Automatic Analyzer Mode Switching for Reagent Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers require an autoloader mechanism for reagent exchange, leading to increased size and cost, and may interrupt analysis operations when reagent levels are low, causing delays in specimen analysis.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a control unit that allows reagent exchange without an autoloader by transitioning to a partial operation mode, enabling continuous analysis and seamless reagent container replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an autoloader mechanism is added for reagent exchange, then reagent exchange can be performed without interrupting analysis operation, but the size of the automatic analyzer increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reagent exchange function from the main analysis operation by introducing a separate reagent storage unit that is independently accessible. The reagent container can be replaced without affecting the analysis unit, separating the reagent management function from the analysis function. This eliminates the need for a complex autoloader mechanism while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The analyzer is segmented into distinct functional units: an analysis unit and a reagent storage unit. The reagent storage unit is further divided into multiple reagent containers that can be independently accessed. This segmentation allows one unit to be serviced (reagent exchanged) while another unit continues operation, maintaining productivity without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If analysis operation is interrupted for reagent exchange, then reagent can be replaced, but analysis of specimen is delayed more than usual
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous analysis operation by providing multiple reagent containers in the reagent storage unit. When one reagent container is depleted, the system can immediately switch to another container without interrupting the analysis operation. This continuity eliminates analysis delays while keeping the reagent exchange operation simple and manual.
3Ease of operation
If operator performs reagent exchange work, then reagent container can be replaced, but it is necessary to wait for state transition of the analyzer
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading multiple reagent containers into the reagent storage unit before analysis begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a reagent is depleted, a replacement is already available, eliminating the need for state transitions and waiting periods during operation. The operator can perform simple exchanges without system state changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An operator can perform exchange work of a reagent container without including a mechanism for reagent exchange and interrupting an analysis operation.An automatic analyzer includes: an analysis unit including a plurality of operation units for performing analysis of a specimen; and a control unit for controlling the analysis unit. The control unit allows the analysis unit to set to at least (a) an analysis operation mode in which a first and a second operation unit are operated for the analysis of the specimen, (b) a partial operation mode in which only the first operation unit is continuously operated after the analysis of the specimen is completed in the analysis operation mode, and (c) a reagent exchange mode in which consumables containing a reagent are exchangeable in the analysis unit. The control unit allows the analysis unit to shift from the partial operation mode to the reagent exchange mode.