Automatic ESR Analyzer Using Infrared Detection and Rotating Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional Westergren method for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurement is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and poses health risks due to direct contact with blood samples, with potential for inaccurate results and requiring manual handling and specialized tubes.
Innovation Solution
A full-automatic erythrocyte sedimentation rate analyzer with a blending device and infrared detection system that automates sample blending and measurement, using closed containers to minimize direct contact and employing a barcode scanning and data collection module for efficient and accurate ESR analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual blending and reading method is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but operator safety deteriorates due to direct contact with blood samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automatic blending device with a rotating rack that holds multiple sedimentation tubes. This intermediary mechanism performs the blending operation automatically, eliminating direct contact between the operator and blood samples while maintaining operational simplicity through automated rotation and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical blending with an automated rotating rack system. The rotation device automatically positions and blends samples in sedimentation tubes, substituting the manual mechanical action with an automated mechanical system that improves operator safety.
2Device complexity
If manual reading of sedimentation scale is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to artificial difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual reading with an optical detection system. Infrared transmitting and receiving devices automatically measure the sedimentation scale, eliminating human error and improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through integrated optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical properties of blood samples, detecting changes in light transmission as erythrocytes sediment. The infrared detection system measures the position of the sedimentation interface by detecting optical changes, providing precise automated measurement.
3Measurement precision
If 60 minute sedimentation time is used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to overlong detection time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated monitoring of sedimentation processes. Multiple sedimentation tubes are monitored simultaneously by the infrared detection system, which continuously measures sedimentation progress. This allows for earlier termination points to be identified accurately, reducing overall detection time while maintaining precision through continuous data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary automated blending and positioning of multiple samples before detection begins. The rotating rack pre-positions all sedimentation tubes, and the system is ready for immediate detection, eliminating setup time and enabling faster throughput while maintaining accurate measurement of the full sedimentation process.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic blending device is introduced, then operator safety is improved by reducing contact, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating rack device serves multiple functions: it holds multiple sedimentation tubes, performs automated blending through rotation, positions tubes for detection, and enables sequential processing of multiple samples. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several operations into a single automated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the blending mechanism, sample holding rack, and positioning system into a single integrated rotating device. By merging these functions into one mechanism, the overall device complexity is managed more efficiently than if separate devices were used for each function.
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 reduces operator exposure to blood samples, provides quick and accurate ESR measurements, and improves operational efficiency while maintaining reliability and accuracy comparable to the Westergren method.
Implementation Method 1
infrared transmitting and receiving devices... infrared rays penetrate through the closed containers to realize detecting
Implementation Method 2
The rotating device is connected to the rotating shaft, and drives the rotating shaft to rotationally drive the sample rack to turn over up and down
Implementation Method 3
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a sedimentation velocity of the erythrocyte in a unit time
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a full-automatic erythrocyte sedimentation rate analyzer, which comprises a base as well as a blending device and a detecting device mounted on the base, wherein the blending device comprises a sample rack, a sample rack bracket and a rotating device; the sample rack bracket is arranged on the base, and is connected to the sample rack through a rotating shaft; more than one test tube rack is arranged on the sample rack; the rotating device is connected to the rotating shaft, and drives the rotating shaft to rotationally drive the sample rack to turn over up and down; a plurality of holes are arranged in each test tube rack; a fixing device is arranged in the hole, and used for placing and fixing a closed container containing samples; the detecting device comprises a guide device, a driving device, infrared transmitting and receiving devices having the same quantity as that of the test tube racks, and a mounting rack; the driving device drives the mounting rack to move up and down along the guide device; the mounting rack drives the infrared transmitting and receiving devices to move; the closed containers containing the samples are located on moving paths of the infrared transmitting and receiving devices; and infrared rays penetrate through the closed containers to realize detecting.