its opening facing upwards and its body not tilted, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. The fecal sample to be tested and the reaction liquid are added to the reaction cup via the automatic sample loading mechanism 1 and the liquid collection mechanism 2, respectively. After the fecal sample and the reaction liquid have reacted for a period of time, the reaction detection mechanism 3 detects the reaction and obtains the test results. After the test is completed, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism 4 collects the discarded reaction cups for centralized processing.

[0035] This invention automates all operations in the fecal testing process, including sample introduction, sampling, liquid extraction, testing, loading and unloading of reaction cups, without requiring manual intervention. This avoids sample contamination caused by manual operation and prevents the fecal samples from causing discomfort to staff in terms of smell and sight. While ensuring accurate test results, it also shortens the testing time and improves testing efficiency.

[0036] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism 4 includes a cup selection module 41, a cup sorting module 42, and a reaction cup transport module 43. The cup selection module 41 is used to transport the reaction cups sequentially to the cup sorting module 42. The cup sorting module 42 is used to adjust the posture of the reaction cups and transfer them to the reaction cup transport module 43. The reaction cup transport module 43 is used to transport the reaction cups to the reaction detection mechanism 3.

[0037] In this embodiment, the cup selection module 41 transports the reaction cups with the mouth facing upwards to the cup handling module 42 in sequence. The cup handling module 42 adjusts the posture of the reaction cups to ensure that the reaction cups are placed vertically and the cups are not tilted. Then, it transfers the reaction cups to the reaction cup transport module 43, which moves the reaction cups into the reaction detection mechanism 3.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, the reaction cup transport module 43 includes a horizontal drive component 431, a first vertical drive component 432, and a cup gripper 433 disposed on the first vertical drive component 432, wherein the first vertical drive component 432 is disposed on the horizontal drive component 431.

[0039] In this embodiment, the horizontal drive component 431 and the first vertical drive component 432 adopt mechanical structures such as worm gears, motor transmission, and electric telescopic rods. In use, the horizontal drive component 431 drives the first vertical drive component 432 and the cup gripper 433 to move horizontally, and the first vertical drive component 432 drives the cup gripper 433 to move up and down, thereby using the cup gripper 433 to grasp the reaction cup and realize the automatic loading process of the reaction cup.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism 4 further includes a cup throwing module 44, which is used to transfer the waste reaction cups to the outside of the fecal analysis system and collect them, so as to facilitate the centralized processing of the waste reaction cups and avoid delays in subsequent work due to failure to process the reaction cups in time after the test is completed.

[0041] In some embodiments of this application, the automatic sample loading mechanism 1 includes an automatic sample injection module 11 and a sample transport module 12. The automatic sample injection module 11 is used to load the fecal sample to be tested onto the sample transport module 12, and the sample transport module 12 is used to transport the fecal sample to be tested into the reaction cup of the reaction detection mechanism 3.

[0042] In this embodiment, the automatic sampling module 11 is used to transport the sampling tube containing the fecal sample to be tested to the sample transport module 12, and the sample transport module 12 transports the fecal sample to be tested to the reaction detection unit 3. The whole process does not require manual intervention and has a high degree of automation.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the automatic sample feeding module 11 includes a sample rack 111 and a sample propulsion component 112. The sample rack 111 holds a sampling tube containing a fecal sample to be tested, and the sample propulsion component 112 is used to move the sample rack 111 to the sample transport module 12.

[0044] In this embodiment, the sample propulsion component 112 adopts mechanical structures such as worm gear, motor transmission, and electric telescopic rod to drive the sample holder 111 to move, thereby driving the fecal sample to be tested in the sampling tube to move, so as to realize the automatic injection of the fecal sample to be tested.

[0045] In some embodiments of this application, the sample transport module 12 includes a second vertical drive component 121 and a sample needle 122 disposed on the second vertical drive component 121. The second vertical drive component 121 is disposed on the horizontal drive component 431. The second vertical drive component 121 is used to drive the sample needle 122 to move up and down to collect the fecal sample to be tested in the sampling tube. The horizontal drive component 431 is used to drive the second vertical drive component 121 and the sample needle 122 to move horizontally to the reaction detection mechanism 3.

