Single Antenna for Multi-Reagent Tag Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample analyzers with reagent containers and electronic tags require multiple antennas, increasing component count and device size due to the need for separate antenna arrangements on both sides of reagent container holders.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer design where a single antenna is positioned between two reagent container holders, allowing it to read and write reagent information from electronic tags attached to both containers by rotating the holders to face the antenna, reducing the need for multiple antenna placements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennas are arranged on both sides of reagent container holders, then reagent information can be read from all containers, but the number of components increases and device size enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
A single antenna is designed to serve multiple reagent container holders simultaneously. The antenna can read reagent information from containers in both the first and second holders by rotating the holders to face the antenna, eliminating the need for separate antennas for each holder and achieving multi-functionality with a single component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple antennas into a single antenna system. Instead of having separate antennas for the first reagent container holder and second reagent container holder, one antenna is positioned to serve both holders through rotational positioning of the containers
2Reliability
If multiple antennas are arranged on both sides of reagent container holders, then reagent information can be read from all containers, but the device main body enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The single antenna is designed to universally serve multiple reagent container holders through rotational positioning. This eliminates the need for multiple fixed antenna positions, thereby reducing the overall area required for the device main body while maintaining full reagent information reading capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic rotational positioning of reagent container holders to bring containers into range of a stationary single antenna. This dynamic approach replaces the need for multiple static antennas distributed across a larger area, thus reducing the device's footprint
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 minimizes the number of components and device size while ensuring effective reading and writing of reagent information from multiple containers using a single antenna, enhancing operational efficiency and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna arranged between the first reagent container holder and the second reagent container holder, and configured to receive a radio wave from each of the first and second electronic tags
Data Source
AI summary
A sample analyzer and a method for obtaining reagent information are disclosed, wherein the sample analyzer analyzes a sample by using a reagent contained in a reagent container, comprising a first reagent container holder configured to hold a first reagent container containing a first reagent, a first electronic tag, on which a reagent information regarding the first reagent is recorded, attached to the first reagent container; a second reagent container holder configured to hold a second reagent container containing a second reagent, a second electronic tag, on which a reagent information regarding the second reagent is recorded, attached to the second reagent container; an antenna that is arranged between the first reagent container holder and the second reagent container holder, and is configured to receive a radio wave from each of the first and second electronic tags; and a reagent information obtainer unit configured to obtain the reagent information recorded on the first electronic tag based on a radio wave received from the first electronic tag, and to obtain the reagent information recorded on the second electronic tag based on a radio wave received from the second electronic tag.