Capless Tube Mixing Device for Automated Analyzer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clinical immunoassay instruments using blood collection tubes with caps are inconvenient for automated analysis due to the need for a separate needle for sample collection and cleaning, leading to complexity and size issues in automated sample analyzers.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses a capless tube supported by a jig for upright rotation, driven by a unit with a gripping head and driving sources to mix the sample without the need for a needle, simplifying the sample collection process in automated analyzers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a needle is used to pierce through the cap of the blood collection tube for sample collection, then sample collection can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and the analyzer size increases due to the need for separate cleaning devices
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the cap from the blood collection tube design, extracting the obstacle that required needle piercing and cleaning mechanisms. By using a capless tube with a self-sealing puncture site, the system eliminates the need for separate needle cleaning devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of sample collection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable capless blood collection tube where the tube itself is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for cleaning and reusing needles or caps, simplifying the overall system by removing cleaning mechanisms and reducing device complexity while maintaining operational ease
2Ease of operation
If a needle and cleaning device are added to the automated analyzer, then sample collection capability is improved, but the analyzer size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the cleaning device component from the automated analyzer by using a capless tube design. The tube's self-sealing puncture mechanism eliminates the need for separate cleaning mechanisms, thereby reducing the analyzer's overall size while maintaining automated sample collection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sample collection and sealing functions into a single integrated capless tube design. The tube incorporates a self-sealing puncture site that automatically seals after needle insertion, combining what would otherwise require separate components (needle, cap, cleaning device) into one compact unit that reduces analyzer size
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
Enables efficient sample mixing and collection in automated analyzers by eliminating the need for a separate needle and cleaning device, simplifying the analyzer configuration and reducing size requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a driving unit for generating a driving power for the rotation of the capless tube
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(d)
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(d)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a method capable of mixing a sample by using a capless tube, the device comprising: a jig part (110) for supporting the capless tube (10) such that the capless tube (10) stands upright so as to enable rotation; and a driving part (120) for generating driving power for the rotation of the capless tube (10).