[0046] In this embodiment, the second vertical drive component 121 adopts mechanical structures such as worm gear, motor transmission, and electric telescopic rod. When the sample push component 112 drives the sample holder 111 to move to the sample transport module 12, the second vertical drive component 121 drives the sample needle 122 to move downward to collect the fecal sample to be tested in the sampling tube. After sampling, the second vertical drive component 121 drives the sample needle 122 to move upward to reset. Then, the horizontal drive component 431 drives the second vertical drive component 121 and the sample needle 122 to move horizontally above the reaction detection mechanism 3. The second vertical drive component 121 drives the sample needle 122 to move downward to place the fecal sample to be tested in the reaction cup of the reaction detection mechanism 3. Finally, the second vertical drive component 121 drives the sample needle 122 to move upward to reset.

[0047] The sampling and transportation of the fecal samples to be tested are achieved through an automated mechanical structure, which does not require human intervention and improves the efficiency of sampling and transportation. Secondly, in this embodiment, the horizontal drive component 431 drives the first vertical drive component 432 and the second vertical drive component 121 to move, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the fecal analysis system and makes the structure of the fecal analysis system more concentrated, thus reducing the volume of the fecal analysis system.

[0048] In such Figure 4As shown in some embodiments of this application, the liquid collection mechanism 2 includes a reagent pot assembly 21, a reagent needle 22, and a reagent pushing assembly 23. The reagent needle 22 is disposed on the reagent pushing assembly 23, and the reagent needle 22 and the reagent pushing assembly 23 are located above the reagent pot assembly 21. During operation, the reagent pushing assembly 23 is used to drive the reagent needle 22 to collect the reaction liquid stored in the reagent pot assembly 21 and transport the collected reaction liquid to the reaction detection mechanism 3.

[0049] In this embodiment, the user stores the reaction solution required for fecal analysis in the reagent pot assembly 21. The reagent push assembly 23 drives the reagent needle 22 to move downward to draw up the reaction solution. Then, the reagent push assembly 23 drives the reagent needle 22 to move upward to reset and moves the reagent needle 22 horizontally to transport the reaction solution to the top of the reaction detection mechanism 3. Finally, the reagent push assembly 23 drives the reagent needle 22 to move downward to inject the reaction solution into the reaction detection mechanism 3, and then drives the reagent needle 22 to move upward to reset.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the reaction detection mechanism 3 includes a reaction plate 31 and a detection component. A plurality of reaction cups are placed on the reaction plate 31, and the contents of the reaction cups contain fecal samples to be tested. The detection component is used to detect the reaction between the fecal samples to be tested and the reaction liquid in the reaction cups.

[0051] In this embodiment, the reaction cup is placed on the reaction plate 31. After the fecal sample to be tested reacts with the reaction liquid in the reaction cup for a period of time, the reaction between the fecal sample to be tested and the reaction liquid is detected by the detection component to obtain the analysis results of the fecal sample to be tested. Example 2

[0052] This embodiment provides a control method for the fecal analysis system described in Embodiment 1, specifically including:

[0053] S1. The automatic loading mechanism 4 for the reaction cup is used to load the reaction cup onto the reaction detection mechanism 3;

[0054] S2, The liquid taking mechanism 2 transports the reaction liquid to the reaction detection mechanism 3;

[0055] S3. The automatic sample loading mechanism 1 transports the fecal sample to be tested to the reaction detection mechanism 3;

[0056] S4. The reaction detection mechanism 3 detects the reaction between the fecal sample to be tested and the reaction liquid. After the detection is completed, the reaction cup automatic loading mechanism 4 collects the waste reaction cups from the reaction detection mechanism 3 for centralized processing.

[0057] The specific usage method of the fecal analysis system provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0058] When a user performs fecal sample analysis, multiple reaction cups are first placed in the cup selection module 41. The cup selection module 41 adjusts the posture of the reaction cups so that their openings face upwards and transports them sequentially to the cup sorting module 42. The cup sorting module 42 adjusts the posture of the reaction cups to prevent them from tilting and transports them to the reaction cup transport module 43. The horizontal drive component 431 in the reaction cup transport module 43 drives the first vertical drive component 432 and the cup gripper 433 to move above the reaction cups. The first vertical drive component 432 drives the cup gripper 433 to move down to grab the reaction cups and then move up to reset. The horizontal drive component 431 then drives the first vertical drive component 432 and the cup gripper 433 to move above the reaction plate 31 and place the reaction cups on the reaction plate 31.

