Analytical Device Exchangeable Cassette for Liquid Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical devices for liquid samples are complex, prone to malfunctions, and require trained technicians for maintenance, posing risks of contamination and environmental hazards due to the need for frequent hose replacement and reconnection.
Innovation Solution
An analytical device with an exchangeable cassette system that integrates liquid storage and handling units, allowing for easy replacement and maintenance, reducing the risk of contamination and environmental exposure by sealing fluid connections within the cassette.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If hose linkages are used to connect reagent containers and waste containers to the mixing cuvette, then the device can be assembled and disassembled for maintenance, but the hoses and supply pumps are susceptible to material fatigue and require frequent maintenance or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: an exchangeable cassette containing the mixing cuvette and integrated liquid storage, and a permanent housing containing the supply pumps and control electronics. This segmentation allows the cassette to be replaced as a single unit, eliminating the need to handle and reconnect multiple hoses, thereby solving both the maintenance accessibility and hose durability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid storage containers and mixing cuvette are extracted from the permanent housing and integrated into a separate exchangeable cassette. This extraction removes the consumable components that require frequent replacement from the permanent structure, allowing the cassette to be discarded or replaced without affecting the durable pump system.
2Extent of automation
If the analytical device is designed as a cabinet device with integrated liquid storage and handling units, then automation is achieved, but the device becomes complex and susceptible to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The automated analytical device is segmented into a permanent automated control unit and an exchangeable cassette. The cassette contains only the mixing cuvette and liquid storage, which are simple mechanical components. The complex automated functions (pumping, mixing, optical measurement, data processing) are confined to the permanent unit. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the exchangeable parts while maintaining full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The exchangeable cassette is designed to be easily replaced by the user without requiring technical expertise. The cassette itself requires no maintenance or adjustment - it is simply inserted or removed from the permanent housing. This self-service design simplifies the user interface while maintaining automated operation during analysis.
3Ease of operation
If reagents are stored in separate containers and connected via hose linkages, then the device can be serviced, but trained technicians are required and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent storage and mixing functions are segmented into a self-contained exchangeable cassette that interfaces with the permanent housing through simple mechanical connections. This segmentation allows users to replace the entire reagent system as one unit, eliminating the need to handle individual hoses and reagent containers, thereby reducing contamination risks while maintaining ease of serviceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The exchangeable cassette is designed as a disposable or limited-life component that is replaced rather than maintained. This eliminates the need for trained technicians to service complex hose and pump connections, as the entire reagent handling system is simply swapped out when needed, significantly reducing contamination risks.
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
Simplifies maintenance, reduces the risk of contamination and environmental exposure, and enhances operational efficiency by allowing for quick replacement of consumables and wear parts without direct handling of chemicals, thus improving user safety and device reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the chemical reaction can be followed by means of physical methods, for example, by optical measurements. For example, the chemical reaction can effect a color change, which is detectable photometrically
Data Source
AI summary
An analytical device for automated determining of a measured variable of a liquid sample comprises: a liquid storage, which includes one or more liquid containers for one or more liquids; a measuring cell for accommodating the liquid sample, especially a liquid sample, to which has been added one or more liquids from the liquid storage, and a measuring arrangement for providing one or more measurement signals correlated with the measured variable; an electronics unit, which includes a control unit for control of the analytical device and for determining the measured variable based on the measurement signals provided by the measuring arrangement; and a handling unit including a supply- and dosing, or metering, system for supplying and metering the liquid sample and liquids from the liquid storage into the measuring cell, wherein the analytical device includes at least one exchangeable cassette, into which are integrated at least parts of the liquid storage and/or at least parts of the handling unit.