Analyzer Incubator Layout for Mixed-Temperature Analysis Chips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyzers require multiple incubators for different target temperatures, hindering size reduction when using analysis chips with varying heating requirements.
Innovation Solution
An analyzer design with a single incubator that uses a rotary table with thermal conduction suppressing portions to accommodate analysis chips with different target temperatures, employing a heater and measurement units for optical and electrode methods, and a low thermal conductivity member to prevent heat transfer between cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple incubators are provided for different target temperatures, then measurement precision for different analysis chips is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single incubator is segmented into multiple temperature zones by dividing the heating space. The incubator housing contains distinct first and second heating spaces, each with independent temperature control capabilities, allowing different target temperatures for different analysis chips while maintaining a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions within the incubator are assigned different thermal properties. The first heating space is configured with heating elements and insulation suitable for high-temperature analysis chips, while the second heating space uses different heating control parameters for low-temperature analysis chips, creating localized thermal environments tailored to specific measurement requirements.
2Temperature
If multiple incubators are provided for different target temperatures, then temperature control for different measurement methods is improved, but the analyzer size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple incubator functions are merged into a single integrated incubator unit. The first and second heating spaces are combined within one incubator housing, sharing common structural elements such as the incubator case, access door, and control system, thereby reducing the overall volume compared to separate incubators while maintaining distinct temperature zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The single incubator is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both high-temperature and low-temperature analysis chips simultaneously. The heating control system can independently regulate temperature in different heating spaces, enabling the same device to serve multiple measurement methods (colorimetric and electrode) without requiring separate specialized incubators.
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
Enables size reduction of the analyzer while maintaining precise temperature control for multiple analysis chips, facilitating efficient and compact operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first cell that holds the first analysis chip and in which the first analysis chip is heated by the heater to the first target temperature
Implementation Method 2
the table is provided with a thermal conduction suppressing portion that suppresses thermal conduction from the first cell to the at least one second cell
Implementation Method 3
a colorimetric method that is an optical measurement method
Implementation Method 4
an electrode method for measuring electrolytes using an electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An analyzer includes an incubator that heats, by using a heater, a plurality of analysis chips held in a plurality of cells and a measurement unit that is disposed at a measurement position and that measures a reaction state of each of the plurality of analysis chips. The analysis chips include a first analysis chip, a target temperature to which the first analysis chip is to be heated in measurement being a first target temperature that is relatively high, and a second analysis chip, a target temperature to which the second analysis chip is to be heated in measurement being a second target temperature that is relatively lower than the first target temperature. The table has, as the cells, a first cell that holds the first analysis chip and in which the first analysis chip is heated by the heater to the first target temperature and a second cell that holds the second analysis chip. The table is further provided with a thermal conduction suppressing portion that suppresses thermal conduction from the first cell to the second cell.