Compact Analytical Instrument Architecture With Concentric Ring Turntables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face a challenge in achieving high analytical test throughput in a compact footprint without reducing instrument cycle time, leading to less robust operation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two concentric and independently driven rings for dilution and reaction processing, along with reagent storage sections, using transfer probes and mixers to increase throughput within a minimal footprint, allowing for twice or near twice the throughput with a slight increase in parts or footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional single-ring turntable architecture is used, then device complexity is low, but analytical test throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into multiple functional sections: a first section with a first ring turntable for sample handling, and a second section with a second ring turntable for reagent handling. Each section operates semi-independently, allowing parallel processing of samples and reagents, which increases throughput without requiring a complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-ring planar layout to a multi-ring three-dimensional arrangement. The first and second ring turntables are positioned at different vertical levels, enabling simultaneous operations in multiple planes. This spatial dimensionality change allows more functions to be packed into a compact footprint while maintaining operational independence.
2Productivity
If cycle time is reduced to increase throughput, then productivity increases, but operation robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second ring turntables operate continuously and simultaneously, with the sample processing section and reagent processing section working in parallel without interrupting each other. This continuous parallel operation maintains robust timing relationships while increasing overall throughput, as neither section needs to wait for the other to complete cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
Reagents are prepared and positioned on the second ring turntable in advance, while samples are simultaneously prepared on the first ring turntable. This preliminary preparation of both samples and reagents allows the reaction section to immediately proceed with analysis without waiting for sequential preparation, maintaining robust timing while increasing throughput.
3Area of stationary object
If compact footprint is achieved, then space requirements are minimized, but instrument functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The second ring turntable is positioned vertically above or adjacent to the first ring turntable, creating a nested or stacked configuration. This nesting allows the instrument to perform multiple functions (sample handling, reagent handling, reaction processing) within a compact horizontal footprint, as the vertical arrangement stacks functional layers rather than spreading them out horizontally.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ring turntable serves multiple functions: the first ring turntable handles sample loading, mixing, and transfer, while the second ring turntable handles reagent loading, mixing, and transfer. This multi-functionality within each section allows the compact instrument to perform comprehensive clinical chemistry analysis without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
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 architecture significantly enhances analytical test throughput within existing or slightly larger footprints, maintaining robust operation by parallel processing and efficient reagent management, while supporting ion-selective electrode measurements.
Implementation Method 1
photometers, and other components to support processing of the assay
Implementation Method 2
an ion-selective electrode (ISE) section to measure electrolytes
Data Source
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AI summary
An analytical instrument architecture provides high analytical test throughput in a compact footprint. A dilution section creates dilutions of a sample, a reaction processing section contains containers for assay reaction and measurement, and a reagent storage section supports reagent storage and supply. Transfer probes move the dilution and reagents to reaction containers. The dilution processing section includes concentric, independentlydriven rings of dilution containers; the reaction processing section includes concentric rings of reaction containers driven by the same mechanism for parallel processing of assays.