Nested Rotatable Reagent Storage for Compact Analyzer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern clinical analyzers face challenges in balancing the number of reagent containers stored and the frequency of manual reloading, leading to increased dimensions, workload, and potential sample loss due to frequent reloading operations, especially in compact setups where unique samples cannot be easily re-supplied.
Innovation Solution
A compact and modular storing and handling device with multiple levels and a handler for automated reagent container management, allowing for dense packaging, efficient cooling, and reduced reloading frequency, including features like pipetting positions, first-time openers, and integrated cooling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a larger number of reagent containers are stored in the analyzer, then reagent availability and processing continuity are improved, but the overall dimensions and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested storage structure where a rotatable reagent disk (first storage case) is positioned inside a larger rotatable supplemental storage case (second storage case). This nested arrangement allows multiple reagent containers to be stored in a compact configuration, with the inner disk holding frequently used reagents and the outer case providing additional storage capacity without significantly increasing the overall analyzer footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat storage surfaces to three-dimensional volumetric storage by implementing rotatable disks with multiple radial positions and stacked layers. The first storage case uses a rotatable disk with reagent containers arranged radially, while the second storage case provides additional radial and vertical storage positions, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to maximize reagent capacity within a compact form factor.
2Volume of moving object
If manual reagent container reloading operations are performed frequently, then the analyzer can be made compact with smaller storage space, but the workload on technicians and processing delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated conveying unit that performs self-service reloading operations. The system includes a conveying mechanism that automatically transfers reagent containers from the supplemental storage case to the main storage disk without requiring manual intervention. This automated self-service capability eliminates technician workload for reloading while maintaining continuous reagent availability, thus preserving high sample processing effectiveness without increasing analyzer size.
3Quantity of substance
If supplemental storage space is added to increase reagent container capacity, then reagent availability is improved, but constructional space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal rotatable disk mechanism that serves multiple functions: the first storage case disk stores and delivers reagents to the analyzer, while the second supplemental storage case uses an identical rotatable disk mechanism to store additional reagents and deliver them to the first disk. This multi-functional design allows a single type of rotatable storage mechanism to handle both primary and supplemental reagent storage, increasing reagent capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for automatically processing of liquid samples involving mixing of the samples with fluids, comprising at least one storing and handling device for storing and handling of fluid containers, including: at least one storing member provided with a plurality of storing positions, adapted for accommodating said fluid containers, said storing member having at least two storing levels, each of which extending in a plane, which are being stacked in a direction orthogonally aligned to said plane; a handler, adapted for automatically transferring the fluid containers at least with respect to said storing positions. It further relates to a method for operating such storing and handling device, wherein individual fluid containers are transferred between storing positions of a same or different storing levels in accord with processing of the liquid samples.