Pipe volume error checking device and method

Abstract

The application provides a pipeline volume error testing device and method, and relates to the technical field of equipment testing. The pipeline volume error testing device comprises a main controller, a plurality of control buttons, at least two pipetting pumps and a reference pipeline. Each control button is connected with the main controller, different control buttons correspond to different testing modes, and the pipetting frequency and / or the single pipetting volume are different in different testing modes. Each pipetting pump is connected with the main controller, and the main controller is used for controlling the work of each pipetting pump according to the testing mode corresponding to the control button. The inner diameter of the reference pipeline is equal to the calibrated inner diameter of the pipeline to be tested. The reference pipeline and the pipeline to be tested are connected with the pipetting pumps one by one. Each pipetting pump is used for pumping the detection solution into the corresponding pipeline under the control of the main controller. Thus, the pipeline quality can be quickly screened by the pipeline volume error testing device, the testing efficiency is improved, the labor cost is reduced, the influence of the pipeline error of the key liquid path position on the whole instrument can be reduced, the error can be weakened, and the instrument precision is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of equipment inspection technology, and in particular to a device and method for inspecting pipeline volume error. Background Technology

[0002] In vitro diagnostic (IVD) instruments are widely used in hospitals and are known in the medical industry as "the doctor's eyes." After bodily fluids (blood, urine, etc.) are collected, the IVD instrument analyzes the concentration of key substances, providing a list of these concentrations. Doctors then analyze this list to make accurate medical judgments. This routine testing is already used in major hospitals. A key characteristic of IVD instruments is their multidisciplinary nature. They involve clinical, biochemical, fluid dynamics, structural, and hardware / software expertise, requiring collaboration and cooperation among various professionals to complete effective testing.

[0003] The fluid circuitry of in vitro diagnostic instruments is the core component ensuring the integrity and reliability of the instrument; even minute errors in the fluid circuitry have a crucial impact on test results. Therefore, minimizing errors in each stage is of decisive significance for improving the reliability of instrument testing, with quality control of the tubing within the fluid circuitry being particularly important. However, currently, the volumetric error of the tubing is usually inspected manually, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pipeline volume error inspection device and method to improve inspection efficiency and reduce labor costs.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a tubing volume error testing device, including a main controller, multiple control buttons, at least two pipette pumps, and a control tubing;

[0006] Each of the control buttons is connected to the main controller. Different control buttons correspond to different inspection modes, and the number of pipetting operations and / or the volume of a single pipetting operation are different in different inspection modes.

[0007] Each of the pipette pumps is connected to the main controller, which controls the operation of each pipette pump according to the inspection mode corresponding to the control button.

[0008] The inner diameter of the control tubing is equal to the calibrated inner diameter of the test tubing. The control tubing and the test tubing are connected to the pipette pumps one-to-one. Each pipette pump is used to pump the test solution into the corresponding tubing under the control of the main controller.

[0009] Furthermore, the pipeline volume error inspection device also includes a liquid level detection circuit, which is connected to the main controller and is used to detect the liquid level in the pipeline under test.

[0010] Furthermore, the liquid level detection circuit includes a reflective optocoupler.

[0011] Furthermore, the pipeline volume error inspection device also includes a mobile device connected to the main controller, the liquid level detection circuit is mounted on the mobile device, and the mobile device is used to move the liquid level detection circuit.

[0012] Furthermore, both the control pipeline and the pipeline under test are installed perpendicular to the ground.

[0013] Furthermore, the main controller includes an MCU, the pipette pump includes a plunger pump, the control tubing is a transparent hollow tube with graduation markings, and the detection solution is a colored solution.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for testing pipeline volume error, applied to the pipeline volume error testing device described in the first aspect; the pipeline volume error testing method includes:

[0015] When it is determined that a target button among the multiple control buttons is pressed, the target inspection mode corresponding to the target button is determined.

[0016] According to the target inspection mode, the operation of each pipette pump is controlled to perform volumetric error inspection of the pipeline under test.

[0017] Furthermore, the pipeline volume error inspection device also includes a liquid level detection circuit and a mobile device, both of which are connected to the main controller. The liquid level detection circuit is mounted on the mobile device. The step of controlling the operation of each pipette pump according to the target inspection mode to perform volume error inspection of the pipeline under test includes:

[0018] When the number of pipetting operations corresponding to the target inspection mode is determined to be 1, the pipeline to be tested is inspected in the following manner:

[0019] Control the pipette pump to pump the test solution corresponding to the single pipette volume of the target test mode into the test pipeline;

[0020] The initial position is determined based on the single pipetting volume corresponding to the target inspection mode;

[0021] The mobile device is controlled to move the liquid level detection circuit to the initial position of the pipeline under test, and then the liquid level of the pipeline under test is detected to obtain the liquid level detection result at the initial position.

[0022] Based on the initial position liquid level detection result, it is determined whether the pipeline under test has a volume error. If the initial position liquid level detection result is that no liquid level was detected, then it is output that the pipeline under test has a volume error and the actual volume of the pipeline under test is greater than its theoretical volume.

