Dual Analyzer System for Biological Fluids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biological fluid analysis methods require multiple analyzers and instruments, leading to increased time, cost, and inefficiency due to the need for sample transportation and differing sample requirements, as well as overlapping steps in analysis processes.

Innovation Solution

A dual analyzer system that integrates two interconnected modules, allowing for simultaneous or sequential analysis of biological fluids using a flow diverting connection to split the fluid flow between a hematology analyzer and a dynamic light scattering instrument, enabling concurrent or successive measurements of different properties within the same system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate analyzers are used to analyze different blood parameters, then comprehensive analysis capability is improved, but analysis time and operational complexity increase due to sample transportation between instruments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis capabilityVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate analyzers into a single integrated system where different analysis modules (hematology analyzer, dynamic light scattering instrument) are merged into one platform. This allows simultaneous analysis of multiple blood parameters without transporting samples between instruments, directly resolving the contradiction by maintaining comprehensive analysis capability while eliminating transportation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform various types of blood analysis (hematology, platelet function, particle analysis) through a single instrument platform. This universal design enables one system to replace multiple specialized analyzers, providing comprehensive analysis capability without the time loss associated with using separate instruments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate analyzers are used for different blood parameters, then comprehensive analysis is improved, but equipment costs and maintenance expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple analyzers into one integrated system, the patent reduces the total number of instruments needed in the laboratory. This consolidation maintains comprehensive analysis capability while simplifying the overall system architecture, reducing equipment procurement costs, and lowering maintenance burdens compared to managing multiple separate instruments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If different sample preparations are required for each analyzer, then instrument-specific analysis accuracy is improved, but sample preparation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoidsample preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated system incorporates a universal sample handling platform that can accommodate different analysis modules with a single sample preparation protocol. This multi-functional design allows the same prepared sample to be analyzed by different modules (hematology, DLS, etc.) without requiring separate preparations, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically simplifying operational procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If a flow-through system is used for analysis, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but compatibility with instruments requiring extracted samples is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidinstrument compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed with universal sample handling capabilities that support both flow-through analysis modes and extracted sample analysis modes. This allows the integrated system to maintain high throughput via continuous flow monitoring while also being compatible with instruments that require discrete sample extraction, thereby achieving both productivity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces analysis time and costs by eliminating the need for separate instruments and sample preparations, while allowing for comprehensive analysis of biological fluids with improved efficiency and reduced complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a dynamic light scattering instrument adapted to receive said biological fluid and perform a measurement of a second property of the biological fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDynamic light scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP2488853B1Dual analyzer system for biological fluid
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES
  • EP2488853B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2488853B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP2488853B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The described apparatus for analyzing a biological sample includes a first analysis instrument fluidly connected to a reservoir for receiving a first flow of the biological fluid and adapted for performing a measurement of a property of the biological sample. A second analysis instrument is fluidly connected to the reservoir for receiving a second flow of the biological fluid and adapted for performing a thermally controlled analysis of the biological sample. The second analysis instrument includes a thermally controlled chamber. A flow stopping device stops the second flow within the thermally controlled chamber in order to allow the second analysis instrument to perform the thermally controlled analysis of the biological sample. The first analysis instrument may include, for example, a hematology analyzer or a flow cytometer, and the second analysis instrument may include, for example, a dynamic light scattering instrument.