Sample Container Cartridge Loading for Automated Measurement Aids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods require frequent manual introduction of measurement aids such as stirrers into sample measuring devices, which is inefficient and cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A cartridge system is introduced that allows for the pre-loading of a plurality of measurement aids into a storage chamber, enabling automated dispensing and transfer directly into the sample container, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user manually introduces measurement aids into the device, then the measurement process can be performed, but the frequency of user intervention is high and operation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement aids are pre-loaded into the storage chamber of the cartridge before use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for frequent manual introduction of measurement aids during the measurement process, reducing user intervention frequency and time loss while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If measurement aids are pre-loaded into a cartridge storage chamber, then user intervention frequency is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage chamber containing multiple measurement aids is nested within the cartridge structure, which itself attaches to the sample measuring device. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated unit, reducing the overall space required and minimizing the increase in device complexity while enabling automated dispensing that improves productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If multiple measurement aids are stored in a storage chamber, then the frequency of loading is reduced, but the storage space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidstorage volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage chamber is integrated within the cartridge body, nesting the storage function within the existing cartridge structure. This approach efficiently utilizes the available space within the cartridge, allowing multiple measurement aids to be stored without proportionally increasing the overall device volume, thereby maintaining productivity improvements while minimizing storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4212881B1Sample measuring method

Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SYSMEX CORP

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AI summary

PROBLEM: To reduce the frequency with which a user introduces a measurement aid into a sample measurement device. SOLUTION: A sample measuring method measures a sample using a container containing a measurement aid which is a solid. The sample measuring method includes loading a predetermined number of measurement aids into a container from a storage chamber in which a plurality of measurement aids are movably stored in a cartridge attached to a sample measuring device, dispensing the sample into the container, and measuring the sample in the container into which the measurement aid has been loaded.