Diluent box capable of reducing residues

Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of diluent tanks, and particularly relates to a diluent tank capable of reducing residues, which comprises a diluent tank with a hollow structure, a bottom plate of the diluent tank is provided with a concave liquid opening, the bottom plate of the diluent tank is obliquely arranged, the inclined direction of the inclined bottom plate faces the concave liquid opening, and a conical liquid collecting tank is arranged at the lowest position of the inclined bottom plate. The bottom of the conical liquid collecting tank is communicated with the liquid opening in the sunken position, the sunken position of the bottom corresponds to the opening position of the reagent box, and the inclination angle of the inclined bottom plate is set to enable diluent in the diluent box to be collected towards the sunken position of the conical liquid collecting tank under the action of gravity. Therefore, through a synergistic mechanism formed by inert material coatings on the inner wall of the diluent box, the surface of the inclined bottom plate and polytetrafluoroethylene integral forming or inner wall mirror polishing treatment of the conical liquid collecting groove, the diluent is guided to be directionally converged to a liquid opening in the bottom concave position under the gravity effect, the surface adhesive force of the liquid is greatly reduced, and the retention effect is avoided; therefore, the problem of reagent waste caused by excessive residual quantity of a traditional diluent tank is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of diluent tanks, and in particular relates to a diluent tank that reduces residue. Background Technology

[0002] In current laboratories, diluent tanks are commonly used reagent storage and supply equipment. They are mainly used to store the diluents required for experiments. They usually adopt a hollow box structure. The outside of the diluent tank is a cardboard box, and the inner tank of the diluent tank is made of soft material. Because the inner tank of the diluent tank is soft, it will lead to too much residue at the bottom. The instrument supplies the diluent through suction. Therefore, 200-1000ml of diluent often remains after use. This residue not only causes direct waste of reagents but may also lead to environmental pollution due to improper disposal of the residue. More importantly, some institutions mix the residue with new batches of reagents to save costs. Since the active ingredients, pH values, and preservative concentrations of different batches of reagents vary, this directly leads to distorted test results. At the same time, the dilution of preservative concentration shortens the shelf life of the reagents, increases the risk of microbial contamination, and seriously affects the accuracy and repeatability of test results. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the significant residue defects in traditional diluent tanks mentioned in the background section. After use, 200-1000 ml of diluent often remains. This residue not only directly wastes reagents but can also cause environmental pollution due to improper handling. More importantly, some institutions mix the residue with new batches of reagents to save costs. Because different batches of reagents have different active ingredients, pH values, and preservative concentrations, this directly leads to distorted test results. Furthermore, dilution of the preservative concentration shortens the reagent's shelf life, increases the risk of microbial contamination, and seriously affects the accuracy and repeatability of test results. This invention provides a diluent tank that reduces residue.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a diluent tank for reducing residue, comprising: a hollow diluent tank, wherein the bottom plate of the diluent tank is provided with a recessed liquid outlet, the bottom of the diluent tank is an inclined bottom plate, the inclined direction of the inclined bottom plate is towards the recessed liquid outlet, a conical liquid collection groove is provided at the lowest point of the inclined bottom plate, the bottom of the conical liquid collection groove is connected to the recessed liquid outlet, and the inclination angle of the inclined bottom plate is set to allow the diluent in the diluent tank to collect in the conical liquid collection groove under the action of gravity.

[0005] Furthermore, the tilt angle of the inclined base plate is 8°-12°.

[0006] Furthermore, the inner wall of the diluent tank and the surface of the inclined bottom plate are coated with an inert material, which is a polytetrafluoroethylene coating or a ceramic coating.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a liquid level detection device, which includes a liquid level sensor disposed in the conical liquid collection tank, and the liquid level sensor is electrically connected to an external control system.

[0008] Furthermore, a controllable drain valve is provided at the liquid outlet of the recess. The controllable drain valve is a solenoid valve, and the inner diameter of the channel of the controllable drain valve is adapted to the minimum inner diameter of the conical liquid collection tank.

