Sample Analyzer Radio Wave Limiting for Reagent Tag Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sample analyzers with multiple reagent containers, it is challenging to accurately determine which reagent information is read from a specific electronic tag due to overlapping radio wave ranges, leading to potential misidentification and the need for increased device size to maintain adequate spacing between containers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a limiting member, such as a metal plate, between the antenna section and reagent containers to restrict the radio wave range emitted, ensuring that each reagent container's information is read accurately without interference from adjacent containers, thus allowing for closer container arrangement without enlarging the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large arrangement interval between reagent containers is ensured to avoid misreading, then reading accuracy is improved, but device size enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radio wave field into separate zones by positioning limiting members (metal plates) between adjacent reagent containers. This segmentation prevents radio waves from reaching electronic tags in neighboring containers, enabling accurate reading of individual tags even when containers are closely arranged, thus resolving the contradiction between reading accuracy and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting members act as intermediary elements between the antenna section and electronic tags of adjacent reagent containers. These metal plates block radio waves from reaching unintended targets, serving as a mediator that enables close container arrangement while maintaining reading accuracy by preventing cross-interference.
2Area of stationary object
If reagent containers are arranged closely to reduce device size, then device size is reduced, but reading accuracy deteriorates due to radio wave interference
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing limiting members that segment the radio wave propagation path, the patent enables close arrangement of reagent containers without compromising reading accuracy. The segmentation creates distinct reading zones, allowing the device to maintain compact dimensions while preventing radio wave interference between adjacent containers.
Solution Approach 2:
Limiting members serve as intermediary barriers between closely arranged reagent containers, blocking radio waves from reaching electronic tags in neighboring containers. This intermediary structure enables compact device design while maintaining reading accuracy by eliminating cross-contamination of radio wave signals.
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
This solution enables precise reading of reagent information from individual containers, reducing the risk of misidentification and allowing for a more compact device design by limiting the radio wave range to only the intended container, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing device size.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna section configured to emit a radio wave to an electronic tag of a reagent container held by the reagent container holding unit
Implementation Method 2
a limiting member which is arranged between the antenna section and the electronic tag of the reagent container held by the reagent container holding unit, and which is configured to limit a range of the radio wave emitted from the antenna section to the electronic tag
Data Source
AI summary
A sample analyzer that analyzes a sample by using a reagent contained in a reagent container is disclosed. The sample analyzer includes a container holding unit which is configured to hold a plurality of reagent containers, and a plurality of electronic tags is attached to the plurality of reagent containers, on which a reagent information regarding reagents is recorded. The sample analyzer further includes an antenna section which emits a radio wave to an electronic tag of a reagent container. A range of the radio wave emitted from the antenna section to the electronic tag is limited to a predetermined range or by a limiting member which is arranged between the antenna section and the electronic tag of the reagent container, and which is configured to limit a range of the radio wave emitted from the antenna section to the electronic tag.