Rotating Reagent Container Shielding for Bubble Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic analyzers face issues with bubble generation in reagent containers, leading to inaccurate liquid level detection and improper reagent dispensing due to the reagent dispensing probe being unable to reach the correct level.
Innovation Solution
The reagent container is designed with shielding portions that partially shield the inner and outer diameter sides, featuring varying gaps and widths that increase from the upper to lower portions, and can include a reinforcing portion, to minimize bubble formation during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the reagent storage is rotated to dispense the reagent, then the reagent can be delivered to the suction position, but bubbles are generated in the reagent due to movement
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent storage is divided into multiple segmentation regions by alternating high and low shielding portions, creating distinct zones that control reagent flow patterns during rotation. This segmentation reduces turbulent movement and minimizes bubble generation while maintaining dispensing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the reagent storage have different shielding characteristics - high shielding portions near the suction position and low shielding portions at other locations. This local variation in shielding quality optimizes reagent flow control at each location, reducing bubbles while enabling effective dispensing.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a baffle is provided in the reagent container to suppress reagent movement, then bubble generation is reduced, but the liquid level detection function may still be affected by remaining bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding structure is segmented into alternating high and low shielding portions that create controlled flow zones. This segmentation suppresses reagent movement enough to reduce bubbles while maintaining clear liquid level detection zones where bubbles are minimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding portions are positioned and dimensioned to preliminarily control reagent flow during rotation, preventing bubble formation before the reagent reaches the suction position. This preliminary flow control ensures both bubble reduction and accurate liquid level detection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A reagent container according to the embodiment is installed in a reagent storage that rotates in an automatic analyzer. The reagent container includes a shielding portion. The shielding portion partially shields the inner diameter side and the outer diameter side in the rotation inside the reagent container. A gap between the shielding portion and the side surface of the reagent container is configured to increase from the upper portion toward the lower portion of the shielding portion.