Compact Reagent Temperature Control via Spiral Pipe and Peltier Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face challenges in reducing the size of temperature adjusting devices while maintaining high precision in temperature adjustment, which is essential for accurate analysis.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a temperature adjusting unit with a spiral pipe configuration for the first reagent storage portion and a thick, short pipe configuration for the second reagent storage portion, both attached to a metal block with a Peltier element and heat sink, allowing for precise temperature control with a reduced overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a constant temperature water tank and heater are used for temperature adjustment, then temperature control function is achieved, but device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature control function from a traditional constant temperature water tank system and implements it directly within the reagent storage container using a Peltier element. This removes the need for separate heating/cooling water circulation systems, significantly reducing device volume while maintaining temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The Peltier element serves multiple functions: it provides both heating and cooling capabilities, acts as a temperature control mechanism, and integrates directly into the reagent storage container structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating elements and cooling systems, reducing overall device size.
2Temperature
If a meandering flow path is used in the temperature adjusting device, then temperature adjustment is achieved, but device size cannot be reduced further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a meandering one-dimensional flow path to a three-dimensional reagent storage structure with the Peltier element integrated at the base. The reagent storage container is designed with vertical and radial dimensions that allow efficient heat transfer from the Peltier element to the reagent without requiring long horizontal flow paths, thus reducing device volume.
3Volume of stationary object
If device size is reduced, then installation area is minimized, but temperature adjustment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the temperature control function at the base of the reagent storage container where the Peltier element is integrated. This localized approach ensures that the reagent is cooled or heated efficiently at the source, maintaining temperature precision despite the overall compact device size. The thermal interface between the Peltier element and reagent is optimized for maximum heat transfer efficiency.
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 configuration enables a significant reduction in the size of the temperature adjusting device while maintaining high precision in temperature adjustment, ensuring accurate analysis results.
Implementation Method 1
a Peltier element 5 and a heat sink 6, 7, wherein the Peltier element 5 is attached to the metal block 3 and the heat sink 6, 7 is attached to a surface of the Peltier element 5 opposite to a surface attached to the metal block 3
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~5A
AI summary
Provided is an automated analyzer comprising a temperature regulator that can be made more compact in size while maintaining high-precision temperature regulation. In a temperature-regulating unit (20) of the automated analyzer, a first chemical reservoir (1) is constituted by a large-diameter spiral-shaped pipe, and a second chemical reservoir (2) is constituted by a large-diameter chemical reservoir container. The first chemical reservoir (1), which is positioned upstream of the second chemical reservoir (2), has an internal capacity that is set so as to be greater than the volume of a single discharge of each of syringe pumps (29, 30, 31), and the second chemical reservoir (2) also has an internal capacity (volume) that is set so as to be greater than the volume of a single discharge of each of the respective syringe pumps (29, 30, 31).