Automatic Analyzer Rotation Connector for Compact Multi-Port Photometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing the number of photometry ports in automatic analyzers complicates the mechanism for installing and removing disposable reaction tubes, requires upsizing the reaction bath, and increases the overall apparatus size, thereby reducing test throughput.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a first unit connected to photometry portions inside the reaction bath, a rotation connector for external power and signal connection, and a flexible printed circuit to reduce cable and wire connections, along with a heat suppressor to maintain temperature consistency and fans for cooling, allowing efficient operation with reduced mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of photometry ports is increased to improve test throughput, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases and apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reaction bath into multiple independent photometry ports (first photometry port, second photometry port, etc.), each capable of independently measuring different reaction tubes. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurements to improve throughput without requiring a single complex measurement mechanism to handle all samples sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction bath is designed with multiple photometry ports that can perform the same measurement function simultaneously on different reaction tubes. Each port serves as an independent measurement station, allowing the system to handle multiple tests in parallel, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If the number of photometry ports is increased to improve test throughput, then productivity increases, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding the apparatus horizontally with a single photometry port measuring samples sequentially, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension by stacking multiple photometry ports within the reaction bath. This allows simultaneous measurements to occur at different vertical levels, improving throughput without significantly increasing the horizontal footprint of the apparatus.
3Productivity
If the number of photometry ports is increased, then test throughput improves, but the mechanism for installing and removing reaction tubes becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction tubes are designed with self-aligning features that automatically guide them into the correct positions within the reaction bath. The tubes' own structural characteristics (such as rim configurations) enable them to self-position relative to the photometry ports and heating elements, eliminating the need for complex external positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and alignment mechanisms with magnetic fields. Magnets embedded in the reaction bath and corresponding magnetic elements in the reaction tubes create automatic magnetic attraction and alignment, simplifying the installation and removal processes while enabling simultaneous handling of multiple tubes across different photometry ports.
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
The solution enhances test throughput by simplifying the mechanism for handling reaction tubes and reducing the apparatus size while maintaining accurate and efficient photometric measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the mixed solution of the blood sample and the reagent dispensed into the reaction tube is measured using the photometry ports each including a photometry portion
Implementation Method 2
The rotation connector electrically connects between the second unit and each of the photometry portions via the first unit. The rotation connector supplies electric power for activating respective devices provided in the reaction bath from the outside of the coagulation reaction bath
Implementation Method 3
a heat suppressor configured to suppress heat generated in the first unit from being transferred to the photometry portions
Implementation Method 4
fans for cooling
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzer includes: a plurality of reaction tube holders each configured to hold a reaction tube housing a mixed solution of a specimen and a reagent; a plurality of photometry portions respectively provided with respect to the reaction tube holders and each configured to perform photometry on the mixed solution housed in the reaction tube; a reaction bath including the reaction tube holders and the photometry portions and configured to repeat rotating and stopping to thereby convey the reaction tube held by each of the reaction tube holders; and a driver configured to rotate the reaction bath.