Static Eliminator Synchronization for Automated Analyzer Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated analyzers fail to effectively eliminate static charge from analyte and reagent receptacles already containing samples, leading to potential inaccuracies in biochemical analysis.

Innovation Solution

An automated analyzer equipped with a receptacle carrier mechanism, a reader device for identifying receptacles, and a static eliminator that synchronizes static charge elimination with the reading of identification information, ensuring accurate neutralization of static charge on analyte and reagent receptacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a static eliminator is mounted only at the reaction receptacle position, then the structure is simple, but static charge on analyte and reagent receptacles cannot be eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoidstatic eliminator configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The static eliminator is configured to serve multiple receptacle types (analyte receptacles, reagent receptacles, and reaction receptacles) through a single device positioned at the reaction receptacle location. The device eliminates static charge on all receptacles that pass through its position, regardless of whether they contain samples or reagents, making the static elimination function universal across different receptacle types in the analysis system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If static charge elimination is performed continuously, then all receptacles are neutralized, but the synchronization with receptacle identification becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatic charge elimination effectivenessVSAvoidcontrol synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller receives identification information from the reader device about which receptacles are present on the carrier, and uses this feedback to control the timing and activation of the static eliminator. The static eliminator is activated only when identification information is successfully read, creating a closed-loop control system that synchronizes static charge elimination with receptacle identification without requiring complex continuous control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the static eliminator is positioned away from the reader device, then interference with identification reading is reduced, but static charge on early receptacles cannot be eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidstatic charge elimination timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The static eliminator is positioned upstream relative to the reading direction, so that static charge elimination occurs before the receptacles reach the reader device. This preliminary action ensures that static charge is eliminated early in the process while maintaining proper sequencing through controller synchronization, preventing any potential interference with identification reading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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

This configuration enhances analysis accuracy by effectively eliminating static charge from receptacles, preventing inaccuracies and simplifying the operation and maintenance of the analyzer.

Implementation Method 1

a static eliminator for eliminating static charge on the receptacles carried by the receptacle carrier mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStatic charge elimination: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS11009518B2Apparatus and method for automated analysis

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 JEOL LTD

AI summary

There is provided an automated analyzer which can eliminate static charge on receptacles storing analytes or reagents to thereby offer improved accuracy of analysis. The automated analyzer comprises: a receptacle carrier mechanism operative to hold a plurality of receptacles storing liquid and to carry the held receptacles in a given direction; a reader device for reading identification information of the receptacles carried by the receptacle carrier mechanism; a static eliminator for eliminating static charge on the receptacles carried by the receptacle carrier mechanism; and an input/output controller for causing the static eliminator to carry out the elimination of the static charge in synchronism with successive reading by the reader device of the identification information of the receptacles carried by the receptacle carrier mechanism.