Automatic Analyzer Reagent Handling via State-Based Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzing devices face inefficiencies in reagent exchange due to the need to stop analysis for reagent replenishment during emergency examinations and the time-consuming process of loading multiple reagents during standby periods, leading to user waiting times and reduced work efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The device selectively employs different reagent carry-in/out methods based on its state ('standby' or 'analyzing') to minimize user waiting time, allowing for efficient reagent exchange by prioritizing operations during standby periods and optimizing reagent handling during analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reagent is carried in during analyzing operation, then analysis continuity is maintained, but reagent preparation time increases and may interrupt analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs reagent preparation actions in advance by detecting reagent levels and automatically preparing replacement reagents before they are needed. The reagent preparation unit prepares reagents ahead of time and stores them in the reagent container, so when reagent shortage is detected during analysis, the replacement is already ready and can be immediately carried in without interrupting the analyzing operation.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple reagents are loaded during standby, then reagent storage is complete, but device operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting which reagents are needed based on the examination schedule, and autonomously carrying them in and preparing them without requiring operator intervention. The controller manages the entire process of identifying, carrying in, and preparing reagents, allowing the device to service itself rather than requiring manual loading of multiple reagents during standby periods.
3Quantity of substance
If reagent loader mechanism is operated multiple times, then all required reagents are loaded, but user waiting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by detecting when the reagent container is full and automatically initiating the carrying in of replacement reagents without requiring the operator to wait for each individual loading operation to complete. The controller continuously monitors reagent levels and coordinates multiple carrying in operations to occur in sequence without user intervention, eliminating waiting time while ensuring all required reagents are loaded.
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 approach reduces user waiting times and enhances work efficiency by allowing reagent exchange without interrupting analysis and by streamlining the reagent loading process, especially when handling a large number of reagents.
Implementation Method 1
adding and reacting a reagent that uniquely reacts with the particular component contained in a biological sample, such as blood and urine, to and with the component
Implementation Method 2
measuring the light absorbance and the amount of luminescence of a reaction liquid
Implementation Method 3
measuring the light absorbance and the amount of luminescence of a reaction liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzing device capable of carrying in/out a reagent suitable for the intended use of a user according to the state of the device and capable of efficiently performing reagent exchange work without keeping the user waiting in front of the device for a long time. In order to achieve the above-described purpose, the automatic analyzing device is provided with: a reagent refrigerator that accommodates therein a reagent holder for cooling and holding a plurality of reagent containers and for movably holding the reagent containers in the reagent refrigerator and a reagent loader for carrying in/out the plurality of reagent containers with respect to the reagent refrigerator by being moved in a direction perpendicular to the reagent refrigerator; a reagent refrigerator cover that covers an upper surface of the reagent refrigerator and that has an opening through which the reagent loader can pass; instruction means for instructing movement of the reagent loader; a storage unit that stores a device state of the automatic analyzing device; a reagent-carry-in/out-method selecting unit that selects one of a plurality of reagent carry-in/out methods on the basis of the device state; and a control unit that controls the reagent holder and the reagent loader according to the reagent carry-in/out method determined by the reagent-carry-in/out-method selecting unit. According to determination made by the control unit, the reagent holder and the reagent loader are controlled so as to carry in/out a target reagent container.