Consumables Container Swapping for Continuous Analyzer Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated analyzers require manual intervention for consumables loading/unloading, which disrupts operations, exposes liquid consumables to gases leading to erroneous results, and lacks efficient on-the-fly container swapping.
Innovation Solution
A consumables container loading/unloading system with a movable apparatus and fluid supply line that allows seamless swapping of consumables containers within the analyzer's cycle time, incorporating sealing mechanisms to protect against gas exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual loading of consumables containers is performed by operator, then container replacement is possible, but analyzer operation is interrupted and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares a new consumables container in advance at the operator-accessible station and positions it for immediate installation. The movable apparatus is pre-configured to receive and transfer the container, so that when replacement is needed, the operator simply places the pre-prepared container on the station and the system automatically handles the transfer without interrupting analyzer operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a movable apparatus that can dynamically reposition between the operator-accessible station and the analyzer supply station. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to seamlessly switch between loading and unloading operations without requiring the analyzer to stop, thereby maintaining continuous throughput while enabling easy container replacement.
2Ease of operation
If consumables container is opened for loading, then container access is enabled, but liquid consumables are exposed to gases causing erroneous results
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary sealed transfer mechanism between the operator-accessible station and the analyzer supply station. This intermediary component allows the consumables container to be transferred while remaining sealed, preventing direct exposure of liquid consumables to ambient gases. The seal maintains integrity throughout the transfer process, ensuring test result accuracy while still enabling operator access for loading operations.
3Reliability
If operator waits for operation completion before loading container, then operation safety is ensured, but loading time is delayed and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous operation by allowing container loading and unloading to occur during the analyzer's operational cycles. The movable apparatus can transfer containers while the analyzer continues processing samples, eliminating the need for the operator to wait for operation completion. This continuous action maintains both safety through controlled transfer mechanisms and productivity by eliminating idle waiting time.
4Reliability
If consumables container is sealed during transfer, then gas exposure is prevented, but transfer mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the transfer mechanism and as the sealing interface. The same components that handle the physical transfer of the container also provide the sealing function, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sealing mechanisms. This universal design achieves protection against gas exposure while minimizing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100, 100′, 100″) is provided for an automated analyzer (10) having an analyzer arrangement (12) configured to consume liquid consumables (14). The liquid consumables (14) are delivered to the automated analyzer (10) via consumables containers (20). The system (100, 100′, 100″) comprises a consumables container loading/unloading unit (102) comprising at least a first container holding position (C1) and a second container holding position (C2). Each of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) is configured to removably hold at least one of the consumables containers (20). The system (100, 100′, 100″) further comprises at least one operator accessible container station (104) accessible by an operator, such that at least one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) is configured to directly receive the consumables containers (20) at the at least one operator accessible container station (104) from the operator. The system (100, 100′, 100″) further comprises at least one analyzer supply station (106) configured to deliver the liquid consumables (140 to the automated analyzer (10).