Reagent Storage Flow Path for Automatic Analysis Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analysis devices face performance deterioration due to reagent mixing issues during container exchange, leading to potential damage and reduced analysis quality when reagents from different lots are mixed.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a reagent storage flow path that isolates reagents before and after exchange, preventing mixing and ensuring continuous analysis without stopping the process by switching the reagent supply source from external containers to a reagent storage flow path, which maintains reagent quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reagent containers are exchanged without stopping analysis, then productivity is improved, but reagent mixing occurs causing deterioration in analysis performance
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent supply system is segmented into multiple independent flow paths (first flow path and second flow path) that can operate separately. This allows one flow path to be exchanged while the other continues supplying reagent, enabling container replacement without stopping analysis and preventing reagent mixing between different containers
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent storage flow path acts as an intermediary buffer between external reagent containers and the measurement section. It temporarily stores reagent and allows switching between different supply sources without direct mixing, enabling seamless container exchange while maintaining analysis continuity
2Productivity
If multiple reagent containers are connected, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent supply system is divided into multiple independent flow paths with separate control mechanisms. Each flow path has its own valve and control portion, allowing independent operation and simplifying the control logic for switching between containers while supporting multiple containers simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different reagent supply sources based on real-time needs. The control portion automatically manages the switching between first and second flow paths, enabling adaptive reagent supply that maintains productivity while managing complexity through automated control
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
This solution reduces reagent degradation and allows for seamless reagent exchange without interrupting analysis, maintaining analysis performance by preventing pH changes and contamination from mixed reagents.
Implementation Method 1
a reagent storage flow path that stores a reagent from an external reagent container
Implementation Method 2
measuring the absorbance or amount of luminescence of a reaction liquid
Implementation Method 3
measuring the absorbance or amount of luminescence of a reaction liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Provided is an automatic analysis device which reduces decrease in analysis performance by mixing of reagents and detergents with each other in the reagent storage flow path being further suppressed before and after exchange and a state of the reagent storage flow path being constantly hold, in addition to the reagent and the detergent being capable of being replenished without stopping analysis. The automatic analysis device includes a reagent container holding portion that exchangeably holds a reagent container accommodating a reagent; a reagent storage flow path that stores a portion of the reagent in the reagent container; a first flow path that supplies the reagent to a measurement portion in the reagent container; a second flow path that is disposed by being branched from the first flow path and connects the reagent storage flow path; liquid sending means for sending the reagent to the measurement portion and the reagent storage flow path by applying a negative pressure or a positive pressure to the first flow path and the second flow path; a valve that is at least provided on the first flow path and the second flow path; and control means for controlling the valve and the liquid sending means so that a supply source which supplies a reagent to the measurement portion at a predetermined timing is switched from the reagent container to the reagent storage flow path.