Rotating Disk Immunoassay Analyzer for Compact High-Throughput Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional immunoassay analyzers have a large volume, leading to a non-compact structure that hinders efficient operation and high-throughput testing due to the complexity and size of the reaction devices and reagent supply systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact reaction device with a rotating disk for incubation, washing, and measurement, integrated with a washing assembly, signal reagent mixing unit, and transferring assembly to streamline the process, along with a reagent supply system using multiple storage units and pipetting units to optimize the layout and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional immunoassay analyzer uses a large volume reaction device, then the structure is not compact, but the device can accommodate all necessary operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional units (incubation unit, washing unit, measurement unit, signal reagent mixing unit) into an integrated reaction device. The washing assembly is positioned above the rotating disk, and the signal reagent mixing unit is integrated into the same device structure, eliminating the need for separate large-volume components and achieving a compact design while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction device is designed as a multi-functional integrated system where a single device performs incubation, washing, measurement, and signal reagent mixing operations. The washing assembly serves multiple purposes by dispensing washing solution and drawing unbound ingredients, while the rotating disk accommodates multiple reaction vessels for parallel processing, reducing overall device volume.
2Volume of moving object
If the reaction device volume is reduced for compactness, then the structure becomes more compact, but the test throughput may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction device uses a rotating disk segmented into multiple positions (incubation position, washing position, measurement position) that can simultaneously accommodate multiple reaction vessels. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples, maintaining high throughput while keeping the overall device volume compact through vertical integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal layout to a vertical integration scheme where the washing assembly is positioned above the rotating disk. This three-dimensional arrangement maximizes space utilization, allowing multiple functional units to be stacked vertically rather than spread horizontally, achieving compactness without sacrificing throughput capacity.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple functional units are integrated into one device, then the structure becomes compact, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating disk operates in periodic cycles, sequentially bringing different reaction vessels to the incubation position, washing position, and measurement position at predetermined intervals. This automated periodic operation simplifies control of the integrated system, as the sequence is predetermined and repeatable, reducing operational complexity despite the multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing assembly automatically dispenses washing solution and draws unbound ingredients from the reaction vessels without manual intervention. The signal reagent mixing unit automatically mixes signal reagents after the bound-free operation. These self-service features reduce operational complexity by automating routine tasks within the integrated device.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a reaction apparatus, comprising: a rotating disk (210), the rotating disk (210) being used for incubating, washing and measuring a reactant in a reactor (20); a washing assembly (250), located above the rotating disk (210) and being capable of injecting a washing solution into the reactor (20) and removing unbound components, with the washing assembly (250) comprising a signal reagent dispensing portion for injecting a signal reagent into the reactor (20) subjected to a bound-free; a signal reagent mixing unit (430) for mixing the signal reagent for the reactor (20) with the signal reagent added thereto; a measuring device (230) connected to the rotating disk (210) and measuring light signals for the reactant in the reactor (20) with the signal reagent added thereto; and a transferring assembly (220) capable of transferring the reactor (20) between the rotating disk (210) and the signal reagent mixing unit (430).