[0023] Furthermore, the step of determining whether there is a volumetric error in the pipeline under test based on the initial position liquid level detection result includes:

[0024] If the initial position liquid level detection result is that a liquid level is detected, then control the mobile device to drive the liquid level detection circuit to move a preset distance away from the initial position in a direction away from the pipette pump, and then perform liquid level detection on the pipeline to be tested to obtain the liquid level detection result after the movement;

[0025] Based on the initial position liquid level detection result and the subsequent liquid level detection result, it is determined whether the pipeline under test has a volume error. Specifically, if the initial position liquid level detection result indicates that a liquid level was detected, and the subsequent liquid level detection result also indicates that a liquid level was detected, then the pipeline under test is output as having a volume error, and the actual volume of the pipeline under test is less than its theoretical volume. If the initial position liquid level detection result indicates that a liquid level was detected, and the subsequent liquid level detection result indicates that a liquid level was not detected, then the pipeline under test has no volume error.

[0026] Furthermore, the pipeline volume error inspection method also includes:

[0027] When it is determined that the number of pipetting operations corresponding to the target inspection mode is greater than 1, the pipeline under test is segmented and tested according to the number of pipetting operations and the volume of a single pipetting operation corresponding to the target inspection mode. Based on the results of multiple segmented tests of the pipeline under test, it is determined whether the pipeline under test has a volume error.

[0028] Furthermore, the pipeline volume error inspection device also includes a liquid level detection circuit and a mobile device, both of which are connected to the main controller. The liquid level detection circuit is mounted on the mobile device. The step of performing segmented inspections on the pipeline under test according to the number of pipetting operations and the single pipetting volume corresponding to the target inspection mode, and determining whether the pipeline under test has a volume error based on the multiple segmented inspection results, includes:

[0029] The length of the unit liquid column generated during a single liquid transfer is determined based on the single liquid transfer volume corresponding to the target inspection mode.

[0030] Set the current number of tests to 1;

[0031] The first segment of the pipeline to be tested is taken as the current segment.

[0032] Based on the single-pipette volume and unit liquid column length corresponding to the target inspection mode, the current pipe segment is subjected to volumetric error detection to obtain the current pipe segment inspection result; wherein, the single-pipette volume is used to control the operation of the pipetting pump, and the unit liquid column length is used to determine the initial position of the liquid level detection circuit in order to control the operation of the mobile device;

[0033] Based on the current pipe segment detection results, determine whether the current pipe segment has a volume error;

[0034] When the current pipe segment has a volume error, it is determined that the pipeline under test has a volume error;

[0035] When there is no volume error in the current pipe segment, determine whether the current number of tests is consistent with the number of pipetting operations corresponding to the target inspection mode;

[0036] When the current number of tests is inconsistent with the number of pipetting operations corresponding to the target inspection mode, the current number of tests is updated, and the next pipe segment of the current pipe segment is taken as the current pipe segment. Then, the step of performing volume error detection on the current pipe segment based on the single pipetting volume and unit liquid column length corresponding to the target inspection mode is re-executed to obtain the test result of the current pipe segment.

[0037] When the current number of tests is consistent with the number of pipetting operations corresponding to the target inspection mode, it is determined that there is no volumetric error in the pipeline under test.

[0038] The present invention provides a tubing volume error testing device and method. The tubing volume error testing device includes a main controller, multiple control buttons, at least two pipette pumps, and a control tubing. Each control button is connected to the main controller, and different control buttons correspond to different testing modes, with different pipetting counts and / or single pipetting volumes. Each pipette pump is connected to the main controller, which controls the operation of each pump according to the testing mode corresponding to the control button. The inner diameter of the control tubing is equal to the calibrated inner diameter of the tubing to be tested. The control tubing and the tubing to be tested are connected to the pipette pumps one-to-one, and each pipette pump, under the control of the main controller, pumps the test solution into the corresponding tubing. This tubing volume error testing device enables rapid screening of tubing quality, improves testing efficiency, reduces labor costs, and reduces the impact of tubing errors at critical liquid path locations on the overall instrument, weakening errors and improving instrument accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the module composition of a pipeline volume error inspection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pipeline volume error testing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a detection scenario for a pipeline volume error inspection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a defective pipeline and a control pipeline provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another detection scenario for a pipeline volume error inspection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the module composition of another pipeline volume error testing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a detection scenario for another pipeline volume error inspection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another detection scenario for a pipeline volume error inspection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 9 A schematic flowchart of a pipeline volume error inspection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating another pipeline volume error inspection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Icons: 101-Main controller; 102-Control buttons; 103-Pipette pump; 104-Control tubing; 105-Test tubing; 106-Liquid level detection circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0052] The fluid circuit mainly consists of pumps, valves, and tubing. Pumps and valves, for example, are currently available on the market at reasonable prices with extremely low error accuracy, and are widely used in various industries, playing an excellent role. The following discussion uses the controlled variable method, assuming all other parts are identical, to focus on the impact of tubing on the instrument. As the bridging component between pumps and valves, tubing has a significant impact on the instrument's production cost, reliability, and maintenance after sale. Currently, one or more types of tubing, pumps, valves, and sampling needles are repeatedly used extensively in each instrument. Because pumps, valves, and sampling needles are distributed throughout the instrument and connected by tubing, the repetitive occurrence of minute differences in the tubing can seriously affect the reliability of the fluid circuit. Paying attention to these minute differences is crucial for the reliability of the fluid circuit. For the "bridge" of the fluid circuit components—the tubing—quality control is particularly important.

