Automatic Analyzer Reagent Bubble Detection and Degradation Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automatic analyzers, detecting bubbles in reagent vessels is challenging when there is no change in liquid surface height, leading to difficulties in identifying reagent issues during quality control, and existing methods fail to differentiate between bubble generation and reagent degradation.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer system with a reagent dispensing unit, storage unit for sample information, and detection unit to determine measurement concentrations, allowing for the identification of reagent vessel abnormalities, including bubble generation and degradation, and automatic discharge of problematic reagents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bubble detection is performed using liquid surface height change at dispensation time, then bubbles can be detected, but bubbles that continue to exist without causing liquid surface height change cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary bubble detection at the dispensation time by measuring liquid surface height change, and then continues monitoring through subsequent dispensation cycles. This preliminary action establishes a baseline detection mechanism that triggers further investigation when abnormalities are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing measurement concentrations with stored concentration-related information and previously detected bubble states. When a bubble is detected or suspected, the system continuously monitors subsequent measurements and liquid surface heights, adjusting detection sensitivity based on feedback from previous detections and maintaining detection across multiple dispensation cycles.
2Ease of operation
If reagent vessels are discharged for investigation, then cause investigation is facilitated, but reagent degradation occurs due to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically determining whether measurement concentration abnormalities are caused by bubbles or reagent degradation through comparison with stored concentration information and continuous monitoring. This self-service capability reduces the need for operator intervention and manual investigation, thereby maintaining reagent stability while facilitating problem identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual operator investigation with automated electronic determination using concentration comparison algorithms. The determination unit automatically analyzes measurement concentrations against stored reference information to identify causes, substituting the mechanical process of manual discharge and physical inspection with an automated information processing system that maintains reagent integrity.
3Measurement precision
If measurement concentration comparison is used to determine abnormalities, then reagent degradation can be distinguished from bubble generation, but additional detection mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit performs multiple functions using a single integrated system: it measures liquid surface height changes to detect bubbles, compares measurement concentrations with stored reference information to identify reagent degradation, and determines the cause of abnormalities. This multi-functional approach avoids the need for separate detection mechanisms for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges bubble detection (liquid surface height measurement) and reagent degradation detection (concentration comparison) into a single integrated determination unit. By combining these detection mechanisms and their data processing functions into one unified system, the patent reduces device complexity while achieving precise differentiation between bubble generation and reagent degradation through the coordinated operation of multiple detection modalities.
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a technique for facilitating work of cause investigation of a defect by an operator. The present disclosure proposes an automatic analyzer including: a reagent dispensing unit configured to aspirate a reagent from a reagent vessel that contains the reagent, and discharge the reagent into a reaction vessel that contains a reaction liquid containing a sample; a storage unit configured to store a type of the sample and concentration-related information determined for each type of the sample and related to a concentration of a component to be measured contained in the sample; a detection unit configured to detect a measurement concentration that is the concentration of the component to be measured contained in the reaction liquid; and a determination unit configured to determine whether an abnormality occurs in the reagent vessel based on the concentration-related information and the measurement concentration.