Flexible Reagent Container Bubble Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzing systems face issues with reagent dispensing due to bubble formation when reagents containing easily-foaming components like surfactants are moved, leading to inadequate aspiration or dispensing of reagents, as the liquid surface detecting function may incorrectly identify bubbles as the reagent surface, resulting in insufficient reagent delivery.
Innovation Solution
The reagent container design includes a flexible bag part and a barrel part with a crease and air releasing mechanism, which deflates when the reagent is aspirated, preventing bubble formation and ensuring accurate reagent dispensing by maintaining the liquid surface position and preventing air from entering the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a reagent container with rigid structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but bubble formation occurs during movement due to liquid surface rippling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible bag part instead of a rigid container structure. The flexible bag conforms to the shape of its contents and eliminates rigid walls that cause liquid surface rippling during movement, thereby preventing bubble formation while maintaining structural integrity through flexibility rather than rigidity.
2Manufacturing precision
If liquid surface detecting function is used to stop probe at certain depth, then dispensing precision is improved, but inaccurate detection occurs when bubbles are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes bubbles from the reagent container system through the flexible bag design and air releasing mechanism. By eliminating bubbles before they can interfere with detection, the liquid surface detecting function can accurately identify the true liquid surface without being misled by bubble reflections or refractions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of air presence into a benefit by incorporating an air releasing mechanism. The air bubble that forms during filling is intentionally allowed to rise and escape through the air releasing hole, preventing it from interfering with subsequent liquid surface detection and ensuring accurate probe positioning.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If reagent container is sealed to prevent air entry, then reagent shelf life is improved, but air may still enter during movement causing bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bag part provides a seal that prevents air entry during storage and movement. The flexibility of the bag allows it to accommodate volume changes and movement without cracking or leaking, maintaining the seal integrity that protects reagent shelf life while preventing air-related bubble formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts air from the system through a controlled air releasing mechanism during the filling process. This allows the container to be filled to the appropriate level without trapping air that could form bubbles during movement, while the subsequent sealing prevents further air entry and extends shelf life.
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 design effectively inhibits bubble generation during reagent movement, ensuring accurate and complete reagent dispensing, while also prolonging the reagent's shelf life by minimizing air exposure.
Implementation Method 1
an automatic analyzing system includes a liquid surface detecting function configured to detect a change in the capacitance when a reagent probe descends and plunges into a reagent so that the tip end of the probe is stopped at a certain depth from the liquid surface of the reagent
Data Source
AI summary
A reagent container according to an embodiment is used in an automatic analyzing system configured to measure a liquid mixture of a tested specimen and a reagent. The reagent container includes a case, a bag, and an outlet. The case is stored in a reagent storage. The bag is built in the case, is more flexible than the case, and is configured to contain the reagent. The reagent is taken out through the outlet.