Compact Chemical Analyzer Slide Carousel Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chemical analyzers are large, expensive, and require extensive user intervention, with complex systems that increase the risk of errors and inefficiencies in biological fluid testing.
Innovation Solution
A compact, desktop chemical analyzer that automates the analysis of dry reagent test slides using a three-axis fluid handler, optics module with LEDs and photodiodes, and a slide carousel for efficient slide handling and temperature control, reducing user interaction and minimizing errors through advanced machine vision and barcode reading for consumable identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional chemical analyzers are used, then analysis capability is provided, but device size is large and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The analyzer is divided into separate functional modules: a slide processing unit with carousel for slide transport, a fluid handler for sample delivery, an optics module for detection, and a heating block for temperature control. This modular segmentation enables compact desktop configuration while maintaining full analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are nested within a compact housing structure. The carousel is positioned within the slide processing unit, the optics module is integrated above the heating block, and the fluid handler operates within the same footprint, creating a space-efficient nested arrangement.
2Measurement precision
If conventional chemical analyzers are used, then analysis function is provided, but device complexity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary complex subsystems from conventional analyzers. Instead of complex automated slide loaders and ejectors, the system uses simple manual slide placement on a carousel. Instead of complex fluid management systems, a straightforward three-axis fluid handler delivers samples directly to slides.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel serves multiple functions: transporting slides to the fluid handler, positioning slides under the optics module for reading, and enabling sequential processing of multiple slides. The optics module functions as both a reading device and a detection system, eliminating the need for separate components.
3Extent of automation
If automated systems are implemented, then user hands-on time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Slides are pre-prepared with dry reagent strips before insertion into the analyzer. The carousel is pre-loaded with multiple slides in sequential order. This preliminary preparation enables automated sequential processing without requiring complex real-time decision-making systems, reducing both user hands-on time during operation and overall system complexity.
4Productivity
If multiple slides are processed sequentially, then productivity increases, but analysis time per slide may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel enables continuous sequential processing where the fluid handler moves to the next slide immediately after completing the previous one without idle transitions. The optics module continuously reads slides as they pass into position, and the heating block maintains continuous temperature control across all slides, eliminating downtime between analyses and maximizing throughput.
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 analyzer significantly reduces user hands-on time, minimizes data entry errors, and lowers operational costs while maintaining high accuracy in biological fluid testing, enabling rapid and precise analysis of multiple samples with improved reliability and reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The optics module includes LEDs and photodiodes
Implementation Method 2
a reflectormeter or fluorometer, the amount of light reflected from or fluoresced by the test element varying
Implementation Method 3
an incubator for maintaining the reagent test slides situated on the slide transport mechanism at a predetermined temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus for analyzing fluid samples includes an outer casing, a slide loading mechanism disposed within the outer casing for loading fluid analysis slides, a slide ejecting mechanism disposed within the outer casing for ejecting fluid analysis slides, an evaporation cap opening mechanism disposed within the outer casing for opening an evaporation cap, an evaporation cap closing mechanism disposed within the outer casing for closing an evaporation cap, a drawer locking mechanism disposed within the outer casing for locking a drawer associated with the outer casing, a camera disposed within the outer casing, and a robot disposed within the outer casing. The robot is movable in three dimensions and has means for conducting three or more of the following operations: slide loading; slide ejecting; evaporation cap opening; evaporation cap closing; drawer locking; and camera manipulation.