Reagent Kit Cap Asymmetry for Analyzing Apparatus Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reagent kits for analyzing apparatuses are limited in the number of reagent containers they can accommodate, restricting the performance of the apparatus in terms of the number of tests and samples that can be processed per hour.
Innovation Solution
A reagent kit design where reagent containers and caps are arranged in a row with pivot axes orthogonal to the connecting line, allowing for a more compact layout, enabling more reagent containers to be placed on a given-sized analyzing apparatus, and featuring a common support structure and snap-fit assembly for ease of manufacturing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If reagent containers are arranged in a row with pivot axes parallel to the connecting line, then the lid covers the entire cap body in closed position, but the length of the reagent kit along the connecting line increases, limiting the number of containers that can be placed on the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the pivot axis of the lid not parallel to but orthogonal to the connecting line of reagent containers. This asymmetric arrangement causes the lid to extend perpendicular to the row direction, leaving the end portion of the cap body uncovered when closed. This design enables adjacent lids to nest into uncovered cap body portions, significantly reducing the overall length of the reagent kit and allowing more containers to be accommodated on the apparatus.
2Productivity
If more reagent containers are placed on the analyzing apparatus, then the testing capacity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reagent kit into modular components: individual reagent containers, caps with integrated lids, and support structures. Each container can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing for standardized production and simplified configuration. This segmentation enables the system to scale productivity by simply adding more modular units without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the lid, contains the reagent container opening, and features an uncovered end portion that receives adjacent lids. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while enabling higher container density for increased testing capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If the lid is designed to cover the entire cap body in closed position, then sealing is improved, but the length of the reagent kit increases, limiting the number of containers that can be placed on the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the pivot axis of the lid not parallel to but orthogonal to the connecting line of reagent containers. This asymmetric arrangement causes the lid to extend perpendicular to the row direction, leaving the end portion of the cap body uncovered when closed. This design enables adjacent lids to nest into uncovered cap body portions, significantly reducing the overall length of the reagent kit and allowing more containers to be accommodated on the apparatus.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a reagent kit (10), adapted for use in an analyzing apparatus (50) with a pipetting device and a container opening/closing device, the reagent kit (10) comprising: a plurality of containers (18) with top-side openings (18o), a common support structure (314) or a plurality of support structures (14) associated to the containers (18), a plurality of caps (1) associated to the containers (18), each container (18) and each cap (16) being mountable or provided on the common or the associated support structure (14), wherein, in a plan view on the top side of the reagent kit (10), each cap (16) is formed essentially rectangular, having two shorter edges (16b) and two longer edges (16c), and comprises: a cap body (20) and a lid (22) hinged to the cap body (20) so as to be pivotable around a pivot axis (P) at least between a closed position and an opened position, the pivot axis (P) being essentially parallel to the shorter edges (16b); and engagement means (40) adapted to cooperate with the opening/closing device, wherein the containers (18) and the associated caps (16) are arranged in a row along a connecting line (C) in such a manner that the pivot axes (P) are orthogonal to the connecting line (C), and that, for at least one of the containers (18), in a plan view on the top side of the reagent kit (10), an end portion (20e) of the cap body (20) opposite to the pivot axis (P) is not covered by the lid (22).