Stationary Sample Holder with Movable Photometer for Continuous Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated analysis devices for photometric examination of samples face inefficiencies due to the need to move sample vessels, leading to reduced efficiency, potential measurement errors, and increased costs, particularly in hemostatic analysis where precise and continuous measurement is required.

Innovation Solution

A device with a stationary sample holder and a movable measuring device, allowing for continuous measurement without moving the sample vessels, which reduces mass movement, minimizes errors, and enables higher measurement frequency and easier temperature control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a stationary photometer with a movable sample carousel is used, then the device structure is simplified, but measurement efficiency decreases due to stopping and starting the carousel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the sample holder as in conventional devices, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the sample holder stationary and moving the measuring device (photometer) along a guide rail to measure different samples. This eliminates the need to stop and start the sample carousel, thereby maintaining measurement efficiency while preserving structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If multiple stationary detection units are used for simultaneous measurement, then measurement efficiency increases, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single photometer that serves multiple functions by measuring different samples at different positions along the guide rail. This universal measuring device replaces multiple specialized detection units, achieving simultaneous measurement capability across multiple samples while reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic movement of the photometer along the guide rail, transforming a static single-point measurement system into a dynamic multi-point measurement system. This allows one photometer to effectively perform the function of multiple stationary photometers, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the sample carousel is moved continuously, then measurement efficiency improves, but measurement precision decreases due to motion-induced errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts which component moves: instead of moving samples past a stationary detector, the detector moves along a guide rail while samples remain stationary. This allows the measuring device to move continuously at controlled speeds while maintaining measurement precision, as the motion is confined to a single lightweight component rather than a heavy sample carousel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Productivity

If a gripper system is used to transfer samples from a rotating carousel, then continuous measurement is possible, but error rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous measurementVSAvoiderror rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic gripper system entirely. By keeping the sample holder stationary and moving the photometer instead, the invention removes the source of transfer errors while maintaining continuous measurement capability. Samples remain undisturbed in their fixed positions throughout the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 measurement efficiency, reduces errors, and allows for continuous, high-frequency testing with improved access to samples, reducing the need for sequential measurement and minimizing the risk of measurement inaccuracies.

Implementation Method 1

device for the photometric examination of samples

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotometry: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP2309251B1Apparatus and method for photometric testing of samples and analysis device comprising such an apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.06.12 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS PRODS

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AI summary

The device (10) has a stationary sample-holder apparatus (11) comprising a holding unit (15) to hold two sample vessels. A measuring device is arranged on a moveable apparatus (14) and is displaced by the moveable apparatus. The holding unit is arranged on the sample-holder apparatus in an arc-like arrangement, and the measuring device is displaced around the arc-like arrangement in a rotating manner. The measuring device comprises a light source (12) e.g. LED or laser diode, and a photodetector (13). A magnetic stirrer is arranged on the sample-holder apparatus. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for photometric examination of samples (2) an analysis instrument for automated examination of liquid samples comprising a device for photometric examination of samples.