Cuvette Rack Unit Gravimetric Sample Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing laboratory analyzers are inefficiently utilized due to the need for manual sample preparation, which blocks the device for extended periods and risks contamination, especially when dealing with small sample volumes where pipetting errors significantly affect accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A separate cuvette rack unit for sample preparation that includes a platform scale and identification reader, allowing for precise measurement and correction of sample volumes without occupying the analyzer, ensuring the device remains available for other samples and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sample preparation is performed in the analyzer, then sample volume measurement accuracy is improved, but device availability deteriorates due to blocking during reaction time
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a cuvette rack unit for sample preparation and an analyzer for measurement. The cuvette rack unit includes a platform scale for weighing cuvettes before and after sample addition to calculate precise sample volumes, while the analyzer only performs photometric measurement. This segmentation allows sample preparation to occur separately, freeing the analyzer for continuous operation and improving both measurement accuracy and device availability.
2Ease of operation
If manual sample preparation is performed in the analyzer, then sample handling is simplified, but contamination risk increases to the sensitive analyzer unit
Solution Approach 1:
The sample preparation function is extracted from the analyzer and relocated to a separate cuvette rack unit. This unit contains all necessary components for sample preparation including the platform scale, cuvette holder, and mixing mechanisms. By taking out the sample preparation process from the sensitive analyzer environment, the risk of contamination from pipettes, reagents, and manual handling is eliminated while maintaining ease of operation through automated preparation protocols.
3Measurement precision
If precise sample volume measurement is performed using platform scale, then pipetting error influence is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical pipetting system is replaced with a gravimetric measurement system using a platform scale. Instead of relying on volumetric pipettes and manual volume delivery, the system weighs the cuvette before and after sample addition to calculate the exact sample volume based on density. This substitution eliminates the complexity of precision pipettes while improving measurement accuracy, as the platform scale provides direct digital readout and automated calculation of sample volume.
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 setup enhances the utilization of laboratory analyzers by allowing simultaneous preparation of multiple samples while maintaining accuracy and protecting the device from contamination, reducing the reliance on expensive precision pipettes and minimizing errors.
Implementation Method 1
The cuvette platform seats on a platform scale so that the platform scale can determine the weight force or mass of the sample cuvette held by the cuvette platform
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an analysis preparation cuvette rack unit (10;10′) comprising a cuvette platform (20) for uprightly holding a sample cuvette (100;101) comprising a cuvette identification (111;111′) on a sample cuvette information carrier (110;110′). The cuvette rack unit (10; 10′) comprises a platform balance for determining the weight of the sample cuvette (100; 101) held by the cuvette platform (20), a reading device (16) for reading the unique cuvette identification (111; 111′) of the sample cuvette information carrier (110; 110′), a sample cuvette information carrier (110; 110′) and a sample cuvette information carrier (110; 110′). cuvette information carrier (110) of the sample cuvette (100;101) held by the cuvette platform (20), and an analysis preparation controller (14;14′) informationally connected to the platform scale (12) and the reading means (16) for storing and transmitting a sample cuvette weight value together with the associated read cuvette identification (111;111′) to a separate remote analysis unit (60) which performs a quantitative analyte analyser (66). The cuvette rack unit (10;10′) does not comprise an analyte analyser.