Universal Transfer Unit for Automated Analysis Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated analysis devices face challenges in efficiently and rapidly transferring multiple instruments within a limited analyte processing space, leading to complex structures, reduced design freedom, and longer analysis times.
Innovation Solution
The automated analysis device incorporates a transfer mechanism with a holding portion that includes first and second fitting attachment portions, allowing for the shared use of transfer units between different instruments. This enables efficient and rapid transfer of instruments to predetermined processing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual transfer units are used for each instrument in the analyte processing space, then each instrument can be transferred independently, but the transfer mechanism structure becomes complicated and the analysis process time is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer unit is designed with a holding portion that can accommodate multiple types of instruments (nozzle tip, reaction container, etc.) through standardized fitting attachment portions. This universal transfer unit can perform multiple transfer functions that previously required separate dedicated transfer units for each instrument type, thereby simplifying the overall transfer mechanism structure while maintaining independent transfer capability.
2Reliability
If multiple instruments are transferred individually by corresponding transfer units, then each instrument reaches its position, but the degree of freedom in device design is limited and analysis process time is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple instrument transfer operations are merged into a single transfer unit with a multi-functional holding portion. This allows the transfer unit to carry and deliver different instruments to their respective positions in the analyte processing space, reducing the number of separate transfer operations and thereby shortening the total analysis process time while maintaining position accuracy through controlled transfer movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer unit is pre-configured with multiple fitting attachment portions designed to accommodate different instrument types before the transfer process begins. This preliminary preparation of the transfer unit's holding portion allows for rapid instrument exchange and transfer without requiring complex real-time adjustments, thus improving productivity while ensuring accurate instrument positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of various types of instruments are used for processing, then analysis functionality is enhanced, but the transfer mechanism becomes complicated in the limited analyte processing space
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer unit incorporates a holding portion with multiple fitting attachment portions that can accommodate different types of instruments (nozzle tip, reaction container, etc.). This universal design allows the same transfer unit to handle multiple instrument types, enabling enhanced analysis functionality through instrument variety without requiring separate dedicated transfer mechanisms for each instrument type, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an automated analysis device capable of transferring instruments to be used for an analysis process to a predetermined processing position efficiently and rapidly. In an automated analysis device of the invention, a transfer unit forming a transfer mechanism to transfer instruments to be used for analyte processing into an analyte processing space includes a holding portion to hold the instruments. The holding portion includes a first fitting attachment portion to be attachable to a first instrument in a fitted state, and a second fitting attachment portion to be attachable to a second instrument in a fitted state.