Vertically Standing Reaction Cell for Body Fluid Analyzer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional body fluid sample analyzers face issues with measurement accuracy due to air bubbles and complex flow channels, require lengthy reagent agitation, and struggle with accurate liquid volume measurement, especially when viscosity or density varies.
Innovation Solution
A body fluid sample analyzer with a vertically standing reaction cell and integrated optical measurement device, a temperature-adjusting block for simultaneous heating and agitation, and a liquid suction unit with a flow channel and sensor for precise reagent volume detection, minimizing air bubble effects and simplifying the arrangement for improved cleaning and cost reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical measurement section and reaction cell are separately arranged with liquid transport between them, then the measurement can be conducted, but air bubbles easily reside in the optical measurement section causing liquid fluctuation and adverse effects on measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical measurement section with the reaction cell by providing a through-hole in the reaction cell body that allows light to pass through the reaction liquid directly within the reaction cell. This eliminates the need for separate optical measurement section and complex liquid transport channels, thereby preventing air bubble residence and liquid fluctuation while maintaining measurement capability.
2Reliability
If the reagent is heated in the sampling nozzle and then injected to the reaction cell requiring agitation, then the reagent stability is maintained, but it takes a long time to conduct the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function and agitation function into a single temperature adjusting block that surrounds the reaction cell. The heating element and agitation mechanism are integrated in one component, allowing simultaneous heating and agitation of the reagent, thereby maintaining reagent stability while significantly reducing measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature adjusting block performs preliminary heating of the reagent before injection into the reaction cell. By pre-heating the reagent in the sampling nozzle and maintaining temperature in the reaction cell through the integrated temperature adjusting block, the system ensures reagent stability is maintained from the start, reducing the time needed for temperature equilibration during measurement.
3Ease of operation
If the liquid volume detection method uses time period comparison based on liquid passing certain points, then the detection can be performed, but the liquid volume cannot be measured accurately when viscosity or density differs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical time-based detection method with an optical detection method using a light source and light receiving element. The optical sensor detects liquid volume by measuring light transmission or reflection properties, which are not affected by liquid viscosity or density variations, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while achieving accurate liquid volume measurement regardless of liquid properties.
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 significantly reduces the impact of air bubbles on measurement accuracy, shortens measurement time, and ensures accurate reagent volume detection, enhancing overall performance and analysis reliability.
Implementation Method 1
analyzes a body fluid sample based on a light transmission characteristics of a reaction liquid produced by reaction of the body fluid sample and a reagent
Implementation Method 2
the reagent is heated in the sampling nozzle and then injected to the reaction cell
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of this invention is to provide a body fluid sample analyzer that analyzes a body fluid sample based on a light transmission characteristics of a reaction liquid produced by reaction of the body fluid sample and the reagent. The body fluid sample analyzer improves an accuracy of measurement and a performance of cleaning with a simple and compact arrangement wherein air bubbles are difficult to accumulate. The body fluid sample analyzer comprises a reaction cell 2 that stands vertically and that has an insertion bore 21 for the body fluid sample and the reagent, a discharge/suction apparatus 4 that is connected to a bottom part of the reaction cell 2 through a tube 3 and that reciprocates and agitates the body fluid sample and the reagent between the reaction cell 2 and the tube 3 by repeating a discharging and sucking movement, and an optical measurement device 5 that measures a light transmission characteristics of the reaction liquid produced by agitating the body fluid sample and the reagent, wherein the optical measurement device 5 is arranged on the reaction cell 2.