Synchronous Eccentric Mixing for Immunoassay Throughput
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional immunoassay analyzers face bottlenecks in test throughput due to the slow mixing process of samples and reagents, which limits their ability to operate at maximum efficiency and meet high throughput requirements.
Innovation Solution
A mixing method and device that utilize at least two mixing assemblies driven synchronously between a first station and a second station, where samples and reagents are added at different stations and mixed through eccentric shaking, allowing for efficient mixing and increased throughput by staggering the operations of multiple mixing assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If samples and reagents are mixed using a conventional single mixing assembly, then the mixing process is simple, but the mixing time is long and the test throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single mixing assembly into multiple mixing assemblies (at least two) that operate in parallel. Each mixing assembly has its own carrying platform for reactors, and they are driven synchronously between first and second stations. This segmentation allows simultaneous mixing operations on multiple reactors, significantly reducing total mixing time and increasing test throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple mixing assemblies into a single integrated system that shares common transport mechanisms and control. The mixing assemblies are synchronously driven between stations, merging their operations to achieve coordinated parallel processing. This combining approach maintains system simplicity while enabling high-throughput parallel mixing.
2Productivity
If multiple mixing assemblies are used to increase throughput, then the mixing efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mixing assemblies with universal functionality, where each assembly can perform the complete mixing operation independently. The assemblies share common drive mechanisms and operational protocols, allowing them to function as interchangeable units. This multi-functionality approach enables parallel processing without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements synchronous dynamic control of multiple mixing assemblies, where all assemblies move together between first and second stations in coordinated fashion. The carrying platforms shake eccentrically in unison to mix samples and reagents simultaneously. This dynamic synchronization allows complex parallel operations to be managed through unified control, reducing the perceived complexity.
3Productivity
If the flow rate of reactors is increased to meet throughput requirements, then the test throughput improves, but the mixing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs eccentric shaking of the carrying platforms to induce mechanical vibration during the mixing process. As the platforms move between stations, they shake in an eccentric manner that creates vigorous mixing action. This vibration-based mixing ensures thorough and uniform mixing even when reactors are moved quickly between stations, maintaining mixing quality while supporting high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic mixing action through the cyclic synchronous movement of mixing assemblies between first and second stations. Each assembly undergoes repeated cycles of transport and eccentric shaking, creating periodic mixing that ensures thorough mixing over time. This periodic action maintains mixing uniformity even as the overall process speed increases to meet throughput requirements.
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 enhances the test throughput of immunoassay analyzers by ensuring continuous operation at maximum efficiency, enabling the reporting of 900 to 240 test results per hour by optimizing the flow rate and reducing bottlenecks in the mixing process.
Implementation Method 1
the driver can enable the carrying platform to shake eccentrically
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mixing method, comprising the following steps: providing at least two mixing assemblies (120) used for carrying a reactor (20), and using the same transport assembly (110) to synchronously drive the mixing assemblies (120) to circularly reciprocate between a first station (11) and a second station (12) (S510); adding a sample to the reactor (20) located at the first station (11), adding a reagent to the reactor (20) located at the second station (12), and mixing the sample and the reagent in the reactor (20) for processing (S520).