[0053] The characteristics of tubing in instruments: tubing is relatively long, and tubing in special sections has lifespan requirements; it is a key material in the core testing component. Therefore, research on tubing is crucial for improving instrument quality. Currently, tubing testing faces several problems: low level of automation, detailed testing is time-consuming and labor-intensive, costly, and lacks rapid testing methods. Based on this, the present invention provides a tubing volume error testing device and method that can solve the above problems.

[0054] The application scenarios of this invention can include: 1) incoming material inspection, that is, after receiving the pipeline sold by the pipeline manufacturer or distributor, it is necessary to inspect the pipeline for defects. Only if there are no defects can the pipeline be used in various equipment; 2) assembling the pipeline into the finished product testing equipment (e.g., electrochemiluminescence analyzer). During the use of the testing equipment, there may be defects in the pipeline due to volume changes (i.e., there is a volume error in the pipeline. The reasons for the defects are: solute precipitation in the reagent adheres to the inner wall of the pipeline, or the pipeline is deformed due to stretching or bending over the years after fixing, etc.). It is necessary to detect and prompt in time to avoid affecting the accuracy of the test results.

[0055] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, a detailed description of a pipeline volume error inspection device disclosed in this embodiment of the invention will be provided first.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a pipeline volume error testing device, which includes a main controller 101, multiple control buttons 102, at least two pipette pumps 103, and a control pipeline 104.

[0057] Each control button 102 is connected to the main controller 101. Different control buttons 102 correspond to different inspection modes, and the number of pipetting operations and / or the volume of each pipetting operation differ in different inspection modes; for example, Figure 2 As shown, two control buttons 102, A and B, are used. In the first test mode corresponding to button A, the number of pipetting operations is 1, and the single pipetting volume is 1 mL; button A provides a fixed volume function. In the test mode corresponding to button B, the number of pipetting operations is 10, and the single pipetting volume is 0.1 mL; button B provides a step volume function. It should be noted that the number of control buttons 102 is not limited to two and can be set according to actual needs.

[0058] Each pipette pump 103 is connected to a main controller 101, which controls the operation of each pipette pump 103 according to the inspection mode corresponding to the control button 102. Multiple pipette pumps 103 are of the same model, thus forming a pump matrix.

[0059] The inner diameter of the control tubing 104 is equal to the calibrated inner diameter of the test tubing 105. The control tubing 104 and the test tubing 105 are connected one-to-one with pipette pumps 103. Each pipette pump 103 is used to pump the test solution into the corresponding tubing under the control of the main controller 101. The container storing the test solution is connected to the corresponding tubing through the pipette pump 103, so that the pipette pump 103 can pump the test solution into the corresponding tubing.

[0060] One control tube 104 can be set, and one or more test tubes 105 can be set. The number of pipette pumps 103 is related to the number of test tubes 105, and the number of pipette pumps 103 is at least the number of test tubes 105 + 1. The control tube 104 is flexible and removable to facilitate the replacement of control tubes 104 with different inner diameters. The control tube 104 is preferably a tube with a uniform inner diameter and smooth inner wall. Different types of test tubes 105 can be tested by customizing different control tubes 104.

[0061] The aforementioned pipeline volume error inspection device enables rapid screening of pipeline quality, improves inspection efficiency, reduces labor costs, and enhances the accuracy of parent components, thereby improving instrument accuracy.

[0062] Optionally, such as Figure 2As shown, the main controller 101 includes an MCU (Microcontroller Unit), and the pipetting pump 103 includes a plunger pump. The plunger pump achieves pipetting by changing the volume of the sealed working cavity through the reciprocating motion of the plunger in the cylinder. The total volume provided by the plunger pump (the total volume of the test solution pumped out after one complete compression) can be 5 mL, and the pipetting range can be from 2 μL to 5 mL.

[0063] Optionally, the control tube 104 is a transparent hollow tube with graduation markings. This allows the user to easily observe the length of the liquid column in the control tube 104. For example, the control tube 104 is a transparent hollow tube with a uniform inner diameter, smooth inner wall, and graduation markings of 2 μL per division and a maximum measurement range of 5 mL.

[0064] Optionally, the detection solution is a colored solution (i.e., a colored solution). This facilitates the user's observation of the liquid column length of the detection solution in the control tube 104 and the test tube 105. The following description will use a colored solution as an example. It should be noted that this embodiment of the invention does not limit whether the detection solution is a colored solution; in other embodiments, a colorless solution (i.e., a colorless and transparent solution) can also be used.

[0065] Optionally, the main controller 101 is connected to each pipette pump 103 via a drive circuit module. The drive circuit module includes multiple drive chips corresponding one-to-one with each pipette pump 103, and each drive chip is connected to the corresponding pipette pump 103 via a drive wire. This achieves independent drive control of the pipette pump 103.

[0066] Optionally, the main controller 101, each control button 102, and the drive circuit module are all integrated on the driver board. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the PCBA (driver board) integrates a main controller 101 and multiple control buttons 102, etc. Thus, this pipeline volume error inspection device has the advantages of high reliability and strong shock resistance.

[0067] To improve the accuracy of the test, both the control pipe 104 and the test pipe 105 are set perpendicular to the ground. This setting is suitable for test pipes of any inner diameter, and can avoid the influence of the gravity of the liquid column on the length of the liquid column in the pipe, thus improving the accuracy of the test.

