Sample Measuring Unit Layout for Thermal Isolation of Power Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heat generated by the power supply unit in a sample measuring apparatus can affect the temperature of samples in the reaction unit, leading to unstable measurements and reduced accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The power supply is physically and thermally separated from the measuring unit by locating it in a different region and at a higher position, with dedicated heat exhaust sections to dissipate the generated heat outside the apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the power supply unit is located at the bottom of the housing to supply power to the dispenser and measuring unit, then the device can be compact and integrated, but heat generated by the power supply transfers to the reaction unit through the partition plate, causing sample temperature instability and reduced measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of power supplyVSAvoidsample temperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a lower part containing the power supply unit and an upper part containing the reaction unit and measuring unit, with a partition plate separating them. This spatial segmentation isolates the heat-generating power supply from the temperature-sensitive reaction unit, preventing heat transfer while maintaining device integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cooling fan is introduced as an intermediary component between the power supply unit and the reaction unit. The fan actively dissipates heat generated by the power supply, preventing it from transferring to the partition plate and subsequently to the reaction unit, thus maintaining sample temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If the power supply unit is placed close to the measuring unit for efficient power delivery, then energy loss is reduced, but heat from the power supply directly affects the sample temperature, leading to unstable measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidsample temperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply unit is segregated into a separate lower compartment from the upper measuring and reaction units. This spatial separation allows efficient power delivery while preventing thermal interference, as the partition plate blocks heat transfer paths between the power supply and the reaction unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling fan acts as a thermal intermediary that manages heat flow from the power supply. It actively removes excess heat before it can transfer to the partition plate and reaction unit, ensuring that power transmission efficiency is maintained without compromising sample temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 stabilizes the sample temperature during measurement, improving accuracy and allowing for precise sample analysis even in high-temperature environments.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling fan that blows air to the outside from the inside of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

a partition plate, which divides an upper part where a reaction unit and a cooling unit in a housing are located and a lower part where a power supply unit in the housing is located

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4290241B1Sample measuring apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP4290241B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4290241B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4290241B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sample measuring apparatus that is capable of suppressing heat generated in a power supply from affecting a temperature of a sample in a measuring unit is provided. A sample measuring apparatus 1 is provided with a measuring unit 53 that measures a sample contained in a container, a power supply 56 that supplies power to the measuring unit 53, and an apparatus housing 10 that has the measuring unit 53 and the power supply 56 inside. The power supply 56 is arranged in the apparatus housing 10 in an area different from the measuring unit 53 in a plan view and is located at a higher position than the measuring unit 53. Between a region R2 where the power supply 56 is arranged and a region R1 where the measuring unit 53 is located, there is a vertical plate 70 standing vertically.