Vertical Gel Card Analyzer with Multi-Axis Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analysis systems for blood samples on gel cards are not designed for continuous and random operation, and their polar structure with rotating supports limits flexibility and space efficiency in laboratories.
Innovation Solution
A compact, vertically arranged apparatus with multiple floors that allows random access to reagents, samples, cards, and waste liquids, featuring a transport system for moving gel cards along X, Y, Z axes, and devices for ascending and descending between floors, along with a computer-controlled touch screen interface for automated operation and result display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a polar structure with rotating supports is used, then the apparatus can perform analysis functions, but the structure is not space-efficient and does not allow continuous random operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal polar structure to a vertical columnar structure with multiple floors. This dimensional change allows reagents, samples, cards, and waste to be stacked vertically, improving space efficiency and enabling random access from the front without requiring rotation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is divided into multiple functional floors (reagent floor, sample floor, card floor, waste floor) with independent access points. Each floor can be accessed and operated independently, enabling continuous random operation without interrupting other functions.
2Productivity
If a horizontal operating orientation with dual rotatable carousels is used, then reagent storage is provided, but loading and unloading requires individual positioning of slots, preventing continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces horizontal carousel rotation with vertical stacking and front-access design. Reagent containers are arranged vertically on dedicated floors and can be accessed directly from the front, eliminating the need for rotational positioning and enabling continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus design allows multiple operations to proceed simultaneously without interruption. While one reagent container is being loaded or unloaded, other containers remain accessible, and analysis functions continue uninterrupted on other floors.
3Area of stationary object
If a vertical column arrangement with multiple floors is used, then space utilization and ergonomics are improved, but complex transport systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a vertical columnar structure with multiple floors stacked one above another, dramatically reducing the horizontal footprint. All operations are concentrated in a compact vertical arrangement that fits within a single column space.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport system uses a universal robotic arm or transfer mechanism that can move cards and containers between any floors and positions. This multi-functional transport system handles multiple tasks (loading, unloading, transferring between floors) with a single integrated mechanism, reducing overall complexity.
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 continuous and efficient analysis with high capacity, allowing for simultaneous manual interventions and staggered operations, improving ergonomics and space utilization in laboratories.
Implementation Method 1
The gel cards are centrifuged in suspended centrifuges to permit simpler handling for maintenance and cleaning
Implementation Method 2
a heating device for heating the gel cards to a temperature of 37°C
Data Source
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AI summary
The apparatus comprises a single transportable structure provided with several separate compartments located in a vertical stack within a cabinet, with means for the vertical transport of gel cards, means for the transport of units for moving the cards and pipetting probes, being displaceable to the entire transverse cross-section of the compartments in at least two of the vertical compartments or floors through moving along coordinate axes X, Y, Z at right-angles, and control means so that automatic functioning can take place simultaneously with manual actions to load and unload the necessary materials (samples, reagents, cards, wash solutions and waste solutions) in a random manner.