Automatic Analyzer Reagent Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzers face inefficiencies in reagent replacement during analysis, leading to prolonged analysis suspension times due to wasteful waiting periods and interference with reagent dispensing operations, especially in multi-reagent analyses.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analyzer incorporates a control unit that temporarily stops sample dispensing prior to reagent replacement, allowing for minimal analysis suspension time by synchronizing reagent replenishment with the dispensing cycle, using a reaction cell carrying mechanism and reagent dispensing units to manage reagent injection and replacement efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sample dispensing operation is stopped only when reagent replacement is actually performed, then the analysis speed is maintained, but the reagent replacement cannot be performed during ongoing analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit stops the sample dispensing operation in advance (before reagent replacement) by a period corresponding to the time from sample dispensing to reagent addition. This preliminary action ensures that when reagent replacement occurs, no samples are in the process of being dispensed or waiting for reagent addition, eliminating wasteful waiting time and enabling seamless resumption of analysis.
2Area of stationary object
If the volume of each reagent bottle is reduced to increase the number of reagents, then space saving is achieved, but the reagent may run out during analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables operators to perform reagent replacement during analysis without stopping the entire analysis process. The control unit automatically manages the timing of sample dispensing cessation and resumption, allowing the analyzer to service itself (replace reagents) during operation, thus maintaining both compact space and continuous reliable operation.
3Ease of operation
If the sample dispensing is stopped during reagent replacement, then reagent replacement can be performed, but analysis time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit stops sample dispensing in advance by a period corresponding to the time from sample dispensing to reagent addition. This eliminates the need to wait for ongoing dispensing operations to complete before replacing reagents, thereby minimizing analysis suspension time while facilitating easy reagent replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system rushes through the reagent replacement process by precisely timing the sample dispensing stop to coincide with the optimal moment for reagent replacement. This allows the replacement operation to be completed quickly without extending overall analysis time, as the stop duration is minimized to only what is necessary.
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 approach minimizes analysis downtime during reagent replacement, enabling continuous operation with reduced wasteful waiting times and ensuring efficient multi-item analysis while maintaining space-saving capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a change of the sample color (i.e., a change of absorbance) by using a photometer or the like
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzer capable of replenishing a reagent even during an analysis and minimizing a suspension of the analysis. The automatic analyzer includes a plurality of reaction cells and a unit for holding reagents used in analyses. A plurality of reagents are dispensed to a sample in each reaction cell with a time difference to develop a reaction, and a liquid after the reaction is measured. After temporarily stopping the operation of dispensing the sample for a preset time during the analysis, the sample dispensing operation is restarted. Then, the sample dispensing operation is temporarily stopped again for the preset time at the timing in the dispensing of the reagent corresponding to the timing at which the sample dispensing operation was temporarily stopped. In the automatic analyzer, therefore, an analysis suspension due to registration and replacement of reagents during the analysis can be minimized, a larger number of reagents can be loaded, and a throughput per unit time can be increased.