Movable Detector for Reagent Identification in Analyzers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic analyzers require multiple detectors to identify reagent vessels, leading to increased costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The automatic analyzer incorporates a movable drawer with a single detector mounted on a slider, allowing the detector to identify reagent vessels in a row without the need for multiple detectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If one detector is used per reagent vessel for identification, then reagent identification accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereagent identification accuracyVSAvoidnumber of detectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single detector is designed to perform identification for multiple reagent vessels through the drawer extension mechanism. The detector universally scans different positions (first row, second row, third row) as the drawer extends to various positions, allowing one detector to replace what would traditionally require multiple detectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector is mounted on a movable drawer that can extend to different positions dynamically. This dynamic positioning allows the single detector to access multiple reagent vessel locations sequentially, transforming a static single-point detection system into a dynamic multi-point detection system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple detectors are installed to identify reagents in different rows, then reagent identification coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereagent identification coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single detector serves multiple rows of reagent vessels by utilizing the drawer's extended positions. When the drawer extends to the first position, the detector identifies reagents in the first row; at the second position, it identifies the second row; and at the third position, it identifies the third row, making one detector universal for all rows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The drawer mechanism itself provides the scanning function across multiple rows by extending to different positions. The system uses the existing drawer motion to bring different rows into the detector's range, rather than requiring separate detection mechanisms for each row

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12313643B2Reagent drawer and associated detector mounted to a slider capable of extending from an automatic analyzer housing

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

An automatic analyzer for analyzing samples is disclosed. The automatic analyzer comprises a housing at least partially enclosing at least one analyzing instrument, a drawer configured to be loaded with a plurality of reagent vessels, wherein the drawer is moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the housing between a retracted position, in which the drawer is retracted in the housing, and extended positions, in which the drawer is extended from the housing, wherein the drawer defines arrangement positions for the reagent vessels at least in a first row parallel to the longitudinal direction, and a first detector associated with the first row and configured to identify the reagent vessels at a first detection position when arranged in the first row.