Analyzer Reagent Replacement Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing reagent replacement process in sample analyzers is complex and inefficient, requiring frequent manual interventions and multiple user interactions, especially when reagent expiration or insufficiency is detected, leading to interruptions in automatic sample conveying and increased operator workload.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that automatically monitor the analyzer's state, detect reagent failures, and pop up a reagent setup window to display failure information, allowing for automatic input of replacement reagent information and subsequent reagent reset, thereby simplifying the replacement process and reducing user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user follows the conventional reagent replacement process (turn off alarm, click failure elimination box, click reagent setup window, input reagent information, click Exit, perform replacement), then the reagent can be replaced, but the operation process becomes complicated and working efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs multiple operations that previously required manual user intervention. When a reagent failure is detected, the system automatically pops up the reagent setup window, pre-fills reagent information based on the failure type, and guides the user through the replacement process, reducing the need for manual clicking and information entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares reagent information in advance by automatically filling in the reagent setup window with appropriate reagent details based on the detected failure type. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to manually search and input reagent information, significantly streamlining the replacement process.
2Device complexity
If the system requires multiple user interactions (clicking alarm, failure box, setup window, Exit) to handle reagent failure, then comprehensive control is achieved, but the number of operations increases and simplification is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple separate interaction steps into a unified automated process. Instead of requiring separate clicks for alarm acknowledgment, failure identification, reagent setup, and process initiation, the system combines these functions into an integrated automated response that activates when reagent failure is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical interactions (clicking buttons, navigating menus) with an automated electronic control system. The processor automatically detects reagent failures, retrieves failure information, and triggers the appropriate reagent setup procedures without requiring physical user interactions for each step.
3Reliability
If automatic sample conveying stops when reagent failure is detected, then system reliability is maintained, but operational continuity is interrupted and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the automatic sample conveying system continuously monitors reagent status and automatically stops when reagent failure is detected. This feedback loop ensures that the system maintains reliability by preventing operation with insufficient reagents while triggering an automated response to restore operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by automatically detecting reagent failures and stopping the sample conveying process before critical failures occur. This preventive approach maintains system reliability by avoiding operation with expired or insufficient reagents, while the automated setup process quickly restores operational continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a reagent replacement method and device. The reagent replacement method includes: monitoring a working state of a sample analyzer in real-time, and reading failure information when it is detected that automatic sample conveying is suspended; identifying whether a reagent failure exists; if so, displaying a reagent setup window automatically to display information of at least one failed reagent; obtaining reagent information of a replacement reagent, and inputting at least part of the information into a corresponding place in the reagent setup window so as to set up the reagent; judging whether the setup of all the failed reagents is completed; if so, closing the reagent setup window; and executing a reagent reset on the replacement reagent after the setup or executing the reagent reset after the reagent setup window is closed. By means of the reagent replacement method, the operation process of reagent replacement is simplified.