Automated Analyzer Dual Light Shielding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analyzers with multiple analysis ports face challenges in simultaneously performing photometry and accessing various mechanisms, such as sample or reagent dispensation, due to light shielding mechanisms that either fail to shield the photodetector effectively or require excessive resources like multiple light shielding members and increased device space.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual light shielding mechanism system, where a first light shielding mechanism shields all analysis ports from light and a second light shielding mechanism with strategically positioned opening parts allows specific ports to be accessed by mechanisms while minimizing noise interference during photometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light shielding mechanism is provided to shield the photodetector from light during access operations, then the photodetector is protected from noise, but photometry cannot be performed simultaneously during access
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding mechanism is divided into multiple independent light shielding members, each corresponding to a specific analysis port. This segmentation allows selective shielding of individual ports while leaving others open for photometry, enabling simultaneous access and photometry operations without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The light shielding members are configured to be movable between a light shielding state (blocking light) and a light transmission state (allowing light passage). This dynamic capability enables the system to switch between protecting the photodetector during access and allowing photometry, thereby achieving simultaneous operations.
2Reliability
If multiple light shielding members are provided for multiple analysis ports, then each port can be shielded independently, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each light shielding member is designed to perform multiple functions: shielding light during access operations, allowing light transmission during photometry, and potentially serving as a structural component of the analysis port assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light shielding members are integrated within the analysis port structure, with each member positioned within or adjacent to its corresponding analysis port. This nested arrangement allows the light shielding function to be incorporated without adding significant external complexity or space requirements.
3Reliability
If the light shielding mechanism shields all analysis ports, then noise is minimized, but access to various mechanisms is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding members are positioned and configured to shield light locally at each analysis port only when needed, rather than providing universal shielding across all ports. This localized approach allows access mechanisms to reach specific ports without being blocked by light shielding structures, while still providing noise protection during photometry operations.
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 enables high-speed, precise analysis by reliably shielding analysis ports from light, reducing noise influence on measurement results and allowing simultaneous operation of photometry and mechanism access without the need for excessive resources.
Implementation Method 1
measure a quantity of light of transmitted light or scattered light with a single wavelength or a plurality of wavelengths obtained by radiating light from light sources to a reaction liquid
Implementation Method 2
measure a quantity of light of transmitted light or scattered light
Implementation Method 3
shielding some or all of the analysis ports from light by a first light shielding mechanism and other analysis ports from light by a second light shielding mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated analyzer makes light from a light source incident on a liquid mixture consisting of a sample and a reagent in a reactor vessel and, by ascertaining with a photodetector the quantity of light transmitted or scattered and the change in the wavelength, performs quantitative and qualitative analysis of an object component. When light other than from the light source such as light from outside is incident on the photodetector, since it is no longer possible to accurately measure the quantity of light and the change in the wavelength, it is also no longer possible to accurately measure the analysis of the object component. In particular, in the constitution of an analysis unit provided with a plurality of analysis ports, during analysis at one analysis port, due to various mechanisms accessing other analysis ports, disturbance light such as light reflected on this mechanism would enter the analysis port under analysis and sometimes have an effect on the measurement result. The present invention provides an automated analyzer that, by means of a first light shielding mechanism and a second light shielding mechanism having an opening part in an analysis unit provided with a plurality of analysis ports, does not allow disturbance light to be incident on the analysis port under analysis so that each mechanism is capable of accessing any analysis port.