Automatic Analyzer Reagent Transfer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing automatic analyzers face challenges in reducing the user workload during reagent placement and mode changes, leading to increased human errors and complexity in reagent management due to the need for manual handling and identification of multiple reagents.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer system that allows for the automatic placement and transfer of reagents between storage units, using a second reagent storing unit with a reagent supply and identification system, and a control computer to manage reagent distribution based on predefined operation sets, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the number of reagents stored in the reagent storing unit is increased to enable long-time analysis, then the duration of analysis is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to more complex reagent management
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent storing unit is divided into multiple individual reagent storage slots, each capable of holding a separate reagent bottle. This segmentation allows the system to store multiple different reagents simultaneously, enabling long-time analysis with various analysis items without requiring a single large complex storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages reagent placement by having the reagent supply unit automatically supply reagents to the reagent storing unit based on the operation mode and analysis requirements. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual reagent management, reducing operational complexity while maintaining extended analysis capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual reagent placement is required to change operation modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased user workload and potential for human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent storing unit is designed with movable reagent bottles that can be automatically repositioned by the reagent supply unit. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operation modes by automatically adjusting reagent positions and supply configurations, eliminating the need for manual reagent replacement while maintaining operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control computer monitors the operation mode and automatically controls the reagent supply unit to supply the appropriate reagents to the reagent storing unit. This feedback mechanism ensures that the correct reagents are always available for the current operation mode without requiring user intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If the number of reagents placed in the reagent storing unit is increased, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased possibility of human errors in reagent placement
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of reagent placement is replaced with an automated reagent supply system controlled by a control computer. The reagent supply unit automatically transfers reagents from storage to the reagent storing unit based on programmed instructions, eliminating human errors associated with manual placement while supporting high-speed analysis with multiple reagents.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent supply unit acts as an intermediary between the bulk reagent storage and the reagent storing unit. It automatically manages the transfer and positioning of reagents, ensuring accurate placement in the correct slots without requiring direct user handling. This intermediary mechanism maintains high reliability even when multiple reagents are involved in high-speed analysis.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an automatic analyzer that is capable of reducing a user's workload required when a reagent is placed, and thereby facilitating change of the operation mode of the automatic analyzer. An automatic analyzer comprises: a reaction unit including a plurality of vessels; a first reagent storing unit that is capable of storing a plurality of reagent cassettes; a sample dispenser for dispensing a sample into the reaction unit; a reagent dispenser for dispensing a reagent corresponding to an analysis item from the first reagent storing unit into the reaction unit; a second reagent storing unit that is capable of storing a plurality of reagent cassettes; and reagent cassette transfer means that is capable of transferring a reagent between the first reagent storing unit and the second reagent storing unit, the automatic analyzer further comprising reagent selection means for selecting a reagent to be used for analysis operation based an operation set, wherein the operation set specifies a combination of an analysis item and the scheduled number of analyses corresponding to the analysis item.