Automatic Analyzer Reagent Storage and Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic analyzers require operators to interrupt analysis for reagent replacement and registration, leading to increased reagent consumption and potential errors, especially when reagents need to be swapped from cold-storage chambers, which reduces analysis efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a first reagent storage case for primary reagents and a second supplemental reagent storage case, along with a reagent conveying unit, allows for barcode management and automated reagent dispensing and replacement during analysis, minimizing operator burden and interruptions by managing reagent levels and automating the reagent supply process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single reagent storage case is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity decreases due to frequent reagent replacement interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent storage system is segmented into a first reagent storage case for currently usable reagents and a second reagent storage case for supplemental reagents. This segmentation allows the analyzer to continue analyzing with the first storage case while the robot arm retrieves reagents from the second storage case, eliminating analysis interruptions and improving productivity without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The second reagent storage case is positioned within the cabinet structure, and the robot arm operates within the same spatial envelope as the first storage case. The robot arm's movement path is nested within the existing device geometry, allowing the addition of supplemental storage capacity without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or complexity.
2Reliability
If manual reagent replacement is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability decreases due to operator errors in reagent selection and registration
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm autonomously performs reagent retrieval operations based on analysis requirements. The system self-manages reagent selection and transfer from the second storage case to the first storage case without operator intervention, eliminating human errors in reagent selection and registration while maintaining simple operational procedures for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot arm serves as an intermediary between the second reagent storage case and the first reagent storage case. It automatically transfers reagents based on computer-controlled instructions, ensuring accurate reagent selection and placement without requiring operators to manually handle reagents, thereby improving reliability through automated identification and positioning.
3Stability of the object's composition
If reagents are stored in cold-storage chamber, then the reagent stability is maintained, but the ease of operation decreases due to required manual retrieval and registration
Solution Approach 1:
Reagents are pre-loaded into the second reagent storage case in advance and stored in a stable environment. When needed, the robot arm automatically retrieves and transfers them to the first storage case without requiring operators to interrupt analysis for manual retrieval and registration, maintaining both reagent stability and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of retrieving and registering reagents is replaced with an automated robot arm system. The robot arm mechanically retrieves reagents from the second storage case and places them in the first storage case based on computer control, eliminating the need for operator intervention while maintaining refrigerated storage conditions for reagent stability.
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 operator burden, minimizes analysis interruptions, and ensures continuous operation by automating reagent management and replacement, allowing for a higher throughput and efficient handling of multiple reagents without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the dispensing of a sample and reagent is performed by using a dispensing nozzle for sucking/discharging a liquid making use of suction or negative pressure of a syringe
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzer is disclosed that dispenses a sample and a reagent into each of a plurality of reaction vessels to allow them to react with each other, and that measures the liquid formed as a result of the reaction. This automatic analyzer includes a first reagent storage case for storing the reagent to be used for the reaction, a second reagent storage case for storing the reagent for supplemental purpose, and a reagent conveying unit for conveying the reagent from the second reagent storage case to the first reagent storage case.