Automatic Analyzer Backward Scattered Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic analyzers face challenges in detecting latex reagents of various particle sizes with high sensitivity due to the variability in scattered light measurement, particularly with reduced cell sizes and integration times, and existing configurations do not effectively handle different particle sizes or secure sufficient integration time for accurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analyzer incorporates a scattered light measuring unit with multiple light receivers arranged in a plane perpendicular to the cell rotation direction, allowing for the detection of scattered light at various angles with an angle difference of ±17.7° or less between the irradiation and reception axes, enabling high sensitivity measurements across different particle sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scattered light measurement is used to increase sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but the amount of scattered light is smaller and integration time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring scattered light in the traditional forward direction to measuring in the backward direction (180 degrees). This dimensional change in measurement geometry allows the system to capture scattered light signals that would otherwise be lost, effectively increasing the integration time and signal strength without compromising sensitivity. The backward scattering measurement enables adequate integration time to be secured while maintaining high sensitivity for detecting latex reagents of various particle sizes.
2Quantity of substance
If cell size is reduced to reduce reagent running costs, then quantity of substance is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to shorter integration time
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the measurement direction from forward to backward scattering, the patent enables adequate integration time to be secured even with reduced cell sizes. This dimensional change in optical measurement geometry allows the system to maintain measurement precision while using smaller cells that consume less reagent, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing substance quantity and maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from forward scattered light intensity to backward scattered light intensity. This parameter change enables the system to achieve sufficient signal strength for precise measurement even with reduced integration time caused by smaller cell sizes, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing reagent consumption.
3Device complexity
If conventional scattered light measurement configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to handle various particle sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement configuration using backward scattered light detection that can effectively measure latex reagents of various particle sizes (0.1 μm to 1.0 μm). This single configuration change provides multi-functionality across different test items and particle sizes, eliminating the need for complex adjustable systems while maintaining high adaptability and sensitivity for all measured constituents.
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 enhances sensitivity and precision for both conventional and new test items, allowing for the use of diluted samples and reducing the amount of samples needed, while maintaining sufficient integration time for accurate measurements.
Implementation Method 1
measures the scattered light due to the reaction mixture in the cell
Implementation Method 2
measures the amount of transmitted light of a single or a plurality of wavelengths obtained therefrom to calculate the absorbance; and determines the amount of constituent from the relation between the absorbance and the concentration according to the Beer-Lambert law
Data Source
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AI summary
To be adapted to various types of latex reagents for detecting scattered light and thereby measuring agglutination reactions with high sensitivity while sufficiently ensuring integration time. To be adapted to various types of latex particles of different particle sizes, a plurality of light receivers are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction of cell movement by rotation of a cell disk. To ensure sufficient integration time, the angle between the optical axis of the irradiation light and each of a plurality of optical axes of scattered light viewed from above the cell is made equal to or less than 17.7° including a mounting error.