Reagent Storage Segmentation for Continuous Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzing apparatuses face interruptions and increased testing time due to the need to stop reagent dispensing operations to replace refill reagent vessels, leading to potential collisions and inefficiencies in reagent management.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes separate reagent storage units and a dispensing system that allows for the horizontal movement of reagent vessels to storage rooms without interfering with the dispensing probes, enabling continuous operation by allowing reagent vessels to be replaced without stopping the dispensing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reagent dispensing operation is interrupted to replace refill reagent vessels, then the reagent vessel can be replaced without collision, but the testing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reagent storage system into two separate units: a reagent depository for storing reagent vessels during dispensing operations, and a reagent storage room for storing refill reagent vessels. This segmentation allows independent operation of each unit, enabling replacement of refill vessels without interrupting the dispensing process, thus resolving the contradiction between collision avoidance and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent depository acts as an intermediary buffer between the refill storage and the dispensing probe. Refill vessels are first placed in the depository, which then supplies them to the dispensing position. This intermediary structure decouples the refill operation from the dispensing operation, allowing continuous productivity while ensuring safe replacement operations
2Reliability
If the dispensing operation is stopped to replace reagent vessels, then safety is ensured, but the operation duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a supply of refill reagent vessels in the reagent storage room before they are needed. When the current reagent vessel is depleted, the system can immediately retrieve a pre-prepared refill vessel from the storage room through the depository, avoiding any interruption in the dispensing operation and maintaining both safety and continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous useful action by ensuring that the reagent dispensing process never stops. The dual-unit storage system (depository + storage room) ensures that a refill vessel is always available to replace the current one without interrupting the dispensing flow, maintaining continuous productivity while ensuring safe replacement operations
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 prevents interruptions and maintains continuous operation by allowing reagent vessels to be replaced without stopping the dispensing process, thus avoiding collisions and ensuring smooth, efficient testing.
Implementation Method 1
a suction-discharge mechanism which moves a reagent from the reagent vessel to the reaction vessel
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzing apparatus includes a reagent depository, a reagent storage unit and a probe. The reagent depository stores a first reagent vessel. The reagent storage unit is provided separately from the reagent depository and in which a second reagent vessel is placeable. The probe suctions a reagent contained in the first reagent vessel at a first position which is located above the reagent depository, suctions a reagent contained in the second reagent vessel at a second position which is located above the reagent storage unit, and discharges the reagent suctioned from the first reagent vessel or the second reagent vessel into a reaction vessel at a third position.