Reagent Kit Handling Mechanism for Continuous Test Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chemiluminescent immunoassay systems require manual loading and unloading of reagent boxes, which is cumbersome and disrupts ongoing tests, affecting efficiency and requiring manual intervention during reagent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A device with a gripping mechanism and transferring mechanism that automatically loads and unloads reagent boxes into a reagent plate device, using a lifting member and gripping claw to handle reagent boxes, with a loading preparation detector to ensure operations can be performed without stopping the test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual loading and unloading of reagent boxes is used, then the system structure is simple, but the operation is cumbersome and disrupts ongoing tests
Solution Approach 1:
The loading and unloading system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a gripping mechanism with gripping claws for holding reagent boxes, a lifting member for vertical movement, and a transferring mechanism with a storage part and transferring drive part. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic loading and unloading of reagent boxes without requiring manual intervention during test operations. The gripping mechanism automatically grips reagent boxes from the storage part, the lifting member automatically raises them to the loading port, and the transferring mechanism automatically positions them for insertion into the reagent plate device, allowing the system to service itself.
2Productivity
If manual reagent replacement is performed during ongoing tests, then reagent flexibility is improved, but test continuity is disrupted and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage part of the transferring mechanism is configured to pre-load and store multiple reagent boxes before they are needed. The transferring mechanism can position reagent boxes in advance at the loading port, ready for immediate insertion into the reagent plate device without interrupting ongoing tests. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time and maintains test continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous test operations by enabling seamless reagent replacement. The gripping mechanism can grip and transfer reagent boxes during idle moments or between test cycles without stopping the main testing process. The lifting member and transferring mechanism ensure that reagent replacement actions are performed continuously and efficiently, minimizing any potential interruption to test workflows.
3Extent of automation
If automated gripping and transferring mechanisms are implemented, then automation level is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping mechanism is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform multiple operations: gripping reagent boxes from the storage part, lifting them vertically via the lifting member, positioning them at the loading port, and releasing them for insertion into the reagent plate device. This universal design reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby controlling overall system complexity while achieving high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage part acts as an intermediary component between the reagent supply and the reagent plate device. It temporarily holds reagent boxes and coordinates with the transferring mechanism to facilitate smooth transitions. This intermediary structure simplifies the automation process by providing a buffer zone where reagent boxes can be prepared and staged before actual loading, reducing the complexity of direct automated handling from storage to insertion.
Data Source
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AI summary
A reagent kit loading and unloading device (100), a reagent sampling apparatus, and a reagent kit loading and unloading method. The reagent kit loading and unloading device (100) comprises a grabbing mechanism (110) and a conveying mechanism (120), wherein the grabbing mechanism (110) and the conveying mechanism (120) are configured to be close to a reagent disk device (210); the conveying mechanism (120) comprises a conveying driving component (121) and a storage component (122) connected to the conveying driving component (121); the conveying driving component (121) is used for driving the storage component (122) to move so as to convey a reagent kit; the grabbing mechanism (110) comprises a lifting component (111) and a grabbing claw (112) connected to the lifting component (111); and the lifting component (111) is used for driving the grabbing claw (112) to ascend or descend, such that the grabbing claw (112) grabs the reagent kit and transfers same between the reagent disk device (210) and the storage component (122). The reagent kit loading and unloading device (100) can automatically load and unload the reagent kit in an accommodating cavity of the reagent disk device (210), an operator only needs to place the reagent kit on or remove same from the storage component (122), and the operation is simple and convenient.