[0068] Considering that the thinner the pipe, the less the influence of atmospheric pressure and the weight of the liquid column on the length of the liquid column at the air interface, the pipe under test with an inner diameter smaller than the preset inner diameter threshold can also be set parallel to the ground. The preset inner diameter threshold can be set according to the actual situation. For example, if the preset inner diameter threshold is 1 mm, and the inner diameter of the pipe under test is 0.8 mm, then the pipe under test can be set parallel to the ground.

[0069] For ease of understanding, please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 5 The two testing scenarios of the above-mentioned pipeline volume error testing device are introduced respectively.

[0070] Scene 1:

[0071] The plunger pump needs to operate at low speeds (e.g., 1 μL / s).

[0072] Objective: To test the volumetric error of pipes 1 and 2. Pipes 1 and 2 can be two segments cut from the same pipe at a unit length (e.g., the two corresponding segments at the front and back; application scenario: incoming material inspection in a factory, where the entire batch of material can be cut and sampled one by one, using multi-end sampling to represent the quality of the batch of materials), or two segments cut from different pipes with the same inner diameter at a unit length, or two original pipes that have not been cut (e.g., in cases where a complete machine has been installed and destructive testing is not allowed).

[0073] Control group: Transparent hollow tubes with uniform inner diameter and smooth inner wall, each small cell containing 2 μL, with a maximum measurement range of 5 mL.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, when button "A" is pressed, the PCBA's MCU receives the button change signal (the MCU can actively monitor the button change signal of button "A" or receive the button change signal sent by button "A") and begins to execute the driving action of the plunger pump according to the firmware (e.g., pumping in 1 mL of color solution at once); the firmware is a program written into the MCU. After the plunger pump finishes working, the experimenter reads the scale value corresponding to the liquid level of the control group and checks the liquid column length of tube 1 and tube 2. Here, the control group data (i.e., the scale value corresponding to the liquid level of the control group) is used as the benchmark.

[0075] The liquid column length of pipe 1 and the liquid column length of pipe 2 were visually compared with the control group data to qualitatively determine the volume of pipe 1 and the volume of pipe 2. Figure 3 As shown, the volume of pipe 1 is consistent with that of the control group (i.e., pipe 1 has no volume error), while the volume of pipe 2 differs significantly from that of the control group. Pipe 2 is therefore judged to have a defect (i.e., pipe 2 has a volume error).

[0076] Further investigation can be conducted to rule out volume abnormalities caused by uneven inner diameter distribution. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the upper pipe is the defective pipe, and the lower pipe is the control pipe. The defective pipe has a dent at a certain location. The location of the dent can be further determined through the following scenario two.

[0077] Scene 2:

[0078] The plunger pump needs to operate at low speeds (e.g., 1 μL / s).

[0079] Objective: To test the volumetric error of pipes 1 and 2. Pipes 1 and 2 can be two segments cut from the same pipe at a unit length (e.g., the two corresponding segments at the front and back; application scenario: incoming material inspection in a factory, where the entire batch of material can be cut and sampled one by one, using multi-end sampling to represent the quality of the batch of materials), or two segments cut from different pipes with the same inner diameter at a unit length, or two original pipes that have not been cut (e.g., in cases where a complete machine has been installed and destructive testing is not allowed).

[0080] Control group: Transparent hollow tubes with uniform inner diameter and smooth inner wall, each small cell containing 2 μL, with a maximum measurement range of 5 mL.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, when the "B button" is pressed, the PCBA's MCU receives the button change signal and begins to execute the drive of the plunger pump according to the firmware (e.g., pumping in 2μL of color solution at a time, transferring 2μL into the pipeline with each press of the "B button"). Using the control group data as a standard, multiple presses of the "B button" can visually identify which section shows non-linear volume changes, thus quickly locating pipeline defects. Figure 5 As shown, after pressing the "B button" multiple times, the volume of pipe 1 is the same as that of the control group, while the volume of pipe 2 is significantly different from that of the control group. This indicates that there is a defect in the part of pipe 2 between the length of the liquid column after the previous press of the "B button" and the current length of the liquid column.

[0082] To further improve the level of automated detection and the accuracy of detection results, such as Figure 6 As shown, the aforementioned pipeline volume error inspection device also includes a liquid level detection circuit 106, which is connected to the main controller 101. The liquid level detection circuit 106 is used to detect the liquid level in the pipeline 105 under test. The liquid level detection circuit 106 can send the liquid level detection results to the main controller 101, which can automatically determine the defects in the pipeline 105 under test based on the received liquid level detection results. In this way, the defect determination of the pipeline 105 under test can be automatically completed without human observation.

[0083] When there are multiple test tubes 105, each liquid level detection circuit 106 corresponds to one test tube 105. Additionally, a corresponding liquid level detection circuit 106 can also be installed at a control tube 104 to verify its volume. Therefore, the number of liquid level detection circuits 106 can be at least equal to the number of test tubes 105, or at least equal to the number of test tubes 105 plus the number of control tubes 104. When a colorless solution is used, a highly sensitive sensor is preferred for the liquid level detection circuit 106.

[0084] Optionally, the liquid level detection circuit 106 includes a reflective optocoupler, meaning the liquid level detection circuit 106 is a circuit that includes a reflective optocoupler. The reflective optocoupler can provide a reflected signal when the test solution is present in the test tube 105 (or the control tube 104), thereby realizing liquid level detection. The reflective optocoupler has advantages such as high precision, high sensitivity, and high reliability.

