Biochemical Analyzer Compact Rotational Support Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analyzers lack a compact structure for efficiently supporting and rotating reagent and specimen containers, leading to inefficiencies in specimen processing and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A biochemical analyzer with a compact design featuring rotatable specimen and reagent storage systems, where rotational supports and drive devices allow for independent rotation of containers, enabling precise control of container positions and liquid handling through pipettes and stirrers, and a controller manages motor speeds and accelerations to minimize liquid surface waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional analyzer structures with separate inner and outer rotational supports are used, then reagent containers can be supported and rotated, but the device size becomes large and structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inner and outer rotational supports into a single integrated rotational support structure. The reagent containers are arranged concentrically on this single support, which rotates to position both inner and outer containers simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate drive mechanisms and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the functionality of supporting and rotating multiple reagent containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The single rotational support structure serves multiple functions: it supports both inner and outer reagent containers, provides rotational positioning for both sets of containers, and enables independent access to containers at different radial positions. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate support structures for each container set, reducing device size and structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate rotational supports are used for inner and outer reagent containers, then independent rotation is possible, but the number of drive mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational support structure is segmented into different radial zones (inner and outer circumferential regions) that can be independently accessed. The single support structure allows selective positioning of inner and outer reagent containers at different angular positions, enabling independent rotation capability without requiring separate drive mechanisms. The segmentation is achieved through the geometric arrangement rather than mechanical separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic positioning where the rotational support can be stopped at different angular positions to access either inner or outer reagent containers. This dynamic control allows the single support structure to fulfill the role of multiple independent supports, providing versatility in container access while reducing the number of drive mechanisms to one.
3Productivity
If conventional liquid handling is used during rotation, then specimen and reagent can be transferred, but liquid surface waves increase measurement error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of reagent containers before liquid handling operations. The rotational support is positioned precisely before pipetting and stirring operations begin, and the rotation is controlled to minimize acceleration and deceleration phases that would cause liquid surface waves. This preliminary positioning and controlled rotation minimizes measurement errors while maintaining processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational support operates with periodic motion patterns, rotating to positioning angles, pausing for liquid handling operations, and then rotating to the next position. This periodic action with controlled pause periods allows liquid surfaces to stabilize during measurement operations, reducing waves and improving measurement precision while maintaining overall productivity through continuous cyclic operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An analyzer (1) is provided, which includes a casing (10), a first shaft member (75) supported by the casing (10) to be rotatable, and formed with a first through-hole (75a), a second shaft member (85) inserted into the first through-hole (75a) and supported by the casing (10) via the first shaft member (75) to be rotatable with respect to the casing (10) and the first shaft member (75), a first rotational support (31A, 33A) capable of supporting a container (32, 34) and coupled to the first shaft member (75) to be integrally rotatable with the first shaft member (75), a second rotational support (31B, 33B) capable of supporting another container (32, 34) and coupled to the second shaft member (85) to be integrally rotatable with the second shaft member (85), and first and second drive mechanisms (65, 66) configured to rotate the first and second shaft members (75, 85), respectively.