Sliding Cooling Unit Holder for Reagent Container Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen measurement apparatuses do not facilitate easy replacement or maintenance of cooling units for reagent containers, leading to potential deterioration or malfunction due to prolonged use.
Innovation Solution
A specimen measurement apparatus with a holder that slidably mounts to the reagent container storage portion, allowing easy dismounting and mounting of the cooling unit by shifting its position relative to the storage portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reagent container storage portion is cooled to preserve reagent quality, then reagent stability is improved, but condensation occurs on the storage portion
Solution Approach 1:
A breathable film is introduced as an intermediary layer between the reagent container storage portion and the external environment. This film allows heat transfer to maintain cooling for reagent stability while permitting water vapor to pass through, preventing condensation formation on the storage portion surface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the reagent container storage portion is exposed to air, then condensation can evaporate, but bacterial contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The breathable film serves as a selective barrier that allows water vapor molecules to pass through for condensation evaporation while blocking larger bacterial particles and contaminants. This intermediary structure enables controlled gas exchange without compromising sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin breathable film is applied to cover the reagent container storage portion. This flexible film structure provides selective permeability - allowing moisture vapor transmission while maintaining physical barrier properties against bacterial contamination, thus resolving the contradiction between condensation removal and contamination prevention.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a cover is placed on the reagent container storage portion to prevent contamination, then bacterial contamination is reduced, but condensation cannot evaporate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using an opaque solid cover that completely blocks vapor transmission, a breathable thin film is employed. This film maintains the protective barrier function against contamination while allowing water vapor to pass through, enabling condensation evaporation without compromising contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover material properties are changed from impermeable to breathable, modifying the permeability parameter to allow selective passage of water vapor molecules while maintaining barrier properties against larger contaminants. This parameter change enables simultaneous achievement of contamination prevention and condensation evaporation.
4Power
If the holder tightly holds the cooling unit to ensure cooling efficiency, then cooling performance is improved, but the holder cannot be easily detached for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The holder employs a snap-fit mechanism that provides dynamic connection - tightly securing the cooling unit during operation for optimal cooling efficiency, while allowing easy detachment when needed for maintenance or replacement. The mechanical engagement can be firmly locked during use but readily released with simple manual action.
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 efficient and easy replacement of cooling units, maintaining efficient heat transmission and reducing the risk of damage during maintenance, thus prolonging the apparatus's operational lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit configured to cool the reagent container storage portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a specimen measurement apparatus that includes: a measurement unit configured to measure a specimen by using a reagent; a reagent container storage portion configured to store a reagent container in which the reagent is stored; a cooling unit configured to cool the reagent container storage portion; and a holder slidably mounted to the reagent container storage portion in a state where the holder holds the cooling unit.