Reagent Loading Structure for Spill-Safe Automatic Analyzers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analysis devices for chemical analyses, such as biochemical analyzers, require operators to manually mount reagent containers, which is not reliably or easily performed, leading to inefficiencies and potential reagent spills.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analysis device with a reagent container loading portion featuring radially arranged guide grooves and a movable reagent container transport tool, allowing for easy insertion and removal of reagent containers, along with an elevating and lowering mechanism to facilitate safe and efficient reagent handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual mounting of reagent containers is performed without guide structures, then the device structure is simpler, but the ease of operation deteriorates and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Guide grooves are introduced as intermediary structures in the loading portion to mediate between the operator's manual operation and the reagent container mounting process. These grooves provide a structured pathway that guides the reagent container during insertion, making the manual operation easier and more reliable without requiring complex automated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading portion is segmented into multiple guide grooves arranged in a specific pattern, with each groove corresponding to a specific mounting position. This segmentation provides clear spatial guidance for operators to place reagent containers correctly, improving ease of operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If manual reagent container mounting is performed without proper guidance, then the device structure remains simple, but the reliability of reagent handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide grooves act as intermediary structures that ensure reliable mounting by providing a predetermined path for reagent container insertion. This simple guiding structure prevents misplacement and ensures consistent, reliable mounting without requiring complex positioning mechanisms or sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide grooves are pre-formed in the loading portion structure, establishing the correct mounting path and positions before the operator attempts to mount reagent containers. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when the operator performs the mounting action, the container is naturally guided into the correct position, improving reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If operators manually handle reagent containers without structured guidance, then the device structure is simpler, but the risk of reagent spills increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide grooves serve as intermediary structures that control the movement path of reagent containers during manual handling. By providing a defined groove structure, the system reduces uncontrolled movements and potential drops, thereby reducing the risk of reagent spills while maintaining a simple overall device structure.
4Productivity
If reagent containers are mounted without predetermined positioning structures, then the device structure is simpler, but the productivity of reagent replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide grooves are pre-formed in the loading portion, establishing predetermined mounting positions and paths before reagent replacement operations begin. This preliminary structural preparation allows operators to quickly and efficiently replace reagent containers by simply following the groove guidance, improving productivity without requiring complex automated positioning systems.
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 operators to reliably and efficiently add or replace reagents, reducing the risk of spills and improving overall analysis efficiency by providing a structured and guided method for reagent container handling.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerator (105) having in its upper portion an opening that allows the reagent container transport tool (210) to pass therethrough, the refrigerator being adapted to cool a plurality of reagent containers
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analysis device has a structure that allows the operator to add or replace a reagent. A reagent container loading portion has an opening through which a reagent container is adapted to be introduced into the device. A reagent container transport tool has a plurality of reagent container insertion slots and is movable up and down. A refrigerator to cool a plurality of reagent containers has an opening that allows the reagent container transport tool to pass therethrough. An elevating and lowering mechanism is configured to elevate or lower the reagent container transport tool. A reagent container loading portion has a plurality of guide grooves arranged radially on its lower surface in front of the opening that are adapted to guide a reagent container. The guide grooves communicate with the respective reagent container insertion slots arranged radially on the reagent container transport tool at an elevated position.