Automated Analyzer Reagent Store with Integrated Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analyzers face challenges in managing temperature-sensitive reagents, as they often require manual handling and storage, which can lead to inefficiencies and reduced reagent lifespan due to improper temperature control and frequent loading.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer with a closed reagent store featuring active cooling, internal storage and retrieval, and a handler system for bidirectional transport of reagent cassettes, allowing for efficient storage, identification, and distribution of reagents while minimizing exposure to inappropriate temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If reagents are manually loaded and transferred to refrigerator, then reagent storage is simple, but reagent lifespan is reduced and temperature control is improper
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent cassette is nested within the reagent store, which itself is nested within the analyzer housing. The cooling unit is integrated within the reagent store, creating a nested structure where the reagent cassette (containing reagents) is placed inside the cooled environment of the reagent store, eliminating the need for manual transfer to external refrigerators and maintaining proper temperature control throughout storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent store with integrated cooling unit provides self-service temperature control for reagent cassettes. The system automatically maintains proper cooling conditions without requiring manual intervention for transfer to external refrigerators, thereby preventing improper temperature control and extending reagent lifespan through consistent temperature management.
2Productivity
If reagents are kept in reagent cassettes for single load, then reagent distribution is simple, but manual handling increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The handler system automatically performs the loading and unloading of reagent cassettes between the reagent store and processing stations. The identification unit automatically identifies reagent cassettes and their contents, enabling the system to self-manage reagent distribution without manual handling, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification unit provides feedback about reagent cassette contents and status to the control system. This feedback enables the handler system to automatically determine which cassettes need to be loaded or unloaded, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes reagent distribution efficiency while eliminating manual handling decisions.
3Productivity
If reagent cassettes are frequently loaded and unloaded, then reagent availability is improved, but reagent exposure to inappropriate temperatures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent store with cooling unit is extracted as a separate, dedicated cooling zone within the analyzer. This extraction allows reagent cassettes to remain in the cooled environment of the reagent store during periods when they are not actively being used, minimizing their exposure to inappropriate temperatures while maintaining ready availability for quick retrieval by the handler system when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Reagent cassettes are pre-cooled and stored in the temperature-controlled reagent store before they are needed for processing. This preliminary temperature control action ensures that when cassettes are loaded into the analyzer for use, they are already at the appropriate temperature, reducing the time they spend in non-optimal temperature conditions during frequent load/unload cycles.
4Extent of automation
If automated handler system is implemented, then reagent transport is automated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handler system is designed as a multi-functional unit that can load and unload reagent cassettes, transport them between stations, and interface with the identification unit. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thereby achieving high automation while controlling overall device complexity through functional integration.
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 enables prolonged reagent lifespan, reduces manual handling, and optimizes reagent use by maintaining temperature control and automating the storage and retrieval processes, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of reagent management in analytical systems.
Implementation Method 1
The closed reagent store comprises a cooling unit for active cooling
Data Source
AI summary
An automated analyzer with an on-board fridge for long-term cooling of reagents, and a method for isolating and analyzing an analyte comprising long-term cooling of reagents.