Photometric Part Suspension for Analyzer Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional analyzers require periodic maintenance of the photometric part, which involves removing the reaction container to adjust the light receiver and emitter positions, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

The photometric part is suspended from the reaction container and its supporting member, allowing for easy detachment and maintenance without removing the reaction container, enabling adjustments and maintenance without displacing the reaction container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the light receiver is inserted into the reaction container from underneath the reaction vessel, then the photometric part can measure reaction characteristics, but the reaction container must be removed for maintenance of the photometric part

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical measurement capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The photometric part is separated from the reaction container, with the light receiver positioned in a separate maintenance space below the reaction container. This segmentation allows the photometric part to be accessed and maintained independently without removing the reaction container, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A support member is introduced as an intermediary structure that holds both the reaction container and the photometric part. The light receiver is positioned between the support member and the reaction container, allowing optical measurement while enabling independent access to the photometric part for maintenance through the maintenance space provided by the support member structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the reaction container is removed for photometric part maintenance, then the photometric part can be accessed, but the position of the reaction container and optical components require fine adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotometric part accessibilityVSAvoidoptical component positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the photometric part from the reaction container and positioning the light receiver in a separate maintenance space, the system allows maintenance without removing the reaction container. This eliminates the need for fine adjustment of optical components, as they remain in their predetermined positions relative to the reaction container during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the photometric part is fixed to the reaction container, then structural stability is maintained, but maintenance requires removing the reaction container

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The photometric part is segmented from the reaction container structure, with the light receiver positioned in a separate maintenance space. This segmentation maintains structural stability during operation while enabling easy maintenance access without removing the reaction container, as the photometric part can be independently accessed through the maintenance space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic maintenance mode, where the light receiver can be accessed and maintained independently while the reaction container remains in place. This dynamic capability allows the photometric part to be serviced without disrupting the reaction container's position or requiring complete disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design simplifies maintenance by allowing the photometric part to be easily removed and repositioned without disturbing the reaction container, reducing maintenance time and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

Light emitted from a light emitter disposed on a circumferential side of the reaction container is received by the light receiver through the reaction vessel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3168599B1Reaction measuring unit and analyzer
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 FURUNO ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3168599B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3168599B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3168599B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A reaction measuring unit (2) is provided, which includes, a plurality of reaction vessels (21), each configured to cause reaction between a specimen and a reagent, a reaction container (20) holding the plurality of reaction vessels (21), and a photometric part (51) sandwiching the reaction vessel (21) from opposing sides thereof and suspended from one of the reaction container (20) and a supporting member (27) supporting the reaction container (20), and configured to measure the reaction between the specimen and the reagent contained in each reaction vessel (21).