Reagent Storage Chamber Sealing for Stable Analyzer Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing automated analyzers, temperature fluctuations occur during the loading and unloading of reagent containers, leading to potential degradation of reagents due to heat inflow and outflow.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer with a storage chamber and loader mechanism sealed by elastic bodies to minimize heat exchange during reagent container loading and unloading, using a reagent-container-lid opening and closing device to maintain temperature stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reagent storage chamber is opened to load/unload reagent containers, then the ease of operation is improved, but temperature stability deteriorates due to heat inflow and outflow
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible seal member (rubber or resin) is provided at the opening of the reagent storage chamber. When the loader mechanism is not in use, the seal member elastically closes the opening to prevent heat inflow and outflow. When the loader mechanism enters the opening to load/unload containers, the seal member is pushed aside and automatically returns to its sealed position, maintaining temperature stability while allowing easy operation.
2Temperature
If the opening is sealed during container loading/unloading, then temperature stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is designed to automatically open and close based on the presence of the loader mechanism. When the loader enters the opening, the seal member is pushed aside without manual intervention. When the loader leaves, the seal member automatically returns to its sealed position due to its elastic properties, eliminating the need for manual sealing operations.
3Temperature
If the seal member is always closed, then temperature stability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic system that automatically opens when the loader mechanism enters the opening and automatically closes when the loader leaves. This dynamic behavior maintains temperature stability during storage while enabling rapid access for loading and unloading operations, improving productivity without sacrificing temperature control.
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
Reduces temperature variations in reagent containers, preserving reagents for extended periods by minimizing heat inflow and outflow, thus preventing degradation.
Implementation Method 1
the loader mechanism and the storage chamber are closed by an elastic body
Data Source
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AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to prevent the outflow and inflow of heat between the outside and inside of a storage chamber when a container is loaded into the storage chamber from outside and thereby prevent degradation resulting from temperature variation in the liquid stored in the storage chamber. Specifically, an automatic analysis device is provided with a storage chamber for adjusting the temperature of and storing a container in which liquid is stored, an opening provided in a portion of the storage chamber, and a loader mechanism for bringing the container in and out of the storage chamber by moving the container through the opening, and is characterized in that the loader mechanism and storage chamber are closed by an elastic body. In the present invention, attaching a sealing member for sealing to an upper part from among overlapping parts makes it difficult for debris and dust to adhere to the sealing member and makes it possible to maintain the sealed state of a reagent storage chamber over a long period of time.