Automated Gravimetric Volume Determination in Clinical Analyzers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gravimetric volume determination methods in clinical diagnostic analyzer systems are time-consuming and require significant manual handling, as they lack automation and are sensitive to environmental conditions like temperature, air pressure, and humidity, which can vary.

Innovation Solution

A method and device where the load cell is calibrated externally and then integrated into the analyzer system, allowing for automated gravimetric volume determination within the system, reducing manual work and incorporating sensors for real-time environmental data processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional gravimetric volume determination methods are used, then volume measurements can be obtained, but the process requires significant manual handling and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual handling requirementVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration through automated procedures where the analyzer automatically weighs calibration objects, processes measurements, and adjusts parameters without requiring manual intervention for each calibration step, thereby reducing manual handling while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The load cell is calibrated in advance using standardized calibration objects with known weights before actual volume measurements are performed. This preliminary calibration establishes accurate measurement parameters that enable subsequent automated volume determinations without requiring manual calibration during the measurement process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If load cell calibration is performed inside the diagnostic analyzer, then calibration can be integrated into the system, but the calibration process becomes dependent on the analyzer's location and environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration location flexibilityVSAvoidcalibration stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration process is separated from the measurement process. The load cell calibration is performed independently using standardized calibration objects, and the calibrated load cell is then integrated into the diagnostic analyzer. This segmentation allows calibration to be performed in controlled conditions separately from the analyzer's operational environment, improving both flexibility and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system compensates for environmental parameter variations (temperature, humidity, air pressure) by using calibration objects with stable, known properties. The calibration process adjusts measurement parameters based on actual environmental conditions, allowing accurate calibration regardless of location while maintaining measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If environmental parameters (temperature, air pressure, humidity) are manually entered for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume determination accuracyVSAvoiddata entry time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Manual data entry is replaced with automated sensor systems that continuously monitor environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, air pressure) and automatically transmit this data to the control unit. This substitution eliminates manual data entry time while ensuring accurate, real-time environmental data is available for volume determination calculations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors environmental parameters through integrated sensors and uses this feedback to automatically adjust calibration and measurement processes. The control unit receives real-time environmental data and automatically compensates for variations, maintaining measurement precision without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 minimizes manual intervention, enhances the efficiency of clinical diagnostic analyzer systems by automating gravimetric volume determinations, and provides more reliable measurements by stabilizing the calibration process and accounting for environmental factors.

Implementation Method 1

gravimetric volume determination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

positioning is made by using a bubble level

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP2166322B1Method for gravimetric volume determination

Publication Date: 2019.01.09 F HOFFMANN LA ROCHE & CO AG

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AI summary

A method of gravimetric volume determination is described in which a load cell can be calibrated either outside of an analytic analyzer for gravimetric calibration of said analyzer, or in a fully automated manner inside said analyzer.