Sample Analyzer Mixing Layout for Higher Test Flux
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sample analyzers have a large volume and limited test flux due to sequential movement of grippers caused by interference, leading to prolonged 'queue waiting' times and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The incubation and uniform mixing mechanisms are independently arranged, allowing simultaneous input and output of reaction vessels, eliminating interference and reducing volume, thereby improving test flux and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sample analyzers use a large volume design with integrated mechanisms, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the test flux decreases due to sequential gripper movement and queue waiting times
Solution Approach 1:
The sample analyzer is divided into independent functional modules: a fixed incubation mechanism and a movable uniform mixing mechanism. Each mechanism operates independently with its own gripper, allowing parallel operations without interference. This segmentation enables simultaneous input and output of reaction vessels, eliminating queue waiting times and improving test flux while managing complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If the analyzer processes more reaction vessels per unit time to improve test flux, then the working efficiency increases, but the volume of the analyzer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The uniform mixing mechanism is designed to move between a working position and a retraction position. When not in use, it retracts to minimize the overall volume of the analyzer. During operation, it extends to the working position to enable simultaneous processing. This dynamic configuration allows the analyzer to maintain high processing capacity while reducing volume when the additional mechanism is not actively engaged.
3Ease of operation
If grippers move sequentially to access reaction vessels, then the device structure is simplified, but the working efficiency decreases due to queue waiting times
Solution Approach 1:
A carrying member is introduced as an intermediary component that holds multiple reaction vessels and can be positioned at different stations. The fixed gripper accesses vessels from the carrying member while the movable gripper performs uniform mixing. This intermediary carrying member enables coordinated simultaneous operations by providing a shared platform for vessel transfer, eliminating the need for sequential gripper movement and queue waiting times.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A sample analyzer (10), including an incubation mechanism (400), which is used for performing incubation on liquid in a reaction vessel ; and a uniform mixing mechanism (300), which is independently arranged relative to the incubation mechanism(400) and has a transport station (321) and a uniform mixing station (322), wherein the uniform mixing mechanism (300) includes a carrying member (310), and the carrying member (310) drives the reaction vessel to circularly move between the transport station (321) and the uniform mixing station (322); and the carrying (310) member conveys the reaction vessel, which is input from the transport station (321), to the uniform mixing station (322) and conveys the reaction vessel to the transport station (321).Input and uniform mixing procedures of different reaction vessels on the carrying member (310) can be carried out at the same time, and the test flux of the sample analyzer is improved.