Sample Analyzer Reagent Dispersion via Periodic Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers face challenges in uniformly dispersing microparticles within reagents, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of analysis processes.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer with a reagent container holder that rotates around a rotational axis, a reagent aspirator, and a controller that alternately accelerates and decelerates the holder to apply an inertia force intermittently, ensuring uniform dispersion of magnetic particles in the reagent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the reagent container holder rotates continuously at constant speed, then the reagent container can be transported to the aspirating position efficiently, but the microparticles in the reagent cannot be uniformly dispersed
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent container holder performs periodic acceleration and deceleration during rotation. Specifically, the holder accelerates to transport the reagent container to the aspirating position, then decelerates to allow microparticles to settle, and repeats this cycle. This periodic motion pattern enables both efficient transport and uniform dispersion of microparticles through controlled inertial forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation speed of the reagent container holder is dynamically adjusted during operation. The system transitions from constant speed rotation to variable speed rotation with controlled acceleration and deceleration phases. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize between transport efficiency (faster speeds) and dispersion quality (slower speeds with inertial effects).
2Manufacturing precision
If the reagent container holder accelerates and decelerates alternately, then microparticles are uniformly dispersed, but the transport time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies acceleration and deceleration actions selectively rather than continuously. During each rotation cycle, acceleration is applied only for the portion of the cycle needed to transport the container to the aspirating position, and deceleration is applied only when needed for dispersion. This partial application of inertial forces reduces unnecessary motion time while maintaining effective dispersion.
3Ease of operation
If the reagent container is stationary during aspiration, then the aspirating process is simple, but the microparticles settle and create non-uniform distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acceleration before the aspirating operation. By accelerating the reagent container holder before aspiration, microparticles are kept suspended in the reagent through inertial forces. This preliminary action ensures uniform distribution is maintained during the subsequent aspirating process, eliminating the need for complex agitation mechanisms during aspiration itself.
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 effectively agitates and disperses microparticles within the reagent, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of the analysis process by ensuring uniform reagent distribution and preventing reagent splatter.
Implementation Method 1
a controller for controlling the reagent container holder to accelerate and decelerate alternately while being rotated
Data Source
AI summary
A sample analyzer comprising: a reagent container holder, configured to rotate around a rotational axis and to hold a reagent container containing a reagent; a reagent aspirator for aspirating, at a reagent aspirating position, the reagent from the reagent container held by the reagent container holder; an analysis section for analyzing a measurement sample prepared from the reagent aspirated by the reagent aspirator and a sample; and a controller for controlling: the reagent container holder to rotate and thereby transport the reagent container to the reagent aspirating position, the reagent aspirator to aspirate the reagent from the reagent container, and the reagent container holder to accelerate and decelerate alternately while being rotated is disclosed. A sample analyzing method is also disclosed.