[0085] After power-on, the liquid level detection circuit 106 automatically resets its position. The initial position of the reflective optocoupler is as follows: it corresponds to the position of the liquid column length during a single inspection operation of the pipette pump 103 on the standard pipeline (i.e., a pipeline with virtually no defects, used as a reference, such as control pipeline 104). This reflective optocoupler is positioned at the interface between the liquid surface and the air. The specific calculation of the liquid column length h is as follows: h = V / s, where V is the preset value of the total volume of liquid transferred by the plunger pump during a single inspection operation on the standard pipeline, and S is the cross-sectional area of ​​the standard pipeline. After obtaining the inner diameter of the standard pipeline and the total volume of liquid transferred during a single inspection operation, the main controller 101 can calculate the initial position, thereby enabling automatic inspection of the pipeline 105 to be tested.

[0086] Furthermore, the aforementioned pipeline volume error inspection device also includes a mobile device connected to the main controller 101. The liquid level detection circuit 106 is mounted on the mobile device, which drives the liquid level detection circuit 106 to move. The mobile device may be equipped with a motor (such as a stepper motor), which can rotate under the control of the main controller 101, thereby enabling the movement of the mobile device. This achieves automatic movement of the liquid level detection circuit 106, thus realizing automated and highly efficient pipeline volume error detection.

[0087] A mobile device can move one or more liquid level detection circuits 106. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide the following two mobile device solutions:

[0088] Option 1: A high-power stepper motor is selected to move the mobile device body, which is equipped with multiple liquid level detection circuits 106. That is, one mobile device drives multiple liquid level detection circuits 106 to move; for example, a single mobile device is used, which drives all liquid level detection circuits 106 to move via a high-power stepper motor; or multiple mobile devices are used, each of which drives multiple liquid level detection circuits 106 to move via a high-power stepper motor.

[0089] Option 2: Select a low-power stepper motor to move the mobile device body. This mobile device is equipped with only one liquid level detection circuit 106. That is, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the mobile device and the liquid level detection circuit 106; for example, when three liquid level detection circuits 106 are used, three mobile devices are used, and each mobile device moves through one liquid level detection circuit 106 via a low-power stepper motor.

[0090] To facilitate the movement of the liquid level detection circuit 106, a straight pipeline is preferred, that is, the reference pipeline 104 and the pipeline to be tested 105 are preferably straight pipelines.

[0091] It should be noted that the liquid level detection circuit 106, the mobile device, and the pipette pump 103 can be assembled products and applied to pipeline testing; the liquid level detection circuit 106, the mobile device, and the pipette pump 103 can also be directly assembled into the testing equipment (such as an electrochemiluminescence analyzer) to detect the pipeline of the testing equipment in real time.

[0092] The following reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The specific testing process of the above-mentioned pipeline volume error testing device is described in detail.

[0093] I. Performing a fixed volume function:

[0094] Unless otherwise specified, the default values ​​in the following content are the liquid column lengths corresponding to the standard pipeline, and the measured values ​​are the liquid column lengths corresponding to the pipeline to be tested.

[0095] Prerequisite for testing: The total volume of liquid transferred by the plunger pump during a single testing operation on any pipeline is fixed.

[0096] State 1: The reflective optocoupler is in its initial position. A test is performed on the pipeline under test. If the reflective optocoupler does not receive any reflected signal, meaning the liquid level detection circuit does not detect the liquid level, the liquid column length of the pipeline under test is less than that of the standard pipeline. This indicates that the measured value is less than the preset value, meaning the actual volume of the pipeline under test is greater than its theoretical volume, and the pipeline under test has a defect (i.e., there is a volume error). Figure 7As shown, the measured value of pipe 1 is less than the preset value, the actual volume of pipe 1 is greater than its theoretical volume, and pipe 1 has a defect.

[0097] State 2: The reflective optocoupler is in its initial position. A test is performed on the pipeline under test. The reflective optocoupler receives a reflected signal, indicating that the liquid level detection circuit has detected the liquid level. This means the measured value may be equal to or greater than the preset value. Moving the reflective optocoupler to the right by a preset distance relative to its initial position, if no reflected signal is received, it means the measured value is equal to the preset value, i.e., the actual volume of the pipeline under test equals its theoretical volume, and the pipeline under test has no defects (i.e., no volume error). Figure 7 As shown, the measured value of pipe 2 is equal to the preset value, and pipe 2 is defect-free.

[0098] State 3: The reflective optocoupler is in the initial position. A test is performed on the pipeline under test. If the reflective optocoupler obtains a reflected signal, it means that the measured value may be equal to or greater than the preset value. If the position of the reflective optocoupler is moved to the right by a preset distance relative to the initial position and a reflected signal is obtained, it means that the measured value is greater than the preset value, that is, the actual volume of the pipeline under test is less than its theoretical volume, and the pipeline under test has a defect.

[0099] It should be noted that the above preset distance is a value greater than 0. The shorter the preset distance, the more accurate the detection result.

[0100] When the measured value equals the preset value, besides the possibility that the pipeline under test is defect-free, it could also be that the actual volume of some sections of the pipeline under test is smaller than the theoretical volume, while the actual volume of other sections is larger than the theoretical volume. Multiple defects cancel each other out, resulting in the actual volume of the entire pipeline section equaling the theoretical volume. For example... Figure 7 As shown, pipe N has depressions and protrusions, but the overall volume of pipe N may still be the same as the theoretical volume. In this case, the following step volume function can be used to further determine whether there are defects in the pipe under test.

