Sample Analyzer Reagent Placement Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers face challenges in ensuring accurate reagent placement, as operators may incorrectly set reagents despite indication lamps, leading to potential analysis errors.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer with a first and second container set section, each with an operating section and detector, and an output section controlled by a controller to provide notifications when the correct reagent is required to be set in the respective container section, utilizing RFID tags and sensors to confirm proper reagent placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If indication lamps are used to guide reagent bottle placement, then the operator can identify the set position, but the operator may still set the reagent bottle in a wrong position
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses detectors to read identification information (such as barcodes or RFID tags) from reagent bottles when they are placed in container set sections. The controller compares the read information with the required reagent information and provides feedback through indication lamps to confirm correct placement or alert operators to errors. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the operator's action is verified, preventing wrong reagent placement while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification information system (barcodes, RFID tags, or other identification markers) between the reagent bottle and the analyzer system. This intermediary carries information about the reagent type and enables automatic verification by the detector, reducing reliance on the operator's manual verification and preventing misplacement errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reagent containers are set in the analyzer, then various analyses can be performed, but the complexity of managing multiple containers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automatic identification and verification. When reagent bottles are placed in container set sections, the detectors automatically read their identification information and the controller automatically verifies whether the correct reagents are in the correct positions. This eliminates the need for complex manual tracking and management by operators, allowing multiple reagent containers to be managed efficiently without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If manual verification of reagent placement is required, then the operator can confirm the set position, but time is lost in verification
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically reading and verifying reagent identification information immediately when the reagent bottle is placed in the container set section, before the analysis process begins. The detector reads the identification information and the controller verifies correctness in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual verification later and ensuring reliability from the outset.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample analyzer comprising: a first container set section in which a first reagent container, wherein the first container set section includes a first operating section which is operated by a user when setting the first reagent container; a first detector configured to detect an operation of the first operating section; a second container set section in which a second reagent container, wherein the second container set section includes a second operating section which is operated by the user when setting the second reagent container; a second detector configured to detect an operation of the second operating section; an output section; and a controller configured to control the output section to output a predetermined notification, if the second detector detects the operation of the second operating section by the user when it is required to set the first reagent container in the first container set section.