Point-of-Care Analyzer Mixing Chamber Merging Fluid Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Point-of-care medical diagnostic analyzers, such as hematology analyzers, face challenges in efficiently handling and analyzing samples at remote locations due to the complexity of fluid handling components and the need for multiple reaction chambers, which complicates the process of dilution, mixing, and rinsing between sample runs.
Innovation Solution
The analyzer includes a robust design with an inner chassis, housing, sample and dilution probes, mixing chambers, a flow cytometer, sample and sheath pumps, and a robot assembly for precise movement and feedback-controlled positioning of probes, enabling efficient sample handling, dilution, and cleaning within a compact and user-friendly system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple reaction chambers are used for RBCs, WBCs, and hemoglobin analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple pumps, valves, and tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reaction chambers (WBC chamber, RBC chamber, hemoglobin chamber) into a single integrated mixing chamber that can perform all necessary dilution and mixing functions. The sample probe and dilution probe can selectively access different chambers within the same mixing housing, eliminating the need for separate fluid handling systems for each chamber while maintaining the ability to perform precise hematological measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing chamber serves multiple functions: it can dilute samples for WBC analysis, perform RBC dilution, conduct hemoglobin measurements, and rinse between samples. The single probe system can be positioned to access different chambers within the mixing housing, allowing one probe system to perform what previously required multiple dedicated probe systems.
2Reliability
If multiple pumps and valves are used to handle fluids in separate chambers, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex system control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple pump and valve systems into a single probe assembly with integrated fluid delivery. The sample probe and dilution probe are positioned within the same mixing housing and can be controlled through a unified system, reducing the number of separate control mechanisms while maintaining reliable sample handling through the combined pumping action of the integrated system.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate fluid handling components are used for each reaction chamber, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple tubing connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid handling components into a single probe assembly that can access multiple chambers within the mixing housing. The sample probe and dilution probe are integrated into one assembly with controlled positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for multiple separate tubing connections and fluid handling components while maintaining precise fluid delivery through the integrated probe system.
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 simplifies the sample analysis process, enhances precision, and reduces the complexity of fluid handling, allowing for effective point-of-care diagnostics by automating the aspiration, mixing, and cleaning of samples, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of medical diagnostic results.
Implementation Method 1
Point of care medical diagnostic analyzers such as hematology analyzers may utilize, for example, flow cytometry to determine the cellular contents of a blood sample
Implementation Method 2
The sample pump is disposed within the housing and configured to perform a first plurality of tasks including: aspirating sample into the sample probe, dispensing sample from the sample probe into the first mixing chamber
Implementation Method 3
The sheath pump is disposed within the housing and configured to perform a second plurality of tasks including: dispensing sheath to the flow cell in cooperation with the delivery of the first sample-dilution fluid mixture to the flow cell
Data Source
AI summary
An analyzer having an inner chassis surrounded by a housing includes sample and dilution probes, a mixing housing including first and second mixing chambers, a flow cytometer including a flow cell, and sample and sheath pumps configured to perform first and second pluralities of tasks, respectively. The first plurality of tasks includes: aspirating sample into the sample probe, dispensing sample from the sample probe into the first and second mixing chambers, delivering first sample-dilution fluid mixture to the flow cell, and delivering second sample-dilution fluid mixture to the flow cell. The second plurality of tasks includes: dispensing sheath to the flow cell in cooperation with the delivery of the first sample-dilution fluid mixture to the flow cell, and dispensing sheath to the flow cell in cooperation with the delivery of the second sample-dilution fluid mixture to the flow cell.