Sample Analyzer Reagent Tag Reading with Switchable Antenna Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers require additional space for antenna arrangement, leading to increased device size, and struggle with accurately reading reagent information from multiple tags without mistaking adjacent tags, especially when antennas are positioned on both sides of the reagent container holding units.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer design where a single electric wave emitting portion on one side of the reagent container holding unit can switch between different reaching ranges to read reagent information from tags, using a shared antenna or separate antennas with varying ranges, and includes a control unit to manage the reading process, ensuring accurate identification and minimizing mistaken readings by positioning tags and antennas optimally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If antennas are arranged on both sides of the reagent container holding unit to read tags from multiple rows, then the reading capability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable reagent container holding unit that can rotate to different positions. By dynamically repositioning the holding unit, a single fixed antenna can sequentially access tags from different rows (inner peripheral row and outer peripheral row) without requiring multiple antennas arranged on both sides of the device, thus reducing device size while maintaining reading capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna is designed to serve multiple functions by reading tags from different rows at different positions. The antenna reads tags from the inner peripheral row when the holding unit is in one position, and reads tags from the outer peripheral row when the holding unit rotates to another position, making one antenna universal for multiple reading tasks
2Measurement precision
If multiple antennas with different reaching ranges are used to read tags at different positions, then the reading accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single antenna with adjustable reaching range controlled by the position of the reagent container holding unit. By dynamically changing the position of the holding unit, the antenna's effective reaching range is adjusted to match the distance to different rows of containers, achieving accurate reading without requiring multiple antennas with fixed different ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the reagent container holding unit to adjust the distance between the antenna and the tags. By varying this distance parameter, the system adapts the antenna's reaching range to suit different reading requirements for inner and outer peripheral rows, avoiding the need for multiple antennas with different fixed characteristics
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 configuration allows for accurate and efficient reading of reagent information from multiple tags without enlarging the device, reduces the number of components, and enables simultaneous reading of multiple tags in parallel, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electric wave emitting portion 200a and a control unit 2a for the reagent information reading unit 200. The electric wave emitting portion 200a is arranged on a side other than the one side of the first reagent container holding unit 19 and is configured to emit a plurality of electric waves having mutually differing reaching ranges
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample analyzer including: a first reagent container holding unit; a second reagent container holding unit being arranged on one side of the first reagent container holding portion; a reagent information reading unit; and a control unit. The reagent information reading unit includes an electric wave emitting portion, which is arranged on the other side of the first reagent container holding unit, for emitting a plurality of electric waves having mutually differing reaching ranges, and the control unit controls the reagent information reading unit to switch the electric wave emitted from the electric wave emitting portion in accordance with a read target being the first electronic tag or the second electronic tag.