Integrated Refrigerated Container Storage for Automatic Analyzers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container storage management for automatic analyzers requires users to retrieve cleaning solutions and accuracy control specimens from external refrigerators, leading to separate cleaning and accuracy control processes, which is inefficient and lacks integrated container management.
Innovation Solution
A container storage apparatus connected to an analyzer, featuring a container storage unit for first and second liquids, and a refrigeration unit, allowing for integrated storage and refrigeration of containers used for analysis and maintenance, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If containers are stored in separate external refrigerators, then storage capacity is sufficient, but management complexity increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple storage functions (container storage, refrigeration, and automated dispensing) into a single integrated storage device. This merging eliminates the need for separate external refrigerators and manual retrieval operations, directly resolving the contradiction by improving ease of operation while consolidating device complexity into one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it stores various containers, maintains refrigeration, and automatically dispenses containers to the analyzer. This multi-functionality improves operational efficiency by eliminating separate storage and retrieval processes, while the integrated design prevents the proliferation of multiple separate devices.
2Productivity
If cleaning solutions and accuracy control specimens are stored separately, then storage organization is maintained, but retrieval time increases and process integration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-organizes containers within the storage device and maintains them in ready-to-dispense positions. The automated dispensing mechanism is prepared to retrieve and transport containers immediately when needed, eliminating the time loss associated with manual retrieval and enabling seamless process integration between cleaning and accuracy control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device acts as an intermediary between storage and the analyzer, automatically managing the transfer of containers. This intermediary function integrates the cleaning and accuracy control processes by providing a centralized hub that supplies both container types on demand, eliminating the need for separate retrieval operations and improving overall productivity.
3Device complexity
If multiple container types are stored in one device, then management is simplified, but refrigeration requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system provides differentiated temperature control for different storage regions within the device. By implementing local quality in temperature management, the system can store various container types with different refrigeration requirements in the same device without compromising any specific storage zone, thus simplifying management while maintaining precise temperature control.
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
Facilitates simplified and reliable management of containers, ensuring availability and usability of cleaning solutions and accuracy control specimens, reducing the need for external retrieval and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration unit configured to refrigerate the container storage unit
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a highly reliable container storage apparatus that facilitates management of a container of an automatic analyzer and supplies the container to the automatic analyzer. The configuration for this purpose is as follows. The container storage apparatus is connectable to the analyzer configured to analyze a specimen and carries in and out the container between the container storage apparatus and the analyzer, the container storage apparatus including: a container storage unit configured to store a plurality of first containers containing a first liquid to be used for analysis of a specimen and a plurality of second containers containing a second liquid to be used for maintenance of the analyzer; and a refrigeration unit configured to refrigerate the storage unit.