Magnetic Reagent ID Reading for High-Density Analyzer Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face challenges in increasing reagent container mounting density while maintaining accurate identification, as conventional barcode reading methods are hindered by high-density arrangements, especially when reagent disks are arranged in triple concentric cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A reagent dispensing system with a reagent cold-storage chamber featuring a divided lid, where the fixed portion includes an information reading section on the top surface of reagent containers, allowing non-contact reading via electromagnetic waves or light, and a reagent dispensing device that ensures correct reagent selection before dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If reagent containers are arranged in triple concentric cylinders to increase mounting density, then the reagent container mounting density is improved, but the barcode reading accuracy deteriorates due to optical interference and limited reading angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical barcode reading system with a magnetic field-based reading system. The information recording medium uses magnetic domains instead of optical barcodes, allowing the reading head to accurately read information regardless of the reagent container's angular position or density arrangement. This substitution of the reading mechanism enables high-density triple concentric cylinder arrangement while maintaining accurate identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for information storage from optical (barcode) to magnetic (magnetic domains). This parameter change allows the information recording medium to function effectively in high-density arrangements where optical reading would fail due to limited reading angles and optical interference between adjacent containers.
2Ease of operation
If conventional barcode reading methods are used, then the identification process is simple, but the operator error rate increases due to manual input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic identification by having the analyzer automatically read the magnetic information medium on reagent containers and automatically input the reagent information into the analysis program. This eliminates manual operator input, thereby reducing operator error while maintaining ease of operation. The system serves itself by automatically capturing and processing reagent identification data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator input with an automated magnetic field-based reading system. The reading head automatically detects magnetic domains on the information recording medium and transfers the data to the control system, eliminating the need for manual barcode scanning and data entry, thus reducing operator error.
3Quantity of substance
If reagent containers are arranged in double concentric circles, then the mounting density is improved, but the disposition of outer peripheral reagent containers is limited due to reading requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical reading system with a magnetic field-based reading system that can accurately read information from any angular position. This allows reagent containers to be freely arranged in triple concentric cylinders without requiring specific angular spacing or creating gaps for reading purposes, thereby maximizing mounting density while maintaining full disposition flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional double concentric circle arrangement to a three-dimensional triple concentric cylinder arrangement. The magnetic reading system enables this dimensional expansion by eliminating the angular reading constraints that would otherwise prevent dense packing in multiple concentric layers.
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 solution enables a higher reagent container density without compromising identification accuracy, reducing operator error, and enhancing the throughput and cost-effectiveness of the automatic analyzer.
Implementation Method 1
the fixed portion has an information reading section for reading information of a recording section that is provided to the reagent container, and that records information about the reagent in the reagent container
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzer is disclosed that has a structure capable of using reagent containers each having an ID, such as a barcode, attached either on the top surface or the undersurface thereof, or alternatively on each of them. This automatic analyzer, therefore, allows information about the reagent ID to be read or written at an arbitrary timing even if the mounting density of reagent containers of the automatic analyzer is increased, thereby improving the function and performance of the apparatus.