Biochemical Analysis Device Reactant Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sample analysis devices face challenges in accurately and rapidly analyzing multiple components in a target liquid using a minimal amount of sample, particularly when dealing with tens of types of items, due to issues with reactant positioning and centrifugal force-induced deviations.

Innovation Solution

The sample analysis device features a flow path with multiple reactants fixed to each path, an illumination system for precise positioning determination, and an image capture mechanism to accurately assess reactant positions and arrangement states, allowing for efficient analysis of multiple items simultaneously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If centrifugal force is used to move solution through flow paths, then liquid transport efficiency is improved, but reactant position deviation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid transport efficiencyVSAvoidreactant position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-fixing reactants to the flow path substrate before liquid introduction. This ensures reactants are securely positioned in advance, preventing deviation during centrifugal transport. The flow path is designed with reactants already attached at specific locations, so when centrifugal force moves the liquid, the reactants remain stationary and accurately positioned for reliable light-emitting reaction measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reactants are stored in one container, then analysis of multiple items is enabled, but position identification accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-item analysis capabilityVSAvoidreactant position identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the container into multiple distinct flow paths, with each flow path containing a specific reactant fixed at a defined position. This segmentation allows multiple reactants to coexist in one container while maintaining clear spatial separation. The image capturing unit can then accurately identify each reactant's position by capturing images at predetermined intervals, enabling precise multi-item analysis without cross-contamination or position confusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension to position identification by capturing images at predetermined time intervals during rotation. This transforms the static position identification problem into a dynamic tracking process, where the system records reactant positions at multiple time points. By combining spatial information from multiple images, the system achieves accurate position identification even as the container rotates and multiple reactants are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If minimal target liquid is used, then burden on biological body is reduced, but analysis of multiple components becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget liquid amountVSAvoidcomponent analysis capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the minimal target liquid into multiple segments, with each segment introduced into a separate flow path containing a specific reactant. This allows the small amount of target liquid to be distributed across multiple analysis channels simultaneously. Each flow path performs a specific component analysis, and the results are integrated to provide comprehensive multi-component analysis from a minimal sample volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple analysis functions into a single integrated system. Multiple flow paths with different reactants are combined in one container, and the image capturing unit combines information from all flow paths to provide comprehensive analysis results. This merging allows the system to analyze multiple components simultaneously using minimal target liquid, as the same small sample is distributed across multiple reactive pathways that converge in the detection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables rapid and accurate analysis of multiple items in a target liquid by ensuring precise reactant positioning and minimizing sample usage, reducing measurement errors and improving analysis efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a micro-flow path (23) allowing introduction of target liquid into the micro-flow path by means of capillary action

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

move solution from a container on an inner peripheral side with respect to the rotation axis line through the flow path to a container on an outer peripheral side with respect to the rotation axis line by means of centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the holding disc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3144679B1Sample analysis device
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 TAKANO CO LTD
  • EP3144679B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3144679B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3144679B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

In order to provide a sample analysis device capable of speedily and accurately analyzing a plurality of items for a fluid to be measured, a biochemical analysis device (50) comprises: a measurement unit (80) that captures images of and obtains image information about each reaction between a target fluid and a plurality of types of antigen (30); a storage unit (112) that stores antigen position information for the plurality of types of antigen (30) fixed in a microchannel (23); and a determination unit (111) that determines a plurality of items for a specimen, on the basis of the antigen position information and the image information. The storage unit (112) stores arrangement state determination information for determining the arrangement state of analysis chips (10). The determination unit (111) determines the arrangement state of the analysis chips (10) during imaging, on the basis of the arrangement state determination information and the image information, and analyses the specimen on the basis of the antigen position information and the image information.