Automatic Analyzer Single-Rod Stirring With Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face challenges in space saving and cost reduction while maintaining analysis accuracy due to the need for multiple stirring rods, which can lead to reagent contamination and decreased accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer design that uses a single stirring rod for multiple reagents, with controlled operations to prevent cross-contamination and maintain accuracy, including separate analysis units for different measurement principles and a controller for coordinated stirring and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single stirring rod is used for multiple reagents, then the number of parts and drive mechanisms is reduced, but reagent contamination and analysis accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring rod performs periodic actions by alternating between stirring different reagents and returning to the cleaning station. The controller manages this periodic operation by scheduling stirring cycles for each reagent vessel followed by cleaning cycles, ensuring that the stirring rod is cleaned between uses with different reagents to prevent contamination while maintaining a single stirring rod system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning station acts as an intermediary between different reagent stirring operations. The stirring rod passes through the cleaning station which provides cleaning liquid to remove residual reagents between stirring operations. This intermediary cleaning process enables the single stirring rod to safely transition between different reagents without causing cross-contamination that would compromise analysis accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple stirring rods are used for different reagents, then reagent contamination is prevented, but space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single stirring rod is designed to be universal and perform multiple functions by stirring different types of reagents (first reagent without magnetic particles, second reagent with magnetic particles) through controlled periodic operation. The rod's design includes a magnetic portion that enables it to effectively stir both magnetic and non-magnetic reagents, making one rod sufficient for multiple reagent types when combined with the cleaning station intermediary function.
3Device complexity
If reagents with different magnetic properties are stirred sequentially, then a single stirring rod suffices, but stirring effectiveness may vary
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring rod's parameters are specifically designed to handle different reagent types. The rod includes a magnetic portion with optimized magnetic properties that enable it to effectively stir both magnetic particles in the second reagent and non-magnetic components in the first reagent. The controller adjusts operational parameters such as stirring speed and duration based on the reagent type, ensuring effective stirring across different magnetic properties while maintaining a single rod system.
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
Achieves space savings and cost reduction while preventing reagent contamination, thereby maintaining analysis accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a second reagent vessel (103) containing a second reagent (406) for analysis in the second analysis unit (202), the stirring rod (301) having a magnetic portion, the second reagent (406) containing magnetic particles
Data Source
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AI summary
The automatic analyzer includes a first analysis unit performing analysis in relation to a first analysis item group; a second analysis unit performing analysis for a second analysis item group on a different measurement principle from that in the first analysis unit; a reagent housing unit housing at least one first reagent vessel containing a reagent used in analysis in the first analysis unit, and at least one second reagent vessel containing a reagent used in analysis in the second analysis unit; a stirring unit having a stirring rod for stirring solutions in the first reagent vessel and the second reagent vessel; and a controller controlling operation of the stirring unit. The controller controls operation of the stirring unit to stir solution in the second reagent vessel after the completion of stirring of solution in all of the first reagent vessels in the reagent housing unit. An automatic analyzer enabling savings in footprint and cost reduction is provided.