Compact Automatic Analysis Device with Temperature-Controlled Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic analysis devices with incubation functions often face challenges in compact design due to the need for increased size or reduced processing capability to accommodate the incubation function and transfer mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The automatic analysis device incorporates a reaction vessel storage section with a temperature-controlled area and a dispensing mechanism to manage specimens and reagents, allowing for precise temperature control and incubation periods within a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If an incubation function with transfer mechanism is provided, then temperature control capability is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control capabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the incubation function with the reaction vessel storage container by providing a temperature-controlled area within the storage container. This allows the storage container to serve dual purposes: storing reaction vessels and providing temperature-controlled incubation, thereby eliminating the need for separate transfer mechanisms and reducing device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reaction vessel storage container is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a storage container and an incubation chamber. The temperature-controlled area enables the same container to perform both storage and temperature-controlled processing functions, reducing the need for additional dedicated incubation equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If an incubation function with transfer mechanism is provided, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the incubation function into the existing reaction vessel storage container structure, eliminating the need for separate transfer mechanisms. This integration simplifies the device by reducing the number of components and their interconnections while maintaining temperature control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reaction vessel storage container with temperature-controlled area serves itself by providing both storage and incubation functions within the same structure. The container automatically maintains temperature for stored reaction vessels without requiring external transfer mechanisms or additional control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enables efficient and compact operation of the automatic analysis device while maintaining the incubation function, allowing for precise temperature control and extended holding times or temperatures as needed.

Implementation Method 1

The reaction vessel storage section has a temperature-controlled area where at least a portion of the reaction vessel storage section is adjusted to a prescribed temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature control: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4506694A1Automatic analysis device
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • EP4506694A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4506694A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4506694A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A

AI summary

Provided is an automatic analysis device having an incubation function. An example of the automatic analysis device includes: a reaction vessel storage section where a reaction vessel storage container that stores reaction vessels is installed; and a dispensing mechanism that dispenses specimens or reagents into a reaction vessel which was removed from the reaction vessel storage container. The reaction vessel storage section has a temperature-controlled area where at least a portion of the storage section is adjusted to a prescribed temperature. The reaction vessel into which a specimen or a reagent is dispensed by the dispensing mechanism is placed in a reaction vessel storage container installed in the temperature-controlled area for a prescribed period.