Analyzer Calibration Timing Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional analyzers perform calibration and blank analysis processes simultaneously, leading to high costs when calibrators are expensive, as users demand the ability to perform these processes separately to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Innovation Solution

The analyzer independently manages the initiation timings of calibration and blank analysis processes, allowing them to be performed only when necessary, ensuring accuracy and reducing costs by scheduling them based on reagent supply and expiration dates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the calibration analysis process and blank analysis process are performed simultaneously, then the analysis accuracy is maintained, but the cost increases due to frequent calibration analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the calibration analysis process and blank analysis process into independent, separately manageable processes. The calibration analysis process sets the calibration curve while the blank analysis process corrects it. By managing their initiation timings independently, the system performs calibration analysis only when the calibration curve needs updating (when reagent is supplied or calibration validity period expires), rather than simultaneously with every blank analysis, thereby reducing unnecessary calibration costs while maintaining accuracy through separate blank corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the calibration analysis process is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then the analysis accuracy is maintained, but the resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoidreagent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by establishing calibration validity periods and tracking reagent supply events in advance. The system determines beforehand when calibration analysis is actually needed (when calibration curve validity expires or new reagent is supplied) versus when only blank analysis is needed. This preliminary planning prevents unnecessary calibration analysis and associated reagent consumption while ensuring calibration accuracy is maintained through timely calibration when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of substance

If the calibration analysis process and blank analysis process are managed independently, then the cost is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidprocess management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors calibration validity periods, tracks reagent supply events, and receives feedback from both calibration analysis and blank analysis processes. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently determines whether to initiate calibration analysis, blank analysis, or neither, by comparing current state against predefined conditions (calibration validity expiration, reagent supply timing). This feedback-driven approach manages the complexity of independent process control while enabling cost reduction through optimized process initiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2101179B1analyzer
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 BECKMAN COULTER INC
  • EP2101179B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2101179B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2101179B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An analyzer (1) according to the present invention maintains its analysis accuracy for each analytical item by performing a calibration analysis process, in which a calibrator is analyzed, and a blank analysis process, in which a blank sample is used. The analyzer (1) includes a management unit (32) that independently manages the initiation timings of the calibration analysis process and the blank analysis process for each analytical item. The management unit (32) performs at least the blank analysis process before an expiration date for managing accuracy of the blank analysis result and when a reagent is supplied. The management unit (32) performs the calibration analysis process before the expiration date for managing accuracy of the calibration analysis result and when a reagent is supplied.