Consumable Insert Sensing for Automatic Analyzer Workflow Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated instruments require manual selection of analysis workflows by technicians, leading to improper analysis selection, increased analysis duration, and potential loss of samples due to mismatched test devices.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer with a consumable support device and identification system that automatically identifies the consumable type and orientation, enabling the analyzer to initiate the correct analysis workflow without manual selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual selection of analysis workflows is used by technicians, then flexibility in test selection is maintained, but improper analysis selection occurs and analysis duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable insert automatically identifies itself through an identification component (barcode, RFID tag, or other machine-readable identifier) that the analyzer's reader detects. This self-identification mechanism eliminates the need for manual test selection by technicians, ensuring the correct analysis workflow is automatically initiated based on the consumable type, thereby improving reliability and reducing analysis duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of technician selection with an automated optical/electronic identification system. The reader (optical sensor, barcode scanner, or RFID reader) automatically detects the identification component on the consumable insert and transmits the consumable type to the control system, which then automatically selects and initiates the appropriate analysis workflow, eliminating human error and time loss.
2Extent of automation
If manual selection of analysis workflows is required, then system complexity is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional identification and automation components
Solution Approach 1:
The identification component on the consumable insert serves multiple functions: it identifies the consumable type, determines the appropriate analysis workflow, and can even indicate the correct orientation for insertion. This multi-functional identifier reduces the need for separate complex systems for each function, as a single identification mechanism handles multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate components and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification component acts as an intermediary between the consumable insert and the analyzer's control system. Rather than requiring direct complex communication protocols or manual input interfaces, the simple machine-readable identifier mediates the interaction, allowing the system to automatically determine the correct workflow while adding minimal complexity to either the consumable or the analyzer.
3Reliability
If consumable insert orientation is not automatically detected, then device complexity is minimized, but improper analysis selection occurs due to incorrect test device orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The identification component is positioned asymmetrically on the consumable insert, such that only one orientation presents the identifier in a readable position to the analyzer's reader. This asymmetric placement inherently encodes the correct orientation information, allowing the system to detect both the consumable type and the required insertion orientation using the same identification mechanism, thereby ensuring orientation accuracy without adding separate detection systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated analyzer is described. The analyzer includes a housing, a consumable insert, a consumable support device, a reader and a control system. The housing has a sample port. The consumable insert has a consumable insert type and an identification component and receives a consumable. The consumable support device is disposed within the sample port, supports the consumable insert, and is moveable to a testing position within the internal cavity. The consumable support device has an identifier component configured to identify the consumable insert type based in part on the identification component and configured to output a first data signal indicative of the consumable insert type. The reader outputs a second data signal indicative of a reading from the consumable. The control system receives the first and second data signals, and interprets the second data signal based on the first data signal.