Non-contact Stirring Mechanism for Automatic Analyzer Dispensing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face issues with reagent dispensing accuracy due to stirring blades contacting the solution, leading to contamination and equipment malfunctions, and fail to prevent local concentration deviations during chemical reactions.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a non-contact stirring mechanism that uses a reagent dispensing mechanism to inject reagent into a reaction container while forming a flow, preventing high concentration contact and reducing insoluble matter production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a stirring blade is provided in the nozzle for dispensing reagent, then the reagent can be stirred during dispensing and diffusion is improved, but the dispensing accuracy deteriorates due to the reagent being taken out by the stirring blade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of the stirring blade that causes reagent loss and dispensing inaccuracy. Instead of using a stirring blade inside the nozzle, the invention uses a separate stirring mechanism (magnetic stir bar or ultrasonic stirrer) in the reaction container to achieve diffusion without compromising dispensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary stirring mechanism (magnetic field or ultrasonic waves) to facilitate diffusion without direct contact between the stirring element and the reagent stream. This intermediary approach allows effective mixing while preserving the integrity of the dispensing process.
2Ease of operation
If the reaction container is made large enough to accommodate a stirring blade, then stirring can be performed, but the size of the reaction container is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stirring blade system with alternative stirring mechanisms such as magnetic stir bars or ultrasonic stirrers. These mechanisms require minimal space and can be effectively implemented in small reaction containers, eliminating the constraint on container size.
3Productivity
If a stirring blade is used to stir the solution during reagent dispensing, then mixing is achieved, but contamination occurs due to direct contact between the stirring blade and the solution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the stirring blade from the dispensing path and replaces it with contactless or minimal-contact stirring mechanisms. Magnetic stir bars rotated by external magnetic fields or ultrasonic stirrers generate mixing action without the stirring element directly contacting the reagent stream, thereby preventing contamination.
4Device complexity
If reagent is discharged to the reaction container in a single operation after sample dispensing, then the process is simple, but local concentration deviation occurs and insoluble matter is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by initiating stirring in the reaction container before the reagent is fully dispensed. This pre-stirring creates fluid motion that facilitates immediate and uniform distribution of the reagent as it enters the container, preventing local concentration peaks and subsequent precipitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous stirring action throughout the reagent dispensing process. This continuous mixing ensures that the reagent is uniformly distributed from the moment it enters the reaction container, preventing local concentration deviations and the formation of insoluble matter.
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
The solution enhances analysis performance by minimizing equipment malfunctions and maintaining accurate concentration ratios during chemical reactions, thereby improving analysis accuracy and reducing insoluble matter production.
Implementation Method 1
it is desirable to form a flow in a solution contained in a reaction container and to discharge another solution thereto such that the solution added afterward is rapidly diffused
Implementation Method 2
the discharged reagent is taken out by the stirring blade such that the dispensing accuracy may deteriorate
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an automatic analysis technique that prevents liquid contained in a reaction container from locally contacting with liquid added afterward and has less occurrence frequency of equipment malfunction and high performance. An automatic analyzer (1) includes: a reaction container disk (120) that holds a reaction container (116); a stirring mechanism (124) that stirs liquid contained in the reaction container (116) in a non-contact manner; a carrying mechanism (125) that carries the reaction container (116) between the reaction container disk (120) and the stirring mechanism (124) ; a reagent disk (122) that holds a reagent container (121); and a reagent dispensing mechanism (123) that suctions and discharges a reagent contained in the reagent container (121), the stirring mechanism (124) is provided at a position where the reagent dispensing mechanism (123) discharges the reagent, and the reagent dispensing mechanism (123) discharges the reagent, which is sucked from the reagent container (121), to the reaction container (116) installed in the stirring mechanism (124).