Automatic Analyzer Reagent Dispensing Timing Optimization

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic analyzers are unable to advance the timing of the second reagent dispensing into reaction containers, leading to limitations in elongating the period between reagent dispensing and measurement completion, and adding an additional dispenser complicates the system and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

The automatic analyzer employs a transporter and dispensing probes to control the timing of reagent dispensing, allowing the first reagent to be dispensed earlier and the second reagent to be dispensed at the same time as the first reagent, optimizing the reaction time and elongating the period between reagent dispensing and measurement completion without adding complexity or cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If an additional dispenser is provided to advance the timing of the second reagent dispensing, then the period from reagent dispensing to measurement completion is elongated, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperiod from reagent dispensing to measurement completionVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first dispenser is designed to perform multiple functions: dispensing the first reagent at a first timing and dispensing the second reagent at a second timing (advanced relative to the first timing). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate additional dispenser while achieving the goal of elongating the reaction period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The timing of the second reagent dispensing is advanced to occur before the conventional timing, allowing the reaction to start earlier in the cycle. This preliminary action enables the reaction period to be elongated without extending the overall measurement cycle time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of moving object

If an additional dispenser is provided to advance the timing of the second reagent dispensing, then the period from reagent dispensing to measurement completion is elongated, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperiod from reagent dispensing to measurement completionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The first dispenser is designed to perform multiple functions: dispensing the first reagent at a first timing and dispensing the second reagent at a second timing (advanced relative to the first timing). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate additional dispenser while achieving the goal of elongating the reaction period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If the timing of the second reagent dispensing is advanced, then the reaction time is elongated, but the system requires additional components that increase complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaction timeVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The timing of the second reagent dispensing is advanced to occur before the conventional timing, allowing the reaction to start earlier in the cycle. This preliminary action enables the reaction period to be elongated without extending the overall measurement cycle time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The first dispenser is designed to perform multiple functions: dispensing the first reagent at a first timing and dispensing the second reagent at a second timing (advanced relative to the first timing). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate additional dispenser while achieving the goal of elongating the reaction period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230375588A1Automatic analyzer, and dispensing method and program thereof

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 CANON KK

AI summary

An automatic analyzer includes a transporter, a first dispensing probe, a second dispensing probe, a reagent dispenser, a first reaction container transporter, a fluid dispenser, and a second reaction container transporter. The reagent dispenser is configured to dispense the reagent into the first reaction container at a first dispensing position by the first dispensing probe. The first reaction container transporter is configured to move the first reaction container, from the first dispensing position to a sucking position by the transporter. The fluid dispenser is configured to dispense the fluid including the reagent from the first reaction container at the sucking position into the second reaction container at a second dispensing position by the second dispensing probe. The second reaction container transporter is configured to transport the second reaction container containing the fluid from the second dispensing position to the first dispensing position by the transporter.