Analytic Sample Cuvette Timer Rack for Automatic Reaction Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handling multiple analytic sample cuvettes in laboratory settings, such as those used in water analysis, are cumbersome and lack efficiency, particularly when determining different analytes simultaneously, and require manual time management which can lead to errors.
Innovation Solution
An analytic sample cuvette timer rack with vertically arranged parking receptacles, each equipped with a readable analysis type indicator and signal means, connected to an electronic time management system that automatically manages reaction times based on the analysis type and temperature, ensuring cuvettes are ready for analysis at the appropriate time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual time management using stopwatch is used, then simplicity of device is maintained, but handling efficiency and precision deteriorate when multiple analytes are processed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into multiple independently controllable compartments, each with its own signal means and timing control. This segmentation allows simultaneous management of multiple analytes with different reaction times without requiring a completely new complex system - each compartment can be independently timed and signaled while sharing the overall rack structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service timing where each cuvette compartment automatically signals when its reaction time is complete through integrated signal means. The electronic time management system automatically tracks reaction times and triggers appropriate signals, eliminating the need for manual stopwatch operation while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture.
2Measurement precision
If manual determination of reaction time is used, then device simplicity is preserved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical stopwatch system is replaced with an electronic time management system that digitally tracks reaction times and automatically triggers signals. This substitution improves timing precision and reliability while adding only moderate complexity through electronic components rather than complex mechanical or automated handling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through signal means that automatically indicate when reaction times are complete. The electronic time management continuously monitors elapsed time and provides feedback signals to users, ensuring precise and reliable timing without requiring manual intervention or complex automated analysis systems.
3Productivity
If multiple different analytes are processed simultaneously, then productivity increases, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual time tracking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system provides multi-functionality by accommodating multiple different analytes with varying reaction times in a single unified structure. Each compartment can handle different analysis types simultaneously, and the electronic time management system universally manages all timing requirements through a single integrated control mechanism, improving ease of operation while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic time management system acts as an intermediary between the user and the multiple simultaneous analysis processes. It automatically tracks reaction times, manages different timing requirements for different analytes, and triggers appropriate signals, thereby maintaining ease of operation even when processing multiple analytes concurrently with different reaction times.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to an analytic sample cuvette timer rack (10) comprising: several identical vertical sample cuvette parking receptacles (541-544) for vertically parking analytic sample cuvettes (20') being provided with a readable analysis type indicator (26) indicating an analysis type (ty), whereas every sample cuvette parking receptacle (541-544) is provided with a signal means (551-554), a single separate sample cuvette reader station (52) with an indicator reader (32) for reading the analysis type indicator (26) of an analytic sample cuvette (20), an assigning means (46) for assigning the analytic sample cuvette (20) to a sample cuvette parking receptacle (541-544), and an electronic time management (40) being informationally connected to the indicator reader (32), to the signal means (551-554) and to the assigning means (46), whereas the electronic time management (40) is provided with an analysis type timing library (49) has memorized reaction times (Tr) for at least two different analysis types (ty), and whereas the electronic time management (40) is provided with a timer coordination unit (48) which activates the signal means (551-554) of the assigned sample cuvette parking receptacle (541-544) when the reaction time (Tr) for the analysis type (ty) identified by the sample cuvette reader station (52) has elapsed.