Linear Cuvette Array Analyzer with Movable Pipettors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers for chemical, biochemical, and immunochemical analyses face inefficiencies due to rigid clock cycles and predetermined time windows, limiting sample throughput and increasing costs without maintaining analysis quality.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a stationary, linear cuvette array and movable pipettors and cuvette washing units allows independent access to cuvettes, enabling flexible operation and increased throughput without significant cost increases, along with a stationary temperature control unit and optical measurement system for precise measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a stationary, linear cuvette array with independently movable machine components is used, then sample throughput is significantly enhanced and operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple independently movable components
Solution Approach 1:
The analyzer is divided into multiple independently movable machine components (first pipettor, second pipettor, cuvette washing unit, optical measurement unit) that can operate autonomously. Each component is segmented as an independent module capable of moving along the cuvette array, allowing parallel operations and eliminating the need for a single complex mechanical system, thus increasing throughput while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static carousel system to a dynamic configuration where multiple machine components can move independently along the cuvette array. The first and second pipettors, washing unit, and optical measurement unit can position themselves dynamically at different locations, enabling flexible access to any cuvette and allowing simultaneous operations, thereby significantly enhancing sample throughput
2Ease of operation
If rigid clock cycles and predetermined time windows are used in automatic analyzers, then operational control is simplified, but sample throughput is limited and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces rigid clock cycles with dynamic positioning of machine components. Each component can move independently to access cuvettes based on actual operational needs rather than predetermined time schedules. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying analysis requirements, maintaining operational control while significantly increasing sample throughput by eliminating idle waiting time
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple machine components can operate simultaneously and continuously along the cuvette array. While one component is performing an operation, others can be preparing or moving to their next positions. This continuous parallel operation eliminates the stop-start nature of rigid clock cycles, maintaining useful action throughout the system and thereby increasing overall productivity
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 configuration significantly enhances sample throughput by allowing flexible access and processing of cuvettes, maintaining analysis quality while reducing operational costs and eliminating the need for complex mechanical movements.
Implementation Method 1
The physical effect on which photometric measurement is based is the absorption of light of particular wavelengths by particular substances present in a liquid. The resulting reduction in the intensity of the light passing through the cuvette is detected using measurement technology
Implementation Method 2
a stationary temperature control unit for setting a predefinable measurement temperature in the cuvettes
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method and/or a device for carrying out chemical, biochemical and/or immunochemical analyses of liquid samples, which are present in a sample store of an automatic analyzer, with the aid of liquid reagents which are present in at least one reagent store of the analyzer. In one example embodiment, the automatic analyzer includes cuvettes, a first pipettor, a device with an optical measurement unit, a device for heterogenous immunoassays, a cuvette washing unit, a needle washing unit, a temperature control unit.