Ferrying-Based Sample Dilution for Higher Immunoassay Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dilution process in sample preparation for full-automatic immunity analyzers is a bottleneck that limits the operation efficiency and throughput, as it requires time and disrupts the seamless flow of the pipeline, making it difficult to meet higher test throughput requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a ferrying unit that moves a reactor containing a sample to a first position for diluent dispensing and mixing, then moves to a second position for reagent dispensing and mixing, optimizing the sample and reagent distribution across multiple reactors without being restricted by the ferrying unit's movement speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sample is diluted in a single reactor before distribution, then the dilution process is simple, but the dilution stage becomes a bottleneck that reduces the flow rate and limits test throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dilution process by designating specific reactors as dilution reactors that remain in the dilution stage after dilution is complete. This allows the dilution function to be separated from the main test pipeline, enabling parallel processing where multiple dilutions can occur simultaneously without blocking the flow of reactors through subsequent stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the dilution process by creating a dedicated dilution stage with specific positions in the reactor arrangement. The ferrying unit moves reactors to specific positions (first position for diluent dispensing, second position for distribution) which adds spatial organization to the dilution process, allowing it to proceed independently of the main linear pipeline flow.
2Ease of operation
If the ferrying unit moves reactors sequentially through each processing position, then the processing order is controlled, but the movement speed becomes a limiting factor for overall processing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning dilution reactors in the dilution stage before the main test pipeline begins processing. The ferrying unit moves reactors to the dilution stage in advance, and dilution is performed while other reactors are being processed in subsequent stages. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time and allows parallel execution of dilution and other processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining a continuous flow of reactors through the system. While the ferrying unit moves reactors to the dilution stage, other reactors are simultaneously being processed in the test pipeline. The dilution process continues without interruption, and the ferrying unit continuously transfers reactors between stages, eliminating idle time and maintaining maximum throughput.
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 the time spent on sample dispensing and mixing, allowing for increased throughput by synchronizing sample and reagent dispensing and mixing, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and flexibility of the immunoassay process.
Implementation Method 1
moving a ferrying unit bearing a first reactor already containing a sample from an initial position to a first position
Implementation Method 2
uniformly mixing the sample and the diluent in the first reactor so as to form a diluted sample
Implementation Method 3
dispensing the diluted sample in the first reactor into at least two empty second reactors
Implementation Method 4
uniformly mixing the diluted sample and the reagent in the second reactors
Data Source
AI summary
A sample dilution method. The method comprises the following steps: moving from an initial workstation to a first workstation a ferrying unit bearing a first reactor containing a sample; distributing a diluent into the first reactor located at the first workstation; mixing the diluent and the sample in the first reactor to form a diluted sample; moving to a second workstation the ferrying unit bearing the first reactor containing the diluted sample, and distributing into at least two empty second reactors the diluted sample from the first reactor; moving to the first workstation the ferrying unit bearing all the second reactors containing a diluted sample, and distributing a reagent into the second reactors located at the first workstation; and mixing the reagent and the diluted sample in the second reactor.