Concentric Reagent Dispenser for Continuous Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample analyzers face complexity and increased size due to the need for a dispensing part to move in multiple directions to suction and dispense reagents, complicating the mechanism and preventing continuous measurement during reagent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer with rotatable reagent containers arranged concentrically, allowing for simplified reagent dispensing and enabling continuous measurement by controlling the dispenser to switch to alternative reagents during reagent replacement without interrupting the analysis process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the dispensing part moves in the X-Y direction to suction target reagents arranged in a square pattern, then reagent dispensing can be performed, but the movement range increases and the mechanism becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent storage system is divided into multiple independent reagent racks that can be removed and replaced separately. Each rack holds multiple reagent containers arranged in a square pattern, allowing the system to handle various reagent dispensing needs through modular components rather than a monolithic complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent racks are designed to be movable and replaceable during operation. The system transitions from a static reagent arrangement to a dynamic configuration where racks can be removed, replaced, and repositioned, enabling flexible adaptation to different dispensing requirements without increasing mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dispensing part moves in the X-Y direction to access individual reagents, then reagent selection is enabled, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reagent containers are nested within reagent racks, which are themselves nested within the main apparatus body. This hierarchical nesting allows the system to hold multiple reagents in a compact arrangement, reducing the overall apparatus volume while maintaining the capability to access and dispense individual reagents through the removable rack mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If reagent replacement stops the analysis operation, then reagent can be replaced, but measurement continuity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for reagent replacement by allowing racks to be removed and replaced before the next analysis operation begins. The control unit coordinates the replacement timing and rack positioning, enabling reagent changes to be performed in advance or during idle periods, thus maintaining continuous measurement productivity without interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample analyzer for analyzing a measurement sample prepared by a sample and a reagent is disclosed. The sample analyzer includes a rotatable first holding section for holding a first reagent container containing a first reagent and a second reagent container containing a second reagent circularly, a rotatable second holding section for holding a third reagent container containing a third reagent and a fourth reagent container containing a fourth reagent circularly, the second holding section being arranged concentrically relative to the first holding section, a dispenser for dispensing a reagent selected from the first to fourth reagents into a measurement sample container for preparing a measurement sample, and a controller. The controller configured to perform operations including receiving an replacement instruction for replacement of the second reagent container, and in response to receiving the instruction for replacement of the second reagent container, if a next reagent to be dispensed is the first reagent and a type of the first reagent is same as a type of the third reagent, controlling the dispenser so as to dispense the third reagent without dispensing the first reagent.