Automatic Analyzer Reagent Nozzle Lift for Clean Container Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual exchange of reagent containers in automatic analyzers leads to potential contamination risks, operational burdens, and errors due to manual handling of nozzles, which can result in incorrect measurements and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer equipped with an installation plate, a liquid aspiration unit, a support unit that moves between exchange and aspiration positions, and a lift mechanism controlled by a control unit to automate the nozzle handling process, ensuring safe and efficient reagent container exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual reagent container exchange is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination risk increases and operator burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automatic detection of reagent container status (liquid level, temperature, contamination) and autonomous execution of exchange operations. The control unit automatically determines when exchange is needed and coordinates the lifting mechanism and nozzle movement without operator intervention, eliminating manual handling risks while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control unit that mediates between the detection sensors and the mechanical exchange components. This control unit processes detection results and automatically triggers the exchange sequence, serving as an intelligent intermediary that eliminates the need for complex manual operation mechanisms while ensuring reliable contamination-free exchange.
2Ease of operation
If manual nozzle handling is performed, then ease of operation is reduced, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automates the previously manual nozzle handling operations through a lifting mechanism controlled by a control unit. The nozzle is automatically raised to exchange position, lowered to aspiration position, and retracted when needed, eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing operator burden while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic positioning of the nozzle through the lifting mechanism, which can raise and lower the nozzle between exchange position and aspiration position as needed. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its configuration automatically based on operational requirements, improving ease of operation without requiring overly complex fixed mechanisms.
3Productivity
If automatic lift mechanism is added, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism operates autonomously under control of the control unit, which automatically determines when exchange is needed based on sensor detection. The system performs the complete exchange sequence without operator intervention, significantly improving productivity. The mechanism structure remains relatively simple, using basic lifting components controlled through automated logic rather than complex mechanical systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzer includes an installation plate on which a system reagent container is installed, a liquid aspiration unit that aspirates a reagent from the system reagent container, a support unit to which the liquid aspiration unit is coupled and which can be moved between a reagent container exchange position and a reagent aspiration position, and a lift mechanism that allows the support unit to perform a lift operation. The support unit of the liquid aspiration unit is raised to the reagent container exchange position by the lift mechanism when a first condition is satisfied, and the support unit of the liquid aspiration unit is lowered to the reagent aspiration position by the lift mechanism when a second condition is satisfied.