[0009] Furthermore, the cone-shaped liquid collection trough has a taper of 30°-60°, and its depth is 1 / 8-1 / 5 of the total height of the diluent tank. The central axis of the liquid outlet at the recess coincides with the central axis of the cone-shaped liquid collection trough.

[0010] Furthermore, the main body of the diluent tank is made of food-grade polyethylene or food-grade polypropylene, and the inclined bottom plate is integrally injection molded and sealed to the diluent tank.

[0011] Furthermore, the conical liquid collection tank is integrally formed from polytetrafluoroethylene material, or its inner wall surface is mirror-polished.

[0012] Furthermore, a cardboard box is provided on the outside of the diluent tank, and the surface of the cardboard box has an opening that matches the liquid outlet in the recess.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this reduced residual diluent tank are: 1. This invention utilizes a synergistic mechanism consisting of an inclined base plate, a conical collection tank, and an inert material coating on the inner wall of the diluent tank and the inclined base plate, as well as an integrally molded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or mirror-polished inner wall treatment of the conical collection tank. This mechanism guides the diluent to converge directionally to the recessed liquid outlet under gravity, significantly reducing the adhesion of the liquid surface to avoid retention. This solves the problem of reagent waste caused by excessive residual amount in traditional diluent tanks, while also reducing the environmental pollution risk caused by improper handling of residual liquid.

[0014] 2. This invention, through a liquid level sensor in a conical collection tank, a solenoid valve at the liquid outlet in the recess, and a food-grade polyethylene / polypropylene integrated injection-molded structure for the diluent tank, achieves precise monitoring of residual liquid volume, controllable and dead-angle-free liquid drainage, and avoids chemical reactions between the diluent tank and the diluent, thus preventing reagent contamination. Because the residual amount is extremely low and the residual status can be monitored in real time, there is no need to mix new and old batches of reagents to save costs. This solves the risk of distorted test results caused by differences in active ingredients, pH values, and preservative concentrations between different batches of reagents in traditional methods. It also avoids problems such as shortened reagent shelf life and microbial contamination caused by preservative dilution, ensuring the repeatability of test results.

[0015] 3. This invention utilizes a protective mechanism consisting of a moisture-proof and pressure-resistant cardboard box, an inert material coating, and an optimized design of the depth and taper of the conical collection trough on the outside of the diluent tank. This mechanism protects the diluent tank from collisions and deformation during transportation and storage, prevents external dust and impurities from entering the recessed liquid outlet and contaminating the diluent tank, and maintains the anti-adhesion performance of the coating and the collection effect of the collection trough. It avoids problems such as the failure of the tilted bottom plate and conical collection trough due to diluent tank deformation, the impact of external contamination on reagent purity, and the new residue caused by coating peeling. Thus, it solves the problem of residue rebound and reagent contamination risk caused by structural damage or contamination during long-term use of traditional diluent tanks, ensuring the long-term stable low residue performance of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a diluent tank for reducing residue provided by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cardboard box for reducing residual diluent provided by the present invention.

[0017] As shown in the figure: 1. Diluent tank; 11. Inclined base plate; 12. Conical collection trough; 13. Liquid outlet in recess; 2. Cardboard box; 21. Opening. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0019] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this application proposes a diluent tank for reducing residue, which may include: a hollow diluent tank 1, a bottom plate of the diluent tank 1 having a recessed liquid outlet 13, a bottom of the diluent tank 1 being an inclined bottom plate 11 with the inclined direction of the inclined bottom plate 11 facing the recessed liquid outlet 13, a conical liquid collection trough 12 being provided at the lowest point of the inclined bottom plate 11, the bottom of the conical liquid collection trough 12 being connected to the recessed liquid outlet 13, and the inclined angle of the inclined bottom plate 11 being set so that the diluent in the diluent tank 1 can collect in the conical liquid collection trough 12 under the action of gravity.

[0020] It should be noted that the connection between