Automated Analyzer Washing Cycle Reduces Turnaround Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analyzers face prolonged turnaround times due to extensive cleaning requirements for reaction vessels, which increases the time needed for analysis and maintenance, especially when multiple cleaning steps are involved, such as those described in PTL 2 with nine cleaning cycles, leading to inefficiencies and potential measurement failures from contamination.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer design that includes a reaction disk with a washing mechanism capable of performing a cleaning cycle with a shorter cycle time than the analysis cycle, allowing the washing mechanism to operate during the stopping period of the analysis cycle, while the sample, reagent, and stirring mechanisms operate during the rotation period, and vice versa, thereby reducing idle time and overall cleaning time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cleaning steps are performed for reaction vessels, then measurement reliability is improved, but analysis time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cleaning process into separate cleaning mechanisms (first cleaning mechanism and second cleaning mechanism) that operate independently on different reaction vessels simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel cleaning operations, reducing total cleaning time while maintaining thorough cleaning standards for reliable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary cleaning actions by having cleaning mechanisms ready and operating in advance before the analysis cycle completes. The first cleaning mechanism cleans reaction vessels before they are used, and the second cleaning mechanism cleans vessels after use, ensuring cleanliness is established beforehand rather than adding time to the analysis sequence.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If reaction vessels are cleaned thoroughly with multiple steps, then contamination is reduced, but device productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by implementing overlapping cleaning cycles where cleaning operations continue throughout the analysis process rather than pausing analysis for cleaning. The first cleaning mechanism operates during early analysis cycles while the second cleaning mechanism operates during later cycles, ensuring continuous contamination prevention without interrupting productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is segmented into two independent mechanisms that can operate simultaneously on different reaction vessels. This segmentation allows the system to maintain thorough cleaning standards while preventing contamination, as each mechanism handles specific cleaning tasks in parallel rather than sequentially, thereby preserving device productivity.
3Loss of time
If cleaning cycle time is reduced, then turnaround time is shortened, but cleaning effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning function into two specialized mechanisms: the first cleaning mechanism performs initial cleaning with appropriate time for effectiveness, and the second cleaning mechanism performs follow-up cleaning. This segmentation allows each mechanism to operate efficiently within optimized time frames while collectively achieving thorough cleaning, thus reducing overall turnaround time without compromising cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The first cleaning mechanism performs preliminary cleaning actions in advance before the analysis cycle completes, preparing reaction vessels for subsequent use. This preliminary action ensures cleaning effectiveness is achieved beforehand, allowing the system to proceed with analysis without waiting for complete cleaning cycles, thereby reducing turnaround time while maintaining cleaning quality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention reduces the turnaround time (TAT) of an automated analyzer. During a period when cyclic measurement by a measurement unit (4) is unnecessary, a controller (21) washes a reaction vessel (2) using a washing cycle (503) having a cycle time shorter than that of an analysis cycle (501). A single analysis cycle and a single washing cycle both include a reaction disc (1) stopping period and rotation period. In the washing cycle, there is no time during the stopping period when a sample dispensing mechanism (11), reagent dispensing mechanism (7), or stirring mechanism (5) operates but there is a time when a washing mechanism (3) operates. The washing cycle stopping period is shorter than the analysis cycle stopping period. The amount of rotation of the reaction disk in the analysis cycle rotation period is the same as the amount of rotation of the reaction disk in the washing cycle rotation period.