Sample Dispensing Tip Optics for Accurate Aspirated Volume Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers do not adequately check the amount of sample aspirated by the sample dispensing unit, which can lead to deteriorated analysis precision.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer equipped with a measurement portion that measures the amount of sample in a dispensing tip using light detection, allowing for accurate determination of the aspirated sample volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light detection is implemented to measure sample amount in the storage portion, then sample amount measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement portion is integrated into the incubator structure, combining the functions of sample incubation and sample amount measurement into a single unit. This merging approach allows the patent to achieve precise sample amount measurement through light detection while avoiding the complexity of adding a separate measurement system, as the measurement functionality is embedded within the existing incubator framework.
2Measurement precision
If sample amount checking is added to the analysis process, then analysis precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample amount measurement is performed in advance during the incubation phase, before the actual analysis begins. By measuring the sample amount in the storage portion while the sample is being incubated, the system establishes quality control parameters beforehand, ensuring analysis precision without adding time to the critical analysis pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement portion operates continuously during the incubation process, utilizing the same time period when the sample is being prepared. This continuous measurement approach ensures that sample amount verification occurs without interrupting or extending the overall processing timeline, as the measurement and incubation actions proceed simultaneously.
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
Enables precise checking of the sample amount aspirated by the dispensing unit, ensuring appropriate sample dispensing for accurate analysis and allowing for reperformance if necessary, without interrupting the sample dispensing operation.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement portion that measures the amount of the sample in the storage portion on the basis of a detected signal obtained by detecting light passing through the storage portion while irradiating the storage portion with light
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzer capable of confirming the amount of sample aspirated by a sample dispensing unit is provided. The automatic analyzer includes an incubator which holds a reaction container in which a liquid mixture of the sample and a reagent is accommodated, a sample dispensing unit which dispenses the sample by aspirating the sample from a sample container in which the sample is accommodated and storing the aspirated sample in a storage portion and then discharging the sample to the reaction container, and a measurement portion which measures the amount of sample in the storage portion on the basis of a detected signal obtained by detecting light passing through the storage portion while irradiating the storage portion with light.