Modular Chemistry Analyzer with RFID Reagent Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Chemistry analyzers are expensive and require high maintenance, limiting their accessibility and efficiency in healthcare settings, especially in developing countries or remote areas, due to the costs associated with the equipment, reagents, and servicing.
Innovation Solution
A modular chemistry analyzer design featuring a unitary base with integrated horizontal and vertical supports for precise subassembly positioning, a centralized hydraulic system, and RFID-tagged reagent vessels for automated test specifications and reagent management, allowing for reduced assembly complexity and cost, as well as improved reagent usage tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional chemistry analyzer design with multiple separate components is used, then functional capabilities are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (base, supports, carousels, transfer arm, fluidics system, electronics) into a single integrated chemistry analyzer device. The unitary base with integrated support structures eliminates the need for separate mounting components, reducing both manufacturing steps and parts count while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The unitary base structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, positions subassemblies, contains fluidic pathways, and houses electronic components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of repair
If multiple separate components are used in chemistry analyzer, then functional capabilities are achieved, but assembly complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the support structures into the unitary base, the patent eliminates multiple separate mounting components and their associated connections. This reduction in parts and connections directly lowers assembly complexity and reduces potential failure points, thereby easing maintenance requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional chemistry analyzer design is used, then analytical functionality is provided, but cost to health care providers and consumers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chemistry analyzer into modular subassemblies (reagent/sample carousel, transfer arm, reaction carousel, fluidics system, electronics) that can be independently manufactured and tested. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing of each module while ensuring quality control, and the modular design facilitates easier servicing and replacement, maintaining reliability while reducing overall cost.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated chemistry analysis method is disclosed. In one general aspect, the method includes receiving a modular chemistry analysis test unit that includes one or more vessels for one or more reagents, and a machine-readable test specification coupled with the vessels. The method also includes defining a test that defines a test including a series of operations that employ the reagents for the vessels, and installing the chemistry analysis test unit in a first chemistry analyzer that includes one or more analysis tools and sequencing logic for sequencing instructions to be carried out by the analysis tools. The machine-readable test specification is automatically received from the chemistry analysis test module and stored for access by the sequencing logic to allow the sequencing logic to instruct the analysis tools to carry out the test defined by the test specification.