Automated Analyzer Dual-Cover System for Turnaround Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In clinical examinations, particularly for urgent blood coagulation analysis, existing automated analyzers face challenges in shortening the turnaround time (TAT) due to the need for frequent cleaning and blank measurements, which are hindered by the requirement to open and close the cover during sample introduction in small automated analyzers.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer configuration with a reaction disk, independent first and second covers, and sensors that monitor cover openings to skip cleaning and blank measurements when no cover openings occur, allowing for reduced operations and faster analysis initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover is opened and closed frequently during sample introduction in small automated analyzers, then sample introduction can be performed, but cleaning operation and blank measurement before analysis cannot be skipped, resulting in increased turnaround time
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into two independent parts: a first cover that opens only for reagent cartridge loading and a second cover that opens for sample introduction. This segmentation allows sample introduction without opening the first cover, preventing contamination and enabling skipping of cleaning operations, thus reducing turnaround time while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If cleaning operation and blank measurement are performed before analysis, then analysis reliability is ensured, but turnaround time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system prevents contamination before it can occur by maintaining the first cover closed during sample introduction. By designing the dual-cover system where only the second cover opens for sampling, the reaction disk remains protected from foreign matter, making preliminary cleaning and blank measurements unnecessary while preserving analysis reliability.
3Reliability
If the first cover remains closed during sample introduction, then contamination is prevented and cleaning can be skipped, but a mechanism to monitor cover status is required
Solution Approach 1:
Opening/closing detection sensors provide real-time feedback on the status of both covers. The control unit receives sensor signals to determine whether covers are open or closed, enabling automated decision-making about whether to perform cleaning operations. This feedback mechanism adds minimal complexity while ensuring reliable contamination prevention.
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 reduces the number of cleaning and blank measurement operations, thereby shortening the turnaround time from sample input to result reporting, enhancing processing efficiency and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the amount of transmitted light or scattered light
Implementation Method 2
measuring the amount of transmitted light or scattered light
Implementation Method 3
emitting light from a light source to a reaction vessel containing a reaction solution
Implementation Method 4
measuring the amount of transmitted light or scattered light
Data Source
AI summary
An automated analyzer has a reaction disk on which a plurality of reaction vessels capable of holding sample and reagent mixtures can be placed, a first cover for covering at least a portion of the area above the reaction disk, a second cover that can be opened and closed independently from the first cover, at least one sensor for monitoring the opening and closing of the first cover, and a control unit for monitoring a signal from the sensor and carrying out control such that if the first cover has not been opened and closed during the period until a new analysis operation is started, a pre-analysis cleaning operation, blank measurement operation, or both, are skipped.