Automated Analyzer Reagent Storage Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reagent storage chamber in automated analyzers experiences temperature differences between the upper and lower parts due to uneven cooling, leading to inefficient energy use and increased costs, as the side and upper parts are not effectively cooled, and the mechanisms within the apparatus generate heat, warming the upper space.
Innovation Solution
A reagent container storage apparatus is designed with an inner wall made of a high thermal conductivity material positioned above the reagent containers, connected to the reagent storage chamber, to uniformly cool the reagents from all directions, and a blower is used to circulate cooled air, while a shielding plate and heat sink are implemented to reduce outside air infiltration and enhance cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a member with lower thermal conductivity is used at the side part of the reagent container, then dew condensation is prevented, but the side part and upper part are not easily cooled, creating temperature differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different thermal conductivity materials in different locations: high thermal conductivity material at the bottom for active cooling, and lower thermal conductivity material at the sides for insulation. This spatial differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between preventing dew condensation (needing insulation) and achieving uniform cooling (needing heat transfer).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the cooling strategy by placing the high thermal conductivity cooling member specifically at the bottom surface, creating a temperature gradient that flows upward. This dimensional approach allows the side walls to remain insulated while the bottom provides active cooling, achieving both dew prevention and temperature uniformity through vertical heat flow management.
2Temperature
If cooling performance is improved to maintain fixed temperature, then reagents can be maintained at stable temperature, but costs increase and energy use efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves energy efficiency by applying cooling only where most needed (bottom surface with high thermal conductivity material) rather than uniformly throughout the storage chamber. The side walls use lower thermal conductivity materials, reducing the total cooling load while maintaining reagent temperature stability through the strategically positioned bottom cooling system.
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 allows for uniform cooling of reagents from all directions, reducing temperature differences and maintaining reagents at a stable temperature, improving energy efficiency and reducing costs by effectively managing heat sources within the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a reagent container storage apparatus includes an inner wall (124) made of a material having high thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 2
a blower is used to circulate cooled air
Implementation Method 3
a shielding plate and heat sink are implemented to reduce outside air infiltration and enhance cooling
Data Source
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AI summary
In an analyzer provided with a reagent container with a reagent lid in which there is a dispensing hole for dispensing a reagent, the upper space in a reagent container storage apparatus tends to easily warm up because of outside air flowing in through the dispensing hole. Furthermore, an automated analyzer having a mechanism to handle a reagent container or a mechanism to open and close a lid of the reagent container provided in a reagent container storage apparatus has a large number of motors which become a source of heat in the reagent container, and the upper space in the reagent container storage apparatus tends to easily warm up. Therefore it is desirable to equalize the temperature inside the reagent container storage apparatus. In view of the above problem, the present invention provides an automated analyzer provided with a reagent container storage apparatus that cools a reagent container, the reagent container storage apparatus being characterized in being provided with: a reagent storage chamber for storing the reagent container, the reagent storage chamber having at least one of the bottom surface and the side surface thereof cooled by a first cooling source; and a transfer member which is arranged to cover the reagent container stored in the reagent storage chamber, and which is thermally connected to the reagent storage chamber.