Automated Biochemical Analyzer Reagent Container Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated biochemical analyzers face inefficiencies when reagents for two-reagent systems run low, requiring time-consuming retrieval and replacement of both reagents from storage.
Innovation Solution
The analyzer includes connectable/disconnectable reagent containers and racks that allow simultaneous extraction and replacement of first and second reagents, enabling efficient management of reagent levels without needing to find and retrieve both containers separately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reagent containers are stored separately in reagent storage, then reagents can be individually managed, but time is lost when needing to find and retrieve both reagent containers for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first reagent container and second reagent container into a single integrated reagent container assembly. This assembly includes a first container holding chamber for the first reagent and a second container holding chamber for the second reagent, allowing both reagents to be stored together and replaced simultaneously as one unit, thereby eliminating the time-consuming process of separately locating and retrieving each container.
2Ease of operation
If reagent containers are replaced individually, then each reagent can be checked separately, but operator workload increases due to needing to find and retrieve both containers
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated reagent container assembly merges the storage and replacement operations for both reagents into a single unit. The assembly can be installed or removed as one piece from the reagent storage, significantly reducing operator workload and improving productivity by eliminating repetitive individual container handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent containers are pre-positioned and pre-organized within the integrated assembly before installation. This preliminary arrangement allows the operator to replace both reagents simultaneously without needing to separately locate, handle, and install each container individually, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of an automated biochemical analyzer is configured to dispense a first reagent, a second reagent, and a sample into a reaction cell to measure a compound liquid thereof. The automated biochemical analyzer includes a first reagent container, a second reagent container, a reagent rack, and a driver. The first reagent container and the second reagent container each include a support and retain the first reagent and the second reagent, respectively. The supports are configured to be connectable to and disconnectable from each other. The reagent rack holds the first reagent container and the second reagent container and allows the first reagent container and the second reagent container to be disconnected for analysis. The driver moves the first reagent container and/or the second reagent container such that the supports are connected to each other upon extraction of the first reagent container and the second reagent container.