Reagent Dispenser Support Member for Compact Analyzer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sample analyzers are enlarged due to separate support members for first and second reagent dispensers, leading to inefficiencies in compact design and independent movement.

Innovation Solution

A sample analyzer with a shared support member for both reagent dispensers, allowing independent movement and compact design, featuring a reagent reservoir with multiple containers and BF separators for precise reagent dispensing and unreacted component removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate support members are used for first and second reagent dispensers, then each dispenser can be supported independently, but the analyzer size is enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent supportVSAvoidanalyzer size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate support members into a single integrated support member that supports both the first reagent dispenser and the second reagent dispenser. This merging reduces the overall analyzer size while maintaining the ability to independently position and operate each dispenser through separate drive mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If separate support members are used for first and second reagent dispensers, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsupport member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple support functions into a single support member structure, reducing device complexity while maintaining stability through careful mechanical design that allows independent positioning of each dispenser.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single support member performs multiple functions: supporting both dispensers, enabling independent movement of each dispenser, and maintaining structural stability. This multi-functional design reduces overall complexity compared to separate support members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If a shared support member is used for both reagent dispensers, then compact design is achieved, but independent movement capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyzer sizeVSAvoidindependent movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the support member into distinct sections or mounting points for the first and second reagent dispensers, allowing each dispenser to move independently along its own trajectory while being supported by the same structural element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow independent movement of each dispenser through separate drive mechanisms, maintaining adaptability while achieving compact integration.

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

Enables efficient and compact operation by supporting independent movement of reagent dispensers, improving the analyzer's ability to perform quantitative and qualitative measurements of antibodies and antigens in clinical samples.

Implementation Method 1

a first reagent dispenser configured to aspirate reagent containing magnetic particles as a reagent of a first type from the reagent reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic particles: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a BF separator configured to remove the unreacted component in the sample accommodated in the reaction container containing the dispensed reagent of the first type

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic separation: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9889443B2Sample analyzer and sample analyzing method

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 SYSMEX CORP

AI summary

A sample analyzer including a reagent reservoir configured to store a plurality of reagent containers; a first reagent dispenser configured to aspirate reagent of a first type from the reagent reservoir and dispense the aspirated reagent into a reaction container disposed at a first dispensing position; a second reagent dispenser configured to aspirate reagent of a second type from the reagent reservoir and dispense the aspirated reagent into a reaction container disposed at a second dispensing position; and a support member configured to support the first and the second reagent dispensers; wherein the first and the second reagent dispensers are supported by the support member so as to be movable independently of each other between each dispensing position and the reagent reservoir is disclosed. A sample analyzing method executed by a sample analyzer is also disclosed.