Analyzer Specimen Transfer Mechanism Vertical Overlap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analyzers require a larger installation area due to separate spaces needed for continuous measurement specimens and priority specimens, leading to interference between the container transferring mechanism and the sample container setting portion when space is reduced.

Innovation Solution

The analyzer is designed with two measurement units and specimen conveying devices that allow the specimen setting portions to overlap in plan view, enabling the transfer of continuous and priority specimens in a reduced space by moving the specimen containers vertically and horizontally, and using adaptable pipette mechanisms to handle different specimen sizes without damaging them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the sample container setting portion is arranged on the upper side of the holding mount setting portion to reduce installation area, then the device occupies less space, but the container transferring mechanism interferes with the sample container setting portion during movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation areaVSAvoidinterference between mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement to vertical arrangement of the sample container setting portion relative to the holding mount setting portion. This dimensional change allows the container transferring mechanism to move vertically without interfering with the sample container setting portion, resolving the spatial conflict while maintaining compact installation area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate spaces are arranged for holding mount setting portion and sample container setting portion, then both continuous measurement specimen and priority specimen can be handled, but the installation area of the analyzer increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecimen measurement capabilityVSAvoidinstallation area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the holding mount setting portion and sample container setting portion into a vertically integrated structure. The sample container setting portion is positioned on the upper side of the holding mount setting portion, allowing both specimen types to be handled within a compact vertical space rather than requiring separate horizontal areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By arranging the specimen handling components in the vertical dimension rather than horizontal dimension, the patent achieves both specimen measurement capabilities while reducing the planar installation area to a compact footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the container transferring mechanism moves horizontally on the upper side of the specimen container, then specimen transfer is enabled, but the mechanism interferes with the sample container setting portion when space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecimen transfer functionVSAvoidmechanism interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container transferring mechanism is reconfigured to move vertically instead of horizontally. This vertical movement path allows the mechanism to transfer specimens between the holding mount setting portion and sample container setting portion without interfering with the sample container setting portion's position or operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3623817B1analyzer
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP3623817B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3623817B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3623817B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An analyzer comprising: a first specimen holder configured to hold a plurality of first specimen containers; a conveying assembly for conveying the first specimen containers held in the first specimen holder; a second specimen holder arranged at a position higher than an upper end of the first specimen containers held in the first specimen holder; a holder moving assembly for moving the second specimen holder so as to pass the upper side of at least one of the first specimen containers held in the first specimen holder; a container transferring assembly for transferring at least one of the first specimen containers from the first specimen holder to the second specimen holder; and a controller for controlling the holder moving assembly and the container transferring assembly, is disclosed.