Dual Arc-Nozzle Analyzer Layout for Mixed Reaction Times
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face challenges in achieving compactness while performing multiple analysis processes with different reaction times due to large dispensing and transporting mechanisms, such as XY rail type mechanisms, which limit their design.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a first and second dispensing mechanism capable of arc-shaped movement and vertical movement, each dedicated to specific reaction times, and a control mechanism to manage the incubator's rotation and dispensing sequences to accommodate different analysis processes efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an XY rail type dispensing mechanism is used to enable the dispensing nozzle to move to any position on the incubator, then the analyzer can perform multiple analysis processes, but the mechanism becomes large in scale and compactness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the incubator circumference into multiple discrete dispensing positions (first through fourth positions) and assigns specific dispensing mechanisms to specific positions. Instead of one mechanism serving all positions, multiple specialized mechanisms are used, each optimized for its designated position and analysis process type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal system where multiple dispensing mechanisms share a common incubator structure and can all access the same reaction vessels. The system achieves multi-functionality through coordinated operation of specialized mechanisms rather than through a single versatile mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a suspension type reagent dispensing pipetter is used with X and Y coordinates for high positioning freedom, then dispensing flexibility is improved, but the mechanism size increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dispensing function into multiple specialized mechanisms, each with a simplified positioning system optimized for its specific task. Each mechanism only needs to access its designated position on the incubator, reducing the complexity and size of individual mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs arc-shaped movement paths for the dispensing nozzles, allowing them to move along curved trajectories around the incubator. This curved motion pattern is more space-efficient than linear XY rail movement and enables compact positioning.
3Productivity
If reaction vessels are repeatedly used and cleaned for different test types, then resource utilization is improved, but carryover from previous tests occurs and measurement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific reaction vessel positions to specific test types (e.g., even positions for first test type, odd positions for second test type). This spatial differentiation ensures that vessels used for one test type are not subsequently used for another test type without complete replacement, eliminating carryover while maintaining high utilization through dedicated positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of cleaning and reusing vessels for different test types, the patent inverts the approach by assigning permanent test-type-specific positions to vessels. The system achieves resource efficiency not through reuse but through optimized allocation and coordinated operation of multiple mechanisms with their own dedicated vessel positions.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzer for making measurements for different analysis processes by a compact mechanism. The apparatus performs inspection for plural different analysis processes and includes: an incubator for holding plural reaction vessels on circumferential positions, first and second dispensing mechanisms each having a dispensing nozzle capable of arc-shaped movement around a rotational axis and vertical movement, in which a first locus of an arc-shaped movement of the dispensing nozzle of the first dispensing mechanism and a second locus of the arc-shaped movement of the dispensing nozzle of the second dispensing mechanism intersect the circumference of the incubator where the reaction vessels are arranged, while the first locus and the second locus do not intersect, the first dispensing mechanism is used in a first inspection having a first reaction period, and the second dispensing mechanism is used in a second inspection having a second reaction period longer than the first reaction period.