Retractable Waste Ramp for Automated Analyzer Card Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analyzers face challenges in efficiently collecting and disposing of used multiple-profile reagent cards, which can contain hazardous materials and cause downtime or increased workload due to their high-volume throughput.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer system with a retractable waste ramp assembly that allows used reagent cards to be stacked and disposed of efficiently, featuring a movable ramp member that extends beyond the travel surface edge to guide cards into a waste receptacle, preventing cross-contamination and reducing technician workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If used reagent cards are manually collected and disposed of, then technician control over waste handling is maintained, but technician workload increases and downtime occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service disposal where the analyzer automatically collects, stacks, and ejects used reagent cards without technician intervention. The waste receptacle and ramp assembly work autonomously to manage card disposal, eliminating manual handling while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp member is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions. When extended, it guides cards into the waste receptacle; when retracted, it allows easy access for receptacle removal. This dynamic adjustment enables automated disposal while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Productivity
If high-volume throughput is achieved, then productivity increases, but waste accumulation occurs requiring frequent disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The waste receptacle is positioned below the travel surface, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal space. This allows waste cards to be collected in a compact vertical configuration, accommodating high-volume throughput without requiring large horizontal waste storage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for waste disposal in advance by providing a pre-positioned waste receptacle and ramp assembly. Used cards are immediately directed into the receptacle as they exit the travel surface, preventing accumulation and eliminating the need for frequent manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If manual dipping of test devices is performed, then flexibility in testing is maintained, but cross-contamination and improper deposition occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical dipping with an automated card-based system. Reagent cards are precisely positioned and advanced through the analyzer using mechanical conveyance, eliminating the variability and contamination risks associated with manual dipping while maintaining testing flexibility through programmable operations.
4Productivity
If reagent cards are stacked for disposal, then waste handling efficiency increases, but ramp member must extend beyond waste receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp member is designed with movable positioning capability, extending beyond the waste receptacle during card stacking operations and retracting when not in use. This dynamic adjustment allows the ramp to provide the necessary extension for efficient card deposition while minimizing space requirements during other operational phases.
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
The system ensures safe and efficient disposal of used reagent cards, minimizing downtime and workload by automating the stacking and disposal process, while maintaining a clean and contamination-free environment.
Implementation Method 1
a sloped surface and being movable between an extended position where the sloped surface extends beyond the edge of the card travel surface and into the waste cavity
Data Source
AI summary
An automated analyzer for reagent cards having a leading end, a trailing end and a length between the leading end and the trailing end comprises a travel surface assembly having a card travel surface and an edge. A test analyzing mechanism is adjacent to the travel surface, and a waste receptacle is adjacent to the edge below the travel surface. The waste receptacle has a side and a waste cavity. A ramp member positioned below the travel surface has an end and a sloped surface, and is movable between an extended position where the sloped surface extends into the waste cavity, and a retracted position where the end is spaced from the side a distance greater than the length of the reagent card. A moving mechanism operably coupled with the ramp member is configured to move the ramp member between the extended position and the retracted position.