Biological Sample Analyzer Cold Consumable Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biological sample analyzers are inefficient in heating consumable holders to the target temperature, leading to delayed analysis and potential biases or errors due to refrigerated consumable holders not being brought to ambient temperature before analysis, and they lack the ability to quickly heat or cool consumable holders to optimize analysis time.
Innovation Solution
A biological sample analyzer with a housing that includes a fan to force air over heaters, allowing for rapid heating and cooling, and a controller that detects ambient temperature and adjusts heating energy to quickly bring consumable holders to the target temperature, while also detecting refrigerated consumable holders and adjusting heating accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional heating methods are used to heat consumable holders, then the system is simple to operate, but the heating time is long and analysis is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the consumable holder's temperature state before heating begins. The temperature sensor detects whether the consumable holder is refrigerated (below ambient temperature), and the controller pre-calculates the required heating energy based on this detection, enabling optimized heating from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature of the consumable holder during heating and adjusting the heating energy in real-time. The controller receives temperature data from the sensor and modifies the heating power to achieve the target temperature efficiently, preventing overheating and reducing unnecessary heating time.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If refrigerated consumable holders are used to extend shelf life, then shelf life is extended, but the holders must reach ambient temperature before analysis causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the consumable holder's temperature state before heating begins. The temperature sensor detects whether the consumable holder is refrigerated (below ambient temperature), and the controller pre-calculates the required heating energy based on this detection, enabling optimized heating from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the heating parameter dynamically based on the detected temperature state. When a refrigerated consumable holder is detected, the controller applies a higher initial heating power to compensate for the lower starting temperature, thereby maintaining the same analysis time regardless of whether the holder was refrigerated or at ambient temperature.
3Speed
If heating energy is increased to reduce heating time, then heating speed improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial heating action by providing exactly the amount of heating energy needed to reach the target temperature, rather than using excessive high power continuously. The controller calculates the precise heating requirement based on the detected initial temperature and applies heating accordingly, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining efficient heating speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature of the consumable holder during heating and adjusting the heating energy in real-time. The controller receives temperature data from the sensor and modifies the heating power to achieve the target temperature efficiently, preventing overheating and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
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 solution reduces analysis time, minimizes errors by ensuring consumable holders are at the correct temperature, and extends the shelf life of consumable holders by allowing refrigeration without requiring them to reach ambient temperature before analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a fan to force air over a heater
Implementation Method 2
at least one heater to apply thermal energy to the consumable holder
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a biological sample analyzer has a housing having at least one outer wall that defines a cavity therein. A receptacle, which can support a consumable holder containing a biological sample, is disposed within the internal cavity. At least one heater applies heat to the receptacle when the consumable holder is supported by the receptacle. At least one heater sensor detect temperatures of the receptacle over time. A controller detects whether the consumable holder is below an ambient temperature based on a decrease in temperature of the receptacle when the consumable holder is inserted into the receptacle. The controller also increases an amount of thermal energy transferred from the at least one heater to the consumable holder when the controller detects that the consumable holder is below the ambient temperature so as to heat the consumable holder to a target temperature.