Analyzer Compact Layout via Vertical Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analyzers with multiple processing units face inefficiencies due to the need for circular arrangement around an annular turntable, resulting in significant dead space and increased horizontal installation area, which limits compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The analyzer features a housing with processing units arranged along orthogonal sides, utilizing separate cuvette transporting parts to move cuvettes along these sides, allowing for a more compact layout by eliminating the need for circular arrangement and reducing dead space between units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If processing units are arranged circularly around an annular turntable in the order of processing, then the sample can be sequentially moved through each processing unit, but dead space increases between processing units and the horizontal installation area enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a circular arrangement in the horizontal plane to a linear arrangement along the vertical direction. Processing units are stacked one above another in the vertical direction, allowing cuvettes to be moved sequentially through each unit via vertical transport. This dimensional change eliminates the dead space inherent in circular arrangements while maintaining sequential processing capability, thereby reducing horizontal installation area.
Solution Approach 2:
The analyzer is divided into multiple independent processing units that can be arranged vertically. Each processing unit performs a specific function (e.g., reaction, separation, detection) and can be independently configured. This segmentation allows for optimized vertical stacking without the spatial constraints of circular arrangement, reducing overall horizontal footprint.
2Productivity
If processing units are arranged circularly around the annular turntable, then sample analysis can be performed sequentially, but the analyzer becomes larger in horizontal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the analyzer from a horizontal circular layout to a vertical linear layout. Multiple processing units are stacked vertically, and cuvettes are transported through them in sequence. This vertical arrangement maintains high productivity by enabling sequential processing while dramatically reducing the horizontal area occupied by the instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic vertical transport mechanisms (e.g., elevators, conveyors) that can efficiently move cuvettes between vertically stacked processing units. This dynamic transport system ensures high throughput by minimizing transfer time between units while maintaining a compact vertical footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
An analyzer including a housing with a mutually adjacent first side and a second side, and an annular reagent holding part disposed within the housing is disclosed. An immunoassay method for measuring antigen or antibody of a measurement object contained in a sample and performed by the analyzer is also disclosed.