Sample Analyzer Universal Aspiration Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample analyzers, such as blood analyzers, have complex and large-sized mechanisms due to the need for both manual and automated sample aspiration, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

A sample analyzer design that includes a sample container receiver for both manual and automated supply, an aspirator for sampling, and a moving part to position the sample container for aspiration, allowing for a detachable and integrated system that simplifies the mechanism by enabling manual and automatic operation modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the sampling means is designed to handle both cassette-loaded tubes and manually loaded tubes, then the versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to aspirate from both cassette and manual loading positionsVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling means is designed with a universal aspiration mechanism that can handle both cassette-loaded tubes and manually loaded tubes through a single integrated structure. The sampling means includes a sampling needle and aspiration mechanism that remains stationary or moves minimally, while the tube holder and positioning mechanisms accommodate both loading methods without requiring separate sampling systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a cassette loading mechanism, a manual tube holding mechanism, and a unified sampling means. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity. The tube holder can be positioned in different locations depending on the loading method, but the sampling means remains a separate, simplified component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sampling means is designed to handle both cassette-loaded tubes and manually loaded tubes, then the versatility of the system is improved, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to aspirate from both cassette and manual loading positionsVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling means is designed with a universal aspiration mechanism that can handle both cassette-loaded tubes and manually loaded tubes through a single integrated structure. The sampling means includes a sampling needle and aspiration mechanism that remains stationary or moves minimally, while the tube holder and positioning mechanisms accommodate both loading methods without requiring separate sampling systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning mechanisms for both cassette-loaded and manually loaded tubes are merged into a single integrated system. The tube holder can be positioned in different locations depending on the loading method, but the sampling means remains a separate, simplified component that serves both functions through one unified design rather than separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a manual loading means is added near the moving means, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manual tube loadingVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A tube holder serves as an intermediary component between the manual loading area and the sampling means. This tube holder can receive manually loaded tubes and position them for aspiration without requiring the sampling means itself to be complex. The tube holder acts as a mediator that simplifies the interaction between the operator and the sampling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a cassette loading mechanism, a manual tube holding mechanism, and a unified sampling means. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity. The tube holder can be positioned in different locations depending on the loading method, but the sampling means remains a separate, simplified component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The design simplifies the sample analyzer by allowing for both manual and automatic operation, reducing complexity and size while maintaining efficient sample processing and analysis capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an aspirator for aspirating a sample within a sample container received by the sample container receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAspiration: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS8158060B2Sample analyzer and sample container supplying apparatus

Publication Date: 2012.04.17 SYSMEX CORP

AI summary

A sample analyzer for analyzing a sample comprising: a sample container receiver capable of receiving either one of a manually supplied sample container and an automatically supplied; a container holder receiver for receiving a container holder holding at least one sample container; a sample container supplier automatically for supplying, to the sample container receiver, a sample container held by the container holder received by the container holder receiver; an aspirator for aspirating a sample within a sample container received by the sample container receiver; and an analyzing part for analyzing the sample aspirated by the aspirator.