UV Reagent Sterilization with Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analysis apparatuses face challenges in sterilizing reagents using ultraviolet rays without altering the reagent's properties, particularly due to varying wavelengths affecting reagent decomposition and the risk of contamination during transfer.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a reagent sterilizing mechanism with an ultraviolet ray source and heat insulation structures to prevent reagent heating, allowing for selective wavelength use that maximizes sterilization while minimizing reagent change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet rays are used to sterilize reagents, then sterilization effect is improved, but reagent properties may change due to decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting specific ultraviolet wavelength parameters (200-400nm range) that optimize sterilization effectiveness while minimizing reagent decomposition. The control unit adjusts irradiation parameters to maintain reagent stability during sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization mechanism uses periodic ultraviolet irradiation cycles rather than continuous exposure. The control unit intermittently activates the ultraviolet ray source to achieve sterilization while allowing reagent recovery periods, reducing cumulative decomposition effects.
2Reliability
If reagent is transferred from reagent vessel to sterilization vessel, then sterilization can be performed, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sterilization mechanism directly with the reagent vessel structure. The ultraviolet ray source is integrated into the reagent vessel so that sterilization occurs in-situ without requiring transfer to a separate sterilization vessel, eliminating contamination risks associated with transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates sterilization timing with reagent usage. It manages the ultraviolet irradiation process to sterilize reagents at appropriate intervals without requiring physical transfer, using control logic as a mediator between sterilization needs and reagent integrity.
3Device complexity
If ultraviolet ray source is integrated with reagent vessel, then sterilization is simplified, but heat generation may affect reagent temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat generation function from the ultraviolet sterilization process by using LED-based ultraviolet sources that emit minimal heat compared to traditional mercury lamps. This separation of sterilization function from heat generation reduces thermal impact on reagents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the ultraviolet source by using LED technology with specific wavelength emissions that minimize thermal radiation. The control unit also adjusts irradiation duration and intensity parameters to prevent excessive heat buildup while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
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 effectively sterilizes reagents without altering their properties, ensuring prolonged storage and use, while preventing contamination and maintaining reagent integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a sterilizing mechanism having an ultraviolet ray source that sterilizes a reagent by ultraviolet irradiation
Implementation Method 2
a first heat insulation structure that is arranged between the sterilizing mechanism and reagent in the suction nozzle; and a second heat insulation structure that is arranged between the sterilizing mechanism and reagent in the reagent vessel
Data Source
AI summary
The object of the invention is to provide an automatic analysis apparatus which is capable of both sterilizing a reagent and suppressing property variations in the reagent. Provided is an automatic analysis apparatus including a reagent vessel which holds a reagent; a suction nozzle which sucks the reagent; an analysis unit which executes an analysis operation by adding a reagent sucked from the reagent vessel to a specimen via the suction nozzle; an ultraviolet ray source which sterilizes a reagent by ultraviolet irradiation; and an electrode or a substrate which supplies electric power to the ultraviolet ray source, in which a heat insulation portion is arranged between a reagent in the suction nozzle and the ultraviolet ray source and the electrode or the substrate, or, it is isolated between a reagent in the suction nozzle and the ultraviolet ray source and the electrode or the substrate.