[0059] The fecal sample to be tested is then placed in the sampling tube, and the sampling tube is arranged on the sample rack 111. The sample pushing component 112 moves the sample rack 111 to the sample transport module 12. The second vertical drive component 121 moves the sample needle 122 down to collect the fecal sample to be tested and then moves it up to reset. The horizontal drive component 431 moves the second vertical drive component 121 and the sample needle 122 to the reaction plate 31. The second vertical drive component 121 moves the sample needle 122 down again to add the fecal sample to be tested into the reaction cup. Finally, it moves the sample needle 122 up to reset.

[0060] The user also stores the required reaction solution in the reagent pot assembly 21. The reagent push assembly 23 drives the reagent needle 22 to move down to draw up the reaction solution and then moves it up to reset. Then, the reagent needle 22 is moved to the top of the reaction plate 31. Finally, the reagent needle 22 is moved down to add the reaction solution into the reaction cup, and then the reagent needle 22 is moved up to reset.

[0061] After the fecal sample and reaction solution react in the reaction cup for a period of time, the detection component detects the reaction of the fecal sample and obtains the fecal sample analysis results.

[0062] The fecal analysis system described in this embodiment is highly automated for fecal testing, requiring no human intervention and eliminating the pollution caused by manual intervention. It can also test multiple samples simultaneously, resulting in short testing time and high efficiency.

[0063] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A fecal analysis system, characterized in that, It includes an automatic sample loading mechanism (1), a liquid extraction mechanism (2), a reaction detection mechanism (3), and an automatic reaction cup loading mechanism (4). In use, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism (4) loads the reaction cup into the reaction detection mechanism (3). The automatic sample loading mechanism (1) and the liquid extraction mechanism (2) respectively transport the fecal sample to be tested and the reaction liquid into the reaction cup. The reaction detection mechanism (3) detects the reaction between the fecal sample to be tested and the reaction liquid in the reaction cup. After the detection is completed, the automatic reaction cup loading mechanism (4) collects the waste reaction cup from the reaction detection mechanism (3).

2. The fecal analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic loading mechanism (4) for reaction cups includes a cup selection module (41), a cup handling module (42), and a reaction cup transport module (43). The cup selection module (41) is used to transport the reaction cups sequentially to the cup handling module (42). The cup handling module (42) is used to adjust the posture of the reaction cups and transfer them to the reaction cup transport module (43). The reaction cup transport module (43) is used to transport the reaction cups to the reaction detection mechanism (3).

3. The fecal analysis system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reaction cup transport module (43) includes a horizontal drive assembly (431), a first vertical drive assembly (432), and a cup gripper (433) disposed on the first vertical drive assembly (432), wherein the first vertical drive assembly (432) is disposed on the horizontal drive assembly (431).

4. The fecal analysis system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The automatic reaction cup loading mechanism (4) also includes a cup throwing module (44), which is used to transfer the waste reaction cup to the outside of the fecal analysis system and collect it.

5. A fecal analysis system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The automatic sample loading mechanism (1) includes an automatic sample injection module (11) and a sample transport module (12). The automatic sample injection module (11) is used to load the fecal sample to be tested onto the sample transport module (12), and the sample transport module (12) is used to transport the fecal sample to be tested into the reaction cup of the reaction detection mechanism (3).

6. A fecal analysis system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The automatic sample feeding module (11) includes a sample rack (111) and a sample propulsion component (112). The sample rack (111) holds a sampling tube containing a fecal sample to be tested. The sample propulsion component (112) is used to move the sample rack (111) to the sample transport module (12).

7. A fecal analysis system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sample transport module (12) includes a second vertical drive component (121) and a sample needle (122) disposed on the second vertical drive component (121), wherein the second vertical drive component (121) is disposed on the horizontal drive component (431).

8. A fecal analysis system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The liquid collection mechanism (2) includes a reagent pot assembly (21), a reagent needle (22), and a reagent pushing assembly (23). The reagent needle (22) is disposed on the reagent pushing assembly (23), and the reagent needle (22) and the reagent pushing assembly (23) are located above the reagent pot assembly (21). During operation, the reagent pushing assembly (23) is used to drive the reagent needle (22) to collect the reaction liquid stored in the reagent pot assembly (21) and transport the collected reaction liquid to the reaction detection mechanism (3).

9. A fecal analysis system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The reaction detection mechanism (3) includes a reaction plate (31) and a detection component. Several reaction cups are placed on the reaction plate (31). The reaction cups contain fecal samples to be tested. The detection component is used to detect the reaction between the fecal samples to be tested and the reaction liquid in the reaction cups.

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