Automated Analyzer Reagent Loading Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analyzers face challenges in simplifying and miniaturizing their structure and operation control algorithms due to the use of multiple electric actuators for reagent container loading, which can result in variability in reagent container positioning during manual loading.
Innovation Solution
A reagent container holder with openable and closable openings and multiple slots, assisted by a loading mechanism that includes a movable pillar and operation handle, allowing for easy and reliable manual loading and unloading of reagent containers without the need for complex actuator systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple electric actuators are used for reagent container loading, then the loading operation can be automated, but the device structure becomes complex and cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex electric actuator system from the reagent container loading mechanism and replaces it with a simple manual operation handle. The loading mechanism now consists of basic mechanical components (pillar, groove, handle) that can be easily integrated into a compact device structure, while still achieving automated loading through manual guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent container holder is designed to be self-positioning through the groove structure that guides the container during manual insertion. The operation handle directly transfers user motion to the loading mechanism without requiring separate actuators, making the system self-sufficient for the loading task.
2Device complexity
If manual direct gripping of reagent container is used for loading, then the structure can be simplified, but the position of reagent container varies after loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical guidance system consisting of a groove structure and operation handle that mediates between manual insertion and precise positioning. The groove acts as a mediator that constrains the container's movement path, ensuring accurate positioning without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure creates a constrained path that ensures the reagent container reaches the same positional state regardless of variations in manual insertion force or angle. This passive mechanical guidance equalizes the positioning outcome across different operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electric actuators are used for reagent container loading, then the loading operation can be controlled precisely, but the operation control algorithm becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric actuator control system with a pure mechanical guidance system. The groove structure and operation handle provide inherent mechanical constraints that ensure precise positioning without requiring electronic sensors, controllers, or complex control algorithms. The precision is achieved through mechanical design rather than electronic control.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated analyzer includes a reagent container holder (2) including an openable and closable opening (23) and including a plurality of reagent container holding slots capable of holding reagent containers at internal predetermined positions, and loading assisting means (24) for executing a loading process of conveying the reagent container (3) from outside of the reagent container holder (2) into the reagent container holder (2) via the opening (23) to load the reagent container (3) into the reagent container holding slot (26) and a taking-out process of conveying the reagent container (3) from the reagent container holding slot (26) to outside of the reagent container holder (2) via the opening (23). The loading assisting means (24) is further provided with placing means (33) for the reagent container (3), and an operation handle (34) to be operated for driving the loading assisting means (24). Thus, an automated analyzer can be provided that allows a reagent replacing operation to be easily and reliably achieved.