Circular Cartridge Centrifugation for Modular Analyzer Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers require separate inputs and measurements for biochemical and immunological items, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies, particularly in emergency situations, and are limited by large size and the need for external red blood cell volume ratios when using whole blood samples.
Innovation Solution
A modular automatic analyzer with a circular type cartridge that enables centrifugation of whole blood into plasma and red blood cells within the system, eliminating the need for external separation and input, allowing for compact design and simultaneous measurement of multiple items with improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple automatic analyzers are used for simultaneous biochemical and immunological measurements, then measurement capability and accuracy are improved, but overall system size becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines biochemical analysis and immunological analysis functions into a single integrated automatic analyzer system. The analyzer includes multiple measurement units that can simultaneously perform different types of analyses on the same sample, eliminating the need for separate analyzers and reducing overall system size while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic analyzer is designed with multi-functional measurement units that can handle both biochemical items and immunological items. The system includes a centrifugal separation unit, multiple reaction chambers, and measurement units capable of performing various analysis types, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized analyzers.
2Measurement precision
If separate measurements are performed for biochemical and immunological items using different analyzers, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs centrifugal separation of whole blood into plasma and red blood cells at the beginning of the analysis process. The separated components are then automatically distributed to different measurement units for simultaneous biochemical and immunological analysis, eliminating the need for sequential measurements and reducing total analysis time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic analyzer enables continuous simultaneous measurement of multiple items from a single sample. The system processes biochemical and immunological analyses in parallel using dedicated measurement units, eliminating idle time between measurements and continuously utilizing the sample for multiple analytical purposes.
3Measurement precision
If external centrifugation and red blood cell volume ratio input are required for whole blood samples, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic analyzer includes an integrated centrifugal separation unit that automatically separates whole blood into plasma and red blood cells, and automatically calculates and applies the red blood cell volume ratio for concentration correction. The system performs these preparatory functions without requiring external equipment or manual operator intervention, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 rapid and precise analysis of various items and diseases with reduced system size, improving measurement accuracy and efficiency by integrating centrifugation and analysis within the analyzer, and facilitating emergency diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
a circular type cartridge enabling centrifugation, in which red blood cells and plasma separated from whole blood by using the circular type cartridge are used
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular automatic analyzer using a circular type cartridge enabling centrifugation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a main body frame; an X-axis conveying unit which reciprocally moves in an X-axis direction with respect to the main body frame; a circular type cartridge accommodating housing which is installed with respect to the X-axis conveying unit so as to be reciprocally movable in the X-axis direction by the X-axis conveying unit, a single rotation drive unit which is installed in the circular type cartridge accommodating housing and is rotated step by step at a predetermined interval or rotated at a high speed for centrifugation, a circular type cartridge which is installed at an upper surface of the circular type cartridge accommodating housing so as to be rotatably connected to the rotation drive unit and has wells disposed to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction of a disc-shaped main body, a tip lifting unit which picks up and moves a tip upward and downward, a measurement unit which measures a reaction in the well, a Z-axis drive unit which is provided with the tip lifting unit and the measurement unit and reciprocally operates in a Z-axis direction with respect to the main body frame, and a control unit C which controls an automatic immunity analyzer.