Analyzer Consumables Transfer for Active Loading and Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated analyzers face inefficiencies in consumables loading/unloading, leading to interruptions and reduced throughput due to limited onboard capacity and expiration of reagents, necessitating manual intervention that disrupts operations.
Innovation Solution
A consumables container loading/unloading system that allows manual loading/unloading of consumables containers while the analyzer is active, utilizing a transfer system to manage consumables between storage magazines and a buffer storage, ensuring continuous operation and optimizing workflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading and unloading of consumable containers is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable container carrier automatically performs loading and unloading operations without external intervention. The carrier moves itself along the transport path, autonomously delivering containers to loading positions and removing them from unloading positions, thereby eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The consumable container carrier serves multiple functions: it transports containers along the transport path, automatically loads containers at loading positions, and unloads containers at unloading positions. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms into a single integrated system
2Loss of time
If manual loading and unloading is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier autonomously performs the complete cycle of transporting, loading, and unloading containers without waiting for manual intervention at each step, thereby dramatically reducing the total time required for container replacement while avoiding complex coordinated control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier prepares for loading and unloading operations in advance by positioning itself at the appropriate locations along the transport path before the actual container transfer occurs, enabling seamless continuous operation without time-consuming manual preparation
3Productivity
If automated loading/unloading system is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves high throughput through the carrier's autonomous operation, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms, sensors, and actuators that would otherwise be required to coordinate automated loading and unloading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the transport function, loading function, and unloading function into a single integrated carrier system, reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function while maintaining high productivity
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A system (100) is provided for an automated analyzer (10) having an analyzer arrangement (20) configured to consume liquid consumables (30L) when in an active mode (12). The liquid consumables (30L) are delivered to the automated analyzer (10) via consumables containers (30). The system (100) comprises a storage magazine (120) configured to removably hold at least one of the consumables containers (30), a tray (150) configured to manually receive one or more of the consumables containers (30) from an operator at least while the analyzer arrangement (20) is in the active mode (12), and a transfer system (250) configured to transfer one or more of the consumables containers (30) at least between the tray (150) and the storage magazine (120). The transfer system (250) transfers one or more of the consumables containers (30) to or from the storage magazine (120) at least while the tray (150) manually receives one or more of the consumables containers (30) from the operator.