Biological Sample Processor Door with Integrated Reagent Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biological sample-processing apparatuses face inefficiencies in space utilization and operation ease due to the placement of reagent supply tanks, either increasing dimensions when inside the chamber or requiring excessive space when outside, and existing arrangements hinder manual operation and reagent access.
Innovation Solution
Reagent supply tanks are integrated into the inner side of the door of the sample-processing chamber, with conduits running through a hollow pivot to maintain operational ease and space efficiency, allowing for continuous operation without increasing the apparatus' overall volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reagent supply tanks are positioned inside the sample-processing chamber, then reagent accessibility is improved, but the transverse space occupied by the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent supply tanks are relocated from the transverse direction (inside the chamber) to the longitudinal direction (within the door thickness). This dimensional change allows operators to access reagents by opening the door rather than reaching into the chamber, improving accessibility while reducing transverse space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The door structure is segmented to include a dedicated reagent storage compartment within its thickness. This segmentation allows the door to serve dual functions: as an access barrier for the chamber and as a storage space for reagent tanks, eliminating the need for separate transverse space.
2Area of stationary object
If reagent supply tanks are arranged outside the sample-processing chamber, then transverse space usage is reduced, but operation convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door and reagent storage function are merged into a single integrated structure. The reagent tanks are positioned within the door assembly, combining the access control function of the door with the reagent storage function, thereby maintaining operation convenience while reducing external space requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If door thickness is increased to accommodate reagent tanks, then reagent storage capacity is improved, but door structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent tanks are nested within the door structure, utilizing the door's thickness as the containing space. This nesting approach allows the door to house storage compartments without requiring additional external attachments or complex mechanical structures, thereby increasing storage capacity while maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A biological sample-processing apparatus has a sample-processing chamber, which has a door with space for receiving reagent tanks. The reagent supply tanks have conduits in fluid communication with reagent buffer tanks in the sample-processing chamber. The door has a pivot with a hollow interior. At least one conduit connects the reagent supply tanks to the reagent buffer tanks through the hollow interior of the pivot. The present invention provides a modification of the door of a biological sample-processing apparatus so that the door is equipped with reagent supply tanks that contain reagents for processing biological samples and that facilitate the operation of the processing and increase convenience, and further, enable more of the apparatuses to be allocated in the same space.