Automated Cuvette Calibration in Chemical Analyzers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current calibration and validation procedures for cuvettes in automated chemical analyzers are time-consuming and insufficiently frequent, leading to data inaccuracies and inefficiencies due to the lack of automated tracking of cuvette integrity.

Innovation Solution

An automated method that includes moving cuvettes between various positions on a transporter, using a photometer to measure absorbance at multiple wavelengths, and assigning enabled or disabled status based on pre-determined thresholds, with enhanced cleaning routines and rescheduling of tests for disabled cuvettes, to ensure accurate data and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration and validation procedures are used for cuvettes, then data accuracy can be maintained, but the process is time-consuming and cannot be performed with sufficient frequency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration and self-validation by automatically measuring cuvette characteristics against pre-determined thresholds. The automated analyzer independently assesses cuvette integrity and assigns enabled or disabled status without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining data accuracy while eliminating time-consuming manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration procedures with an automated optical measurement system. The photometer automatically measures cuvette characteristics at multiple wavelengths and compares them to thresholds, substituting human-operated mechanical calibration with an automated optical-electrical measurement and decision system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated calibration procedures are implemented, then operational efficiency increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated analyzer integrates multiple functions into a single system: cuvette measurement, threshold comparison, status assignment, and test scheduling are all performed by the same device. The photometer serves both as a measurement instrument and as part of the calibration system, reducing the need for separate calibration equipment and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the calibration function with the normal measurement function. The same photometer and cuvette holder assembly used for routine measurements are also used for calibration and validation, merging multiple functions into a single integrated process rather than requiring separate calibration equipment and procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If frequent integrity checks are performed on cuvettes, then data accuracy is enhanced, but the time required for measurements increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuvette integrity assuranceVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a focused measurement at a specific wavelength (340 nm) rather than a full spectral scan, using just enough measurement to determine cuvette integrity. This partial action approach provides sufficient information for validation without the time cost of comprehensive characterization, enabling frequent checks with minimal time penalty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This approach enables on-the-fly calibration and validation during normal measurement cycles, reducing human error and increasing the frequency of integrity checks, thereby enhancing data accuracy and operational efficiency while minimizing the need for manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

measuring at least some cuvettes of the one or more cuvettes with the at least one photometer when each of the at least some cuvettes is at the at least one constituent measurement position according to the schedule of the controller and thereby determining at least one characteristic of each of the at least some cuvettes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorbance measurement: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20240003923A1Calibration and validation of cuvettes in automated chemical analyzers

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 BECKMAN COULTER INC

AI summary

The presently claimed and described technology provides improved calibration and validation procedures for sample containers (e.g., cuvettes) in automated chemical analyzers. The claimed and described technology further provides methods of operating an automated analyzer that allows for the automation of calibrating and tracking the integrity of individual sample containers (e.g., cuvettes) in parallel with measuring constituent samples. These methods eliminate the need to alternate between a diagnostic mode and measurement mode when performing system maintenance, such as validating cuvette integrity, calibrating absorbance baseline, and replacing cuvettes. As such, the presently claimed and described technology can reduce downtime and improve the clinical lab productivity significantly by allowing for this system maintenance to occur simultaneously with sample analysis.