On-Site Diluent Preparation Module With Redundant Supply Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated medical analysis equipment requires frequent replacement of pre-prepared diluent containers, leading to logistical challenges and potential technical breakdowns due to the complexity of current diluent preparation systems.
Innovation Solution
A Diluent Preparation Module (DPM) combines purified water and reagent concentrate to produce diluent on-site, reducing the need for frequent container changes and incorporating redundancy with dual modules for continuous operation, ensuring consistent quality through conductivity probes and onboard calibration systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-prepared diluent containers are used, then diluent quality is maintained, but frequent container replacement is required increasing operational complexity and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-mixing diluent in a reservoir before it is needed by the instrument. The diluent is prepared in advance and stored in the reservoir, allowing the instrument to operate continuously without frequent interruptions for container replacement. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining quality (through controlled preparation) while improving productivity (by eliminating frequent replacements).
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuity of useful action through an automated diluent preparation and delivery system. The reservoir continuously supplies diluent to the instrument, and the system automatically replenishes diluent from concentrate bottles when the reservoir is depleted. This eliminates interruptions and maintains continuous operation, resolving the contradiction between quality consistency and instrument uptime.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex diluent preparation systems are used, then diluent can be prepared on-demand, but system complexity increases leading to more potential breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the diluent preparation function into separate modular components: a reservoir for storing prepared diluent, separate bottles for different reagent concentrates, and automated delivery mechanisms. This modular segmentation allows each component to be simple and reliable while collectively providing versatile on-demand diluent preparation capability, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing a reservoir as a buffer between the concentrate bottles and the instrument. The reservoir receives prepared diluent from the preparation system and delivers it to the instrument, decoupling the complexity of the preparation mechanism from the instrument operation. This allows flexible on-demand preparation while keeping the instrument interface simple and reliable.
3Reliability
If frequent container replacements are performed, then fresh diluent is supplied, but operational downtime and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by preparing and storing diluent in the reservoir before the instrument needs it. The reservoir is pre-filled with fresh diluent, allowing the instrument to receive continuous supply without interruptions. When the reservoir is depleted, the system automatically replenishes it from concentrate bottles, eliminating the need for manual container replacement and reducing maintenance time while ensuring持续 freshness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically replenishing diluent from concentrate bottles when the reservoir is depleted. The automated detection and replenishment mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to replace containers, thereby reducing maintenance time and operational downtime while ensuring continuous supply of fresh diluent.
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 system minimizes the frequency of diluent container replacements, enhances instrument uptime, and maintains consistent diluent quality by automatically switching to redundant modules, thus simplifying maintenance and reducing operational downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The system may include a conductivity probe to measure the quality of the diluent
Data Source
AI summary
Certain types of automated medical analysis equipment are used to analyze blood or other fluids. The equipment may thus use various diluents or reagents that allow the blood or other fluids to be run through the analysis equipment for analysis and data collection. Disclosed is a diluent preparation module that combines purified water and reagent concentrate for use by this equipment. Also disclosed is a diluent preparation unit that combines more than one diluent preparation modules for redundancy and back-up purposes. Also disclosed are systems for supplying the Diluent prepared by the diluent preparation module or diluent preparation unit to one or more analytic instruments.