Reagent Preparing Apparatus Using Shared Diaphragm Pump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reagent preparing apparatuses face challenges in accurately diluting concentrated solutions due to assembly errors and complex operation requirements, leading to inconsistencies in achieving the desired reagent concentration.

Innovation Solution

A reagent preparing apparatus utilizing a diaphragm pump to hold and quantify both high concentration reagent and RO water, allowing for precise dilution by alternately conveying predetermined amounts of RO water and high concentration reagent to mixing chambers, ensuring accurate dilution with simpler operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If concentrated solution and pure water are supplied from different liquid amount measurement vessels, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the liquid amount measurement error increases due to assembly errors in multiple vessels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidliquid amount measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the measurement functions for concentrated solution and pure water into a single liquid amount measurement vessel. This vessel can hold both liquids and measure their amounts, eliminating the need for separate measurement vessels. By merging the measurement functions, the patent reduces the number of assembly interfaces while maintaining measurement accuracy for both liquids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If pure water is supplied repeatedly by a pump to approach the desired concentration, then the dilution accuracy is satisfactory, but the preparing operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedilution accuracyVSAvoidpreparing operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and pre-determines the exact amount of pure water needed to achieve the desired concentration. Instead of repeatedly adding water and checking concentration, the system calculates the precise volume required in advance and delivers it in one operation, simplifying the preparation process while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a concentration detection mechanism that provides feedback on the reagent concentration during preparation. This feedback system allows the apparatus to monitor the dilution process and adjust the pure water addition accordingly, eliminating the need for repeated manual adjustments and simplifying the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple liquid amount measurement vessels are used, then each vessel can be optimized for its specific liquid, but the total number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid-specific optimizationVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal liquid amount measurement vessel that can measure and hold different types of liquids (concentrated solution and pure water) with equal accuracy. This multi-functional vessel eliminates the need for separate specialized vessels, reducing the total component count while maintaining the ability to optimize measurement for each liquid type through software or calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2175340B1Reagent preparing apparatus, sample processing apparatus and reagent preparing method
Publication Date: 2015.06.24 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP2175340B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2175340B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2175340B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is to present a reagent preparing apparatus (4) for preparing a reagent for processing a sample, by using a first liquid and a second liquid, comprising: a storage unit for storing liquid; and a constant amount liquid quantifying unit comprising a constant amount holding instrument which is used in common to hold a constant amount of the first liquid and to hold a constant amount of the second liquid, the constant amount liquid quantifying unit performing an operation of transferring the constant amount of the first liquid to the storage unit and performing an operation of transferring the constant amount of the second liquid to the storing unit.