Rectangular Reagent Container Asymmetry for Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated diagnostic analyzers face challenges in uniformly mixing and dispersing microparticles in liquid reagents due to rotational forces, leading to particle accumulation at the bottom of cylindrical containers, which affects analysis efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of rectangular or rounded rectangular reagent containers with flat opposing sides and a rounded bottom, coupled to a carousel for oscillating rotation, promotes mixing through acceleration and deceleration forces and centrifugal action, ensuring uniform dispersion of microparticles within the liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cylindrical containers are used for storing reagents on a rotating carousel, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but microparticles accumulate at the bottom due to rotational forces, worsening mixing efficiency and uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the container shape from cylindrical to rectangular with rounded corners. This asymmetric geometry creates non-uniform distribution of reagent liquid along the bottom surface, forming regions of different depths. During rotation, this asymmetric shape generates varying centrifugal forces that effectively prevent microparticle accumulation and improve mixing uniformity, while still allowing for cost-effective manufacturing through suitable fabrication techniques
2Device complexity
If cylindrical containers are used on a rotating carousel, then device complexity is reduced, but mixing efficiency deteriorates due to particle accumulation at the bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The rectangular container shape with rounded corners creates asymmetric geometry that generates effective mixing during rotation. The non-circular shape ensures that reagent liquid distributes unevenly along the bottom, creating depth variations that enhance particle suspension and mixing efficiency without requiring complex internal mixing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates curvature by rounding the corners of the rectangular container. This curved geometry at the corners creates additional fluid dynamics effects during rotation, enhancing the mixing action and preventing particle settlement in corner regions, thereby improving overall mixing efficiency while maintaining a simple container design
3Productivity
If rectangular containers with rounded corners are used, then mixing efficiency is improved through centrifugal action, but fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric rectangular shape with rounded corners achieves effective mixing through centrifugal action during carousel rotation. The geometry is simple enough to be manufactured using suitable fabrication techniques, balancing manufacturing feasibility with mixing performance. The design avoids complex internal structures while achieving superior particle dispersion
4Adaptability or versatility
If reagents are stored on a rotating carousel, then access to multiple reagents is improved, but microparticles suspend or accumulate due to rotational acceleration and deceleration, worsening analysis reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric rectangular container shape with rounded corners creates non-uniform reagent distribution during carousel rotation and acceleration/deceleration. This geometry ensures that microparticles remain uniformly suspended throughout the reagent volume, preventing accumulation at the bottom and ensuring reliable, consistent analysis results across multiple reagent accesses
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 enhances mixing efficiency, allowing for visible uniform dispersion of microparticles in about one minute, increasing the load capacity and reducing the size of diagnostic systems while maintaining cost-effectiveness through suitable fabrication techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The container has a rounded bottom that promotes mixing of a liquid in the container by centrifugal action
Implementation Method 2
When the container is rotated about the axis, the sides and bottom of the container mix the liquid in the container. The mixing is promoted by centrifugal separation
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus to agitate a liquid are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a carrier having a base that includes a ridge extending from the base and a collar extending from the base. The example apparatus also includes a container supported on the base, the container movable between (A) a locked positon in which the ridge fixedly engages the container to non-rotatably couple the container to the base and (B) an unlocked position in which the container is disengaged from the ridge and the container is rotatable about the collar.