[0101] II. Execute the step volume function:

[0102] By employing a segmented testing method, such as injecting liquid every millimeter and measuring every millimeter, the long pipeline can be divided into multiple measurements. The more segments the pipeline has, the less likely the aforementioned problems can be avoided.

[0103] The total amount of liquid transferred during a single test operation of a plunger pump on any pipeline is divided into n segments of volume, where n is an integer greater than 1.

[0104] First, the length of the liquid column in the first volume is h1. The reflective optocoupler moves to length h1. The first volume of liquid is pumped into the pipeline under test using a plunger pump. A pipeline defect detection is performed based on the reflective optocoupler (i.e., defect detection of the first segment of the pipeline under test). If the detection result shows a defect, the output indicates a defect in the pipeline under test. If the detection result shows no defect, the reflective optocoupler moves to length h2 (the length of the liquid column in the second volume + h1) for a second pipeline defect detection (i.e., defect detection of the second segment). If the detection result shows a defect, the output indicates a defect in the pipeline under test. If the detection result shows no defect, a third pipeline defect detection is performed... and so on, until the detection result shows a defect, at which point the detection stops. If no defect is found after n volume detections, it means that the entire pipeline under test is defect-free. Figure 8 As shown, if there is a defect in pipe 2 at the current moment, the detection of pipe 2 will stop and the output "There is a defect in pipe 2" will be displayed; if there is no defect in pipe 1, the next pipe defect detection will continue.

[0105] In addition, the main controller 101 can further process the test data, such as performing statistical analysis on the test data, to improve the reliability of the instrument.

[0106] In summary, the pipeline volume error inspection device provided in this embodiment of the invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0107] 1) Quickly screen pipeline quality to eliminate cumulative errors in components caused by pipelines;

[0108] 2) Reduce the materials, time, and money spent on subsequent instrument calibration processes;

[0109] 3) Laying the foundation for the development of high-precision in vitro diagnostic instruments;

[0110] 4) Ensure stable fluid volume.

[0111] This invention also provides a method for testing pipeline volume error, which is applied to the aforementioned pipeline volume error testing device. See also... Figure 9 The diagram shows a flow chart of a pipeline volume error inspection method, which mainly includes the following steps S902 to S904:

[0112] Step S902: When it is determined that the target button among the multiple control buttons is pressed, the target inspection mode corresponding to the target button is determined.

[0113] Step S904: Control the operation of each pipette pump according to the target inspection mode to perform volumetric error inspection of the pipeline under test.

[0114] In some possible embodiments, the pipeline volume error inspection device further includes a liquid level detection circuit and a mobile device, both of which are connected to the main controller, with the liquid level detection circuit mounted on the mobile device. Based on this, step S904 can be implemented through the following process:

[0115] When the number of pipetting operations corresponding to the target inspection mode is determined to be 1, the pipeline under test is inspected as follows: The pipetting pump is controlled to pump the test solution corresponding to the single pipetting volume of the target inspection mode into the pipeline under test; the initial position is determined based on the single pipetting volume corresponding to the target inspection mode; the mobile device is controlled to move the liquid level detection circuit to the initial position of the pipeline under test, and then the liquid level of the pipeline under test is detected to obtain the initial position liquid level detection result; based on the initial position liquid level detection result, it is determined whether there is a volume error in the pipeline under test. If the initial position liquid level detection result is that no liquid level is detected, then the output indicates that there is a volume error in the pipeline under test, and the actual volume of the pipeline under test is greater than its theoretical volume.

[0116] Furthermore, if the initial position liquid level detection result indicates that a liquid level has been detected, the mobile device is controlled to move the liquid level detection circuit a preset distance away from the initial position towards the direction away from the pipette pump. Then, the liquid level of the pipeline under test is detected to obtain the liquid level detection result after the movement. Based on the initial position liquid level detection result and the liquid level detection result after the movement, it is determined whether there is a volume error in the pipeline under test. Specifically, if the initial position liquid level detection result indicates that a liquid level has been detected, and the liquid level detection result after the movement also indicates that a liquid level has been detected, then the output indicates that there is a volume error in the pipeline under test, and the actual volume of the pipeline under test is less than its theoretical volume. If the initial position liquid level detection result indicates that a liquid level has been detected, and the liquid level detection result after the movement indicates that a liquid level has not been detected, then the output indicates that there is no volume error in the pipeline under test.

[0117] Furthermore, when the number of pipetting operations corresponding to the target inspection mode is greater than 1, the pipeline under test is segmented and tested according to the number of pipetting operations and the volume of a single pipetting operation corresponding to the target inspection mode. Based on the results of multiple segmented tests of the pipeline under test, it is determined whether there is a volumetric error in the pipeline under test.

