In Vitro Diagnostics Rack Agitation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in vitro diagnostic analysis devices have complex structures and high manufacturing costs, leading to tedious operator manipulations and low analysis rates due to manual loading and complex module configurations.
Innovation Solution
The analysis device features a simplified structure with automatic loading and unloading conveyors, a stirring module that maintains racks in a single plane during agitation, and a sampling module that immobilizes racks for efficient sampling, reducing manufacturing costs and increasing analysis rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If racks are positioned horizontally in storage element with manual loading, then device structure is simpler, but operator handling becomes tedious and analysis rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading module is equipped with extraction means that automatically extract racks from the storage element and transfer them to the agitation module, eliminating the need for manual operator handling and enabling continuous operation without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling of racks is replaced with an automated extraction mechanism that uses mechanical means to move racks between modules, increasing both ease of operation and analysis rate
2Ease of manufacture
If stirring module moves carrier from horizontal to vertical position, then agitation function is achieved, but device structure becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the carrier from horizontal to vertical position as in conventional devices, the rack is maintained in a substantially vertical position throughout the agitation process, with the agitation function achieved by rotating the rack support about a horizontal axis rather than changing the carrier orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The rack support serves multiple functions: it holds the rack, provides agitation through rotation, and maintains the rack in a vertical position during transfer between modules, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms to change carrier orientation
3Measurement precision
If multiple intermediate positions and complex movement paths are used, then sampling precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the carrier through multiple intermediate positions including vertical orientations, the rack is maintained in a substantially vertical position throughout, with the sampling module positioned to access containers while the rack remains in a consistent orientation, simplifying the movement path while maintaining sampling precision
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
The solution enables a high rate of analysis with reduced manufacturing costs and simplified operations, allowing for efficient handling of various diagnostic tasks such as hematology and coagulation tests.
Implementation Method 1
a pivoting means arranged to drive the rack support in pivot about the horizontal axis between a first angular position in which the rack support extends vertically and a second angular position in which the rack support is inclined with respect to the vertical
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
This analysis device (2) comprises at least one rack (6) intended to receive a plurality of containers (7) that contain samples of biological liquid to be analysed, a loading module (14) designed to move the at least one rack (6) between a loading position and a first intermediate position, an agitating module (21) designed to move the at least one rack (6) between the first intermediate position and a second intermediate position and to agitate the at least one rack (6), an unloading module (37) designed to move the at least one rack (6) between the second intermediate position and an unloading position. The loading and unloading modules (14, 37) are designed to move the at least one rack (6) respectively in a first and a second direction of transverse movement in the plane of the at least one rack (6). The agitating module is designed such that the at least one rack extends substantially in one and the same orientation in the first and second intermediate positions.