Rotor-Based Automated Analyzer Transport System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated analyzers for biological samples are large and require extended time to reach operating temperature, making them less suitable for rapid analysis due to the need for separate transport systems for specimen and reagent containers.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer with a rotor-based system that integrates specimen and reagent container handling, temperature control, and stirring, allowing for simultaneous processing and reducing the size and startup time by using a single transport system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate transport systems are used for specimen and reagent containers, then reliable container transport is achieved, but device size increases and startup time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate specimen container transport and reagent cup transport systems into a single integrated transport mechanism. The transport device now handles both specimen containers and reagent cups simultaneously, reducing the number of separate systems from two to one, thereby decreasing device complexity while maintaining transport reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device is designed with multi-functional capability to perform both specimen container transport and reagent cup transport operations. This universal transport system can accommodate different container types and perform multiple functions within a single mechanism, eliminating the need for dedicated separate transport systems
2Reliability
If separate transport systems are used for specimen and reagent containers, then dedicated transport for each container type is achieved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate specimen container transport and reagent cup transport systems into a single integrated transport mechanism. This consolidation reduces the spatial requirements by eliminating redundant transport infrastructure, thereby decreasing the apparatus footprint while maintaining transport reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The transport system employs a nested configuration where reagent cups are positioned within or alongside specimen container holders during transport. This space-efficient arrangement allows both container types to share the same transport pathway, minimizing the apparatus footprint
3Quantity of substance
If extended chain conveyors are used to increase reagent cup capacity, then more reagent cups can be provided, but heat capacity increases and startup time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases reagent cup capacity by utilizing vertical stacking or multi-level arrangement within the transport device rather than extending the conveyor length horizontally. This dimensional change allows more reagent cups to be accommodated in a compact space with reduced heat capacity, thereby decreasing startup time while maintaining increased capacity
4Device complexity
If a rotor-based integrated system is used, then device size and startup time are reduced, but simultaneous processing capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor-based system maintains continuous simultaneous processing by enabling multiple operations (specimen dispensing, reagent cup transport, mixing, and detection) to occur concurrently in different rotational positions. The continuous rotation ensures that while one operation is completing, another is beginning, maintaining uninterrupted productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear sequential processing to rotational parallel processing. By arranging specimen containers, reagent cups, mixing mechanisms, and detectors around the rotor perimeter, multiple operations can occur simultaneously at different angular positions, maintaining productivity while reducing overall device complexity
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
Enables rapid analysis in a compact space with improved operability by integrating specimen and reagent handling, temperature control, and stirring within a single system, reducing startup time and increasing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a stirrer which is disposed along the movement route of the reaction container held by any one of the reaction container holders and uses magnetic force to stir a mixed solution of the reagent and the specimen in the reaction container
Implementation Method 2
a temperature controlling element which is disposed along a movement route of the reaction container held by any one of the reaction container holders and maintain the temperatures of the reaction container at a constant temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An automated analyzer for analyzing a specific component in a specimen includes a rotor, a specimen dispenser, a temperature controlling element, a stirrer, and a data analyzer. The rotor is provided with a plurality of specimen container holders for holding the specimen container containing the specimen, and a plurality of reaction container holders that correspond with each of the specimen container holders and hold the sealed reaction containers containing the reagent for reacting with the specimen. The specimen dispenser removes the specimen from the specimen container and dispenses the specimen into the reaction container. The temperature controlling element maintains the temperatures of the reaction container at a constant temperature. The stirrer uses magnetic force to stir a mixed solution of the reagent and the specimen in the reaction container. The data analyzer analyzes the mixed solution.