[0118] In some possible embodiments, the pipeline under test can be segmented for testing and the presence of volumetric errors can be determined by the following steps:

[0119] Step 1: Determine the length of the unit liquid column generated during a single pipetting based on the single pipetting volume corresponding to the target inspection mode;

[0120] The unit liquid column length is calculated based on the volume of liquid transferred in a single transaction and the calibrated inner diameter of the pipeline under test. For details, please refer to the relevant content in the aforementioned embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0121] Step 2: Set the current detection count to 1;

[0122] Step 3: Select the first segment of the pipeline to be tested as the current segment;

[0123] Step 4: Based on the single transfer volume and unit liquid column length corresponding to the target inspection mode, perform volumetric error detection on the current pipe section to obtain the inspection result of the current pipe section;

[0124] Among them, the single-pipette volume is used to control the operation of the pipette pump, and the unit liquid column length is used to determine the initial position of each liquid level detection circuit in order to control the operation of the mobile device; the process of detecting the volume error of the current pipe section is similar to the process of detecting the pipeline under test when the number of pipettes corresponding to the above target inspection mode is 1, and will not be described in detail here.

[0125] Step 5: Based on the current pipe segment inspection results, determine whether there is a volumetric error in the current pipe segment;

[0126] Step 6: When there is a volume error in the current pipe section, determine that there is a volume error in the pipe to be tested;

[0127] Step 7: When there is no volume error in the current pipe section, determine whether the current number of tests is consistent with the number of pipetting operations corresponding to the target inspection mode; if not, proceed to step 8; if they are consistent, proceed to step 9.

[0128] If the current number of tests is incremented by 1 each time it is updated, then consistency here can be understood as the same; if the current number of tests is not incremented by 1 each time it is updated, then consistency here can be understood as corresponding. For example, if the current number of tests is incremented by 2 each time it is updated, then when the current number of tests is equal to twice the number of pipettings corresponding to the target test mode minus 1, it is considered that the current number of tests is consistent with the number of pipettings corresponding to the target test mode.

[0129] Step 8: Update the current number of inspections, and set the next pipe segment of the current pipe segment as the current pipe segment, then repeat step 4.

[0130] Step 9: Determine that there is no volumetric error in the pipeline under test.

[0131] It should be noted that some of the steps mentioned above are not executed in any particular order; for example, there is no order between step 1 and step 2.

[0132] For ease of understanding, the following example assumes that both the control pipeline and the pipeline under test are perpendicular to the ground, and the control buttons include button A (for the fixed volume function) and button B (for the step volume function). Figure 10 The above-mentioned method for testing pipeline volumetric errors is described in detail with examples. For instance... Figure 10As shown, after the control button is pressed, the main controller determines whether to execute the fixed volume function; if yes, it executes the fixed volume function; if no, it executes the step volume function.

[0133] For cases where a fixed-volume function is executed:

[0134] Move the reflective optocoupler to its initial position at a height h (h = fixed volume transferred by the plunger pump / cross-sectional area of ​​the pipeline), and control the plunger pump to transfer a fixed volume of detection solution into the pipeline. Determine whether a reflected signal is obtained. If not, the pipeline has a defect and the actual volume is too large. If yes, move the reflective optocoupler up by a height y (moving up means moving away from the plunger pump) and determine whether a reflected signal is obtained. If yes, the pipeline has a defect and the actual volume is too small. If no, the pipeline has no defect.

[0135] For the case of executing the step volume function:

[0136] Perform segmented pipeline defect detection. First, detect defects in the first pipeline segment: move the reflective optocoupler to the height position h1 corresponding to the volume of the first segment, control the plunger pump to transfer the detection solution of the first segment volume into the pipeline, and determine whether a reflection signal is obtained; if not, the pipeline has a defect and the actual volume is too large; if yes, move the reflective optocoupler up by a height y (moving up is in the direction away from the plunger pump), and determine whether a reflection signal is obtained; if yes, the pipeline has a defect and the actual volume is too small; if not, the first segment volume is defect-free. Determine whether there is a defect in the first pipeline segment; if yes, the output pipeline has a defect; if not, determine whether to end the detection (e.g., determine whether the number of detections has reached the number of pipetting operations); if not, proceed to the next pipeline segment for defect detection, and determine whether there is a defect in the next pipeline segment again, and so on; if the detection ends, the output pipeline is defect-free.

[0137] The pipeline volume error inspection method provided in this embodiment has the same implementation principle and technical effect as the aforementioned pipeline volume error inspection device embodiment. For the sake of brevity, any parts not mentioned in the pipeline volume error inspection method embodiment can be referred to the corresponding content in the aforementioned pipeline volume error inspection device embodiment.

[0138] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0139] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0140] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0141] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pipeline volume error testing device, characterized in that, It includes a main controller, multiple control buttons, at least two pipette pumps, and a control tubing, wherein the control tubing is a transparent hollow tube; Each of the control buttons is connected to the main controller. Different control buttons correspond to different inspection modes, and the number of pipetting operations and / or the volume of each pipetting operation differ in different inspection modes. The inspection modes include a first inspection mode for providing a fixed volume function and a second inspection mode for providing a stepping volume function. The fixed volume function means that the total volume of liquid transferred by the plunger pump in one inspection operation on any pipeline is fixed. The stepping volume function means that the total volume of liquid transferred by the plunger pump in one inspection operation on any pipeline is divided into n segments of volume, where n is an integer greater than 1. Each of the pipette pumps is connected to the main controller, which controls the operation of each pipette pump according to the inspection mode corresponding to the control button. The inner diameter of the control tubing is equal to the calibrated inner diameter of the test tubing. The control tubing and the test tubing are connected to the pipette pumps one-to-one. Each pipette pump is used to pump the test solution into the corresponding tubing under the control of the main controller.

