Automated Analyzer Reagent Rack Keeps Lids Outside Dispensing Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face issues with reagent lids interfering with reagent dispensing due to lids being either excessively or insufficiently open, obstructing the path of the reagent dispensing unit.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analyzer incorporates a reagent rack with a lid opening unit that opens lids along the direction of reagent vessel arrangement and a lid fixing unit that maintains the lids outside the reagent dispensing path, ensuring clear access for the dispensing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is opened to allow reagent dispensing, then the reagent can be accessed, but the lid may interfere with the dispensing path
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is opened in advance by the lid opening unit before the reagent dispensing operation begins. This preliminary action ensures the lid is positioned correctly outside the dispensing path, preventing interference during the actual dispensing process while maintaining easy access to the reagent.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid acts as an intermediary element that is actively managed by the lid opening unit. By controlling the lid's position as a separate intermediate component, the system ensures the lid does not obstruct the dispensing path while still allowing reagent access when needed.
2Reliability
If the lid is kept closed to prevent contamination, then reagent stability is maintained, but the reagent dispensing unit cannot access the reagent
Solution Approach 1:
The lid opening unit performs preliminary action by opening the lid before dispensing is required. This maintains reagent stability by keeping the lid closed until necessary, then proactively opens it to enable dispensing access without contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid opening unit automatically opens the lid when needed, making the system self-serving. The lid transitions from a passive barrier to an actively managed component that facilitates both protection and access without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is opened excessively to ensure access, then dispensing path is cleared, but the lid may cover adjacent vessel openings
Solution Approach 1:
The lid opening unit provides localized control over lid positioning. Instead of uniform opening, the system precisely positions each lid at the specific angle needed to clear the dispensing path without excessive movement that would cause interference with adjacent vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control to monitor lid position and adjust opening degree accordingly. This ensures the lid is opened just enough to clear the dispensing path while preventing over-opening that would cause interference with neighboring vessel openings.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an automatic analyzer in which a lid of a reagent vessel does not hinder the dispensing of the reagent. An automatic analyzer for analyzing a specimen includes a reagent dispensing unit for dispensing a reagent from a reagent bottle in which a plurality of reagent vessels storing reagents used for the analysis of the specimen are arranged in one direction, and a reagent rack in which reagent bottles are stored, in which the reagent rack includes a lid opening unit for opening a lid corresponding to an upward opening of the reagent vessel along an arrangement direction of the reagent vessels, and a lid fixing unit for fixing the lid to the outside of a path in which the reagent dispensing unit is inserted into the opening.