Automated Analyzer Reagent Replacement During Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analyzing apparatuses face inefficiencies in reagent replacement, requiring manual intervention and causing delays in analysis due to the need for operators to manually manage reagent replenishment and placement, especially during high-demand hours.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that monitors reagent levels and temporarily pauses analysis to allow for reagent container replacement without operator intervention, using a reaction disc, light source, photometer, and reagent disc to manage reagent dispensing and replenishment, minimizing analysis stop time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual reagent replacement is performed by operators, then reagent replenishment can be completed, but analysis time is delayed and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting low reagent levels through sensors, initiating replacement sequences, and managing the entire reagent replenishment process without operator intervention. The apparatus monitors its own reagent status and executes replacement autonomously, eliminating the need for manual checking and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively detecting when reagents are running low and initiating replacement before complete depletion occurs. The apparatus schedules and executes replacement in advance, preventing analysis delays that would result from waiting for complete reagent exhaustion and manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If automated reagent replacement is implemented, then operator workload decreases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by integrating multiple functions into a single automated replacement mechanism. The same robotic arm and control system handle various reagent container types, positions, and replacement scenarios, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor reagent levels and container positions, providing real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop enables the apparatus to automatically adjust replacement timing and positioning, simplifying operation while managing complexity through intelligent control.
3Productivity
If reagent containers are replaced during operation, then continuous analysis can be maintained, but measurement accuracy may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by completing reagent replacement before the next critical measurement cycle begins. The automated system schedules replacement during appropriate intervals, ensuring that reagent containers are fully installed and calibrated before resuming high-precision measurements, thus maintaining both continuity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by executing replacement operations during periods when analysis can be temporarily paused or during low-demand intervals. The automated control ensures that measurement operations continue uninterrupted where possible, while scheduling replacement to minimize impact on overall measurement continuity and precision.
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 solution reduces the burden on operators by automating reagent replenishment, minimizing analysis downtime, and enabling continuous operation during reagent replacement, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that applies light to the reaction container, a photometer that senses the light applied to the reaction container
Implementation Method 2
concentration calculation of a target item is performed from information of absorbance and an amount of luminescence obtained from the reaction liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
In an automated analyzing apparatus, in related art, there are problems that, when a reagent container is carried in during analysis, it is necessary to stop all accesses of mechanisms etc. to a location of the apparatus where the reagent container is placed and, in a situation in which measurements have been already started, it is impossible to carry the reagent container after waiting about several minutes. The invention may solve the problems, when a remaining amount of a reagent corresponding to a predetermined item becomes equal to or less than a first threshold value, by generating a pause cycle of reagent suction in which the reagent dispensing mechanism does not suction the reagent from inside of a reagent container of a reagent disc at regular intervals, and automatically carrying a reagent container containing the same kind of reagent in the reagent disc by the reagent container carrying mechanism in the pause cycle.