2. The pipeline volume error inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipeline volume error inspection device also includes a liquid level detection circuit, which is connected to the main controller and is used to detect the liquid level in the pipeline to be tested.

3. The pipeline volume error inspection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid level detection circuit includes a reflective optocoupler.

4. The pipeline volume error inspection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pipeline volume error inspection device also includes a mobile device connected to the main controller, and the liquid level detection circuit is mounted on the mobile device. The mobile device is used to move the liquid level detection circuit.

5. The pipeline volume error testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the control pipeline and the pipeline to be tested are installed perpendicular to the ground.

6. The pipeline volume error testing device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The main controller includes an MCU, the pipette pump includes a plunger pump, the control tubing has graduation markings, and the detection solution is a colored solution.

7. A method for inspecting pipeline volume error, characterized in that, The pipeline volume error testing device as described in any one of claims 1-6; The pipeline volume error inspection method includes: When it is determined that a target button among the multiple control buttons is pressed, the target inspection mode corresponding to the target button is determined. According to the target inspection mode, the operation of each pipette pump is controlled to perform volumetric error inspection of the pipeline under test.

8. The pipeline volume error inspection method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pipeline volume error inspection device further includes a liquid level detection circuit and a mobile device. Both the liquid level detection circuit and the mobile device are connected to the main controller, and the liquid level detection circuit is mounted on the mobile device. The step of controlling the operation of each pipette pump according to the target inspection mode to perform volume error inspection of the pipeline under test includes: When the number of pipetting operations corresponding to the target inspection mode is determined to be 1, the pipeline to be tested is inspected in the following manner: Control the pipette pump to pump the test solution corresponding to the single pipette volume of the target test mode into the test pipeline; The initial position is determined based on the single pipetting volume corresponding to the target inspection mode; The mobile device is controlled to move the liquid level detection circuit to the initial position of the pipeline under test, and then the liquid level of the pipeline under test is detected to obtain the liquid level detection result at the initial position. Based on the initial position liquid level detection result, it is determined whether the pipeline under test has a volume error. If the initial position liquid level detection result is that no liquid level was detected, then it is output that the pipeline under test has a volume error and the actual volume of the pipeline under test is greater than its theoretical volume.

9. The pipeline volume error inspection method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of determining whether there is a volumetric error in the pipeline under test based on the initial position liquid level detection result includes: If the initial position liquid level detection result is that a liquid level is detected, then control the mobile device to drive the liquid level detection circuit to move a preset distance away from the initial position in a direction away from the pipette pump, and then perform liquid level detection on the pipeline to be tested to obtain the liquid level detection result after the movement; Based on the initial position liquid level detection result and the subsequent liquid level detection result, it is determined whether the pipeline under test has a volume error. Specifically, if the initial position liquid level detection result indicates that a liquid level was detected, and the subsequent liquid level detection result also indicates that a liquid level was detected, then the pipeline under test is output as having a volume error, and the actual volume of the pipeline under test is less than its theoretical volume. If the initial position liquid level detection result indicates that a liquid level was detected, and the subsequent liquid level detection result indicates that a liquid level was not detected, then the pipeline under test has no volume error.

10. The method for testing pipeline volume error according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The pipeline volume error inspection method also includes: When it is determined that the number of pipetting operations corresponding to the target inspection mode is greater than 1, the pipeline under test is segmented and tested according to the number of pipetting operations and the volume of a single pipetting operation corresponding to the target inspection mode. Based on the results of multiple segmented tests of the pipeline under test, it is determined whether the pipeline under test has a volume error.

11. The pipeline volume error inspection method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The pipeline volume error inspection device further includes a liquid level detection circuit and a mobile device. Both the liquid level detection circuit and the mobile device are connected to the main controller, and the liquid level detection circuit is mounted on the mobile device. The step of performing segmented inspections of the pipeline under test according to the number of pipetting operations and the single pipetting volume corresponding to the target inspection mode, and determining whether the pipeline under test has a volume error based on the results of multiple segmented inspections of the pipeline under test, includes: The length of the unit liquid column generated during a single liquid transfer is determined based on the single liquid transfer volume corresponding to the target inspection mode. Set the current number of tests to 1; The first segment of the pipeline to be tested is taken as the current segment. Based on the single-pipette volume and unit liquid column length corresponding to the target inspection mode, the current pipe segment is subjected to volumetric error detection to obtain the current pipe segment inspection result; wherein, the single-pipette volume is used to control the operation of the pipetting pump, and the unit liquid column length is used to determine the initial position of the liquid level detection circuit in order to control the operation of the mobile device; Based on the current pipe segment detection results, determine whether the current pipe segment has a volume error; When the current pipe segment has a volume error, it is determined that the pipeline under test has a volume error; When there is no volume error in the current pipe segment, determine whether the current number of tests is consistent with the number of pipetting operations corresponding to the target inspection mode; When the current number of tests is inconsistent with the number of pipetting operations corresponding to the target inspection mode, the current number of tests is updated, and the next pipe segment of the current pipe segment is taken as the current pipe segment. Then, the step of performing volume error detection on the current pipe segment based on the single pipetting volume and unit liquid column length corresponding to the target inspection mode is re-executed to obtain the test result of the current pipe segment. When the current number of tests is consistent with the number of pipetting operations corresponding to the target inspection mode, it is determined that there is no volumetric error in the pipeline under test.

Images