Sample Analyzer Bidirectional Cleaning Liquid Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers face challenges in controlling the temperature of cleaning liquids for magnetic separation operations, leading to inaccurate detection results due to uncontrollable temperatures and the dissociation of antigen-antibody binders, especially when ambient temperatures differ from the required temperature zones.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer equipped with a heat exchanger and a liquid path device that allows for bidirectional temperature control of the cleaning liquid, enabling it to be heated or cooled to a target temperature range, ensuring accurate temperature control for magnetic separation cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If unidirectional heating is used to control cleaning liquid temperature, then the cleaning liquid temperature can be maintained above ambient temperature, but the temperature control accuracy deteriorates and the cleaning liquid temperature may exceed the target temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse thinking by introducing a cooling function alongside the heating function. Instead of only heating the cleaning liquid to maintain temperature above ambient, the system can now actively cool the cleaning liquid when ambient temperature exceeds the target temperature range or when precise temperature control is required. This bidirectional temperature control resolves the accuracy limitation of unidirectional heating.
2Temperature
If high temperature cleaning liquid is used for magnetic separation cleaning, then the cleaning liquid can be supplied above ambient temperature, but the antigen-antibody binder dissociation occurs and detection accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter control from unidirectional (heating only) to bidirectional (heating and cooling). By enabling active cooling of the cleaning liquid, the system can maintain the cleaning liquid temperature within the optimal range for antigen-antibody binding, preventing dissociation that occurs with excessive heat. This ensures detection accuracy is maintained across varying ambient temperature conditions.
3Device complexity
If no temperature control measures are applied to cleaning liquid, then the system structure remains simple, but the cleaning liquid temperature is uncontrollable and cannot meet temperature-sensitive detection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the temperature control system universal by designing it to handle both heating and cooling requirements. The same temperature control mechanism serves multiple functions: maintaining cleaning liquid temperature above ambient when needed, cooling the cleaning liquid below ambient when needed, and preventing antigen-antibody dissociation. This multi-functional approach justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive temperature control capability.
4Temperature
If the cleaning liquid temperature is controlled only by heating, then the system can maintain temperature above ambient, but it cannot meet the requirements of low-temperature reagents and detection items requiring cleaning liquid below ambient temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic temperature control capability by enabling the system to switch between heating and cooling modes based on real-time temperature requirements. The cleaning liquid temperature can now be dynamically adjusted to match different detection item requirements, whether above or below ambient temperature. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to accommodate low-temperature reagents and various temperature-sensitive detection items.
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 bidirectional temperature control of the cleaning liquid improves the accuracy of detection results by maintaining the cleaning liquid within a precise temperature range, reducing the dissociation of antigen-antibody binders and enhancing the analyzer's capability to handle temperature-sensitive reagents.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchanger is configured to perform heating and cooling respectively under control of the controller, the liquid path device is configured to provide a flow path for a cleaning liquid, and at least a part of the liquid path device is in contact with the heat exchanger, so as to allow the cleaning liquid in the liquid path device to be heated or cooled by the heat exchanger to reach a temperature within a target temperature range
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is suitable for the field of in-vitro diagnostic devices and discloses a sample analyzer. The sample analyzer includes a sample dispensing device, a reagent dispensing device, a sample detection device, a magnetic separation device, a substrate dispensing device, a cleaning liquid dispensing device and a controller; a reaction vessel is at least configured to provide a reaction place for a sample and a reagent, so that a first reaction solution containing at least a first antigen-antibody binder is generated by an antigen-antibody binding reaction between a target antigen in the sample and an antibody in the reagent or between a target antibody in the sample and an antigen in the reagent; the magnetic separation device is configured to perform a magnetic separation cleaning operation on the first reaction solution; the cleaning liquid dispensing device is provided with a function of heating and cooling a cleaning liquid, so as to dispense the cleaning liquid that reaches a temperature within a target temperature range through heating or cooling to the first reaction solution. The cleaning liquid dispensing device of the present invention enables the magnetic separation device to suit reagents with strict temperature-sensitive requirements better, and enhances capability of the sample analyzer in suiting the reagents.