Automatic Analysis Reagent Dispensing With In-Line Temperature Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The reagent dispensing mechanism of the pipetting type is not suitable for temperature adjustment, limiting the amount of reagent that can be dispensed at once and prolonging analysis time due to the need for pre-analysis temperature adjustments and dispensing steps.

Innovation Solution

The automatic analysis device incorporates a first reagent dispensing mechanism of a pipetting type and a second reagent dispensing mechanism of a dispensing type, with the latter including a temperature adjustment mechanism to adjust the reagent temperature before dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pipetting type dispensing mechanism is used, then various reagents can be dispensed, but the analysis time becomes long due to limited dispensing amount and required temperature adjustment preparations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereagent compatibilityVSAvoidanalysis speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the reagent dispensing function into two separate mechanisms: a pipetting type mechanism for aspirating reagents from containers and a dispensing type mechanism for supplying reagents through flow paths. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific function, with the dispensing type mechanism capable of handling temperature adjustments without limiting the versatility of reagent types that can be processed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a temperature adjustment mechanism as an intermediary component in the dispensing type reagent dispensing mechanism. This intermediary allows temperature adjustments to be made to reagents before they are dispensed, eliminating the need for time-consuming pre-heating steps and reducing overall analysis time while maintaining reagent effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If temperature adjustment is performed in a pipetting type dispensing mechanism, then reagent temperature can be controlled, but the analysis time increases due to required pre-analysis temperature adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereagent temperature controlVSAvoidtemperature adjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature adjustment mechanism is integrated into the dispensing type reagent dispensing mechanism, allowing temperature adjustments to be performed as a preliminary action during the reagent dispensing process itself rather than requiring separate pre-heating steps. This eliminates wasted time by combining temperature control with the dispensing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional mechanical pipetting-based temperature adjustment approach with a dispensing type mechanism that incorporates a temperature adjustment mechanism. This substitution allows for more efficient temperature control during the dispensing process, reducing the time required for temperature adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a pipetting type dispensing mechanism is used, then reagent dispensing is flexible, but the amount of reagent that can be dispensed at one time is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing flexibilityVSAvoidreagent dispensing amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the reagent handling process into aspiration (pipetting type) and dispensing (dispensing type) functions. The dispensing type mechanism is specifically designed to handle larger volumes of reagent through flow paths, overcoming the volume limitations of pipetting mechanisms while maintaining operational flexibility through the separate aspiration stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration allows for shorter analysis times while enabling the use of various reagents by efficiently dispensing and mixing them at the appropriate temperature.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature adjustment mechanism that adjusts a temperature of the reagent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature adjustment: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250231208A1Automatic Analysis Device

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP

AI summary

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis device by which it is possible to shorten analysis time while guaranteeing use of various reagents. This automatic analysis device comprises: a first reagent dispensing mechanism of a pipetting type that, upon aspirating a reagent, moves to a prescribed location away from the reagent and then discharges the reagent; and a second dispensing mechanism of a dispensing type that supplies a reagent via a flow path connecting an aspirating port to a discharge port for the reagent. The second reagent dispensing mechanism comprises a temperature adjustment mechanism that adjusts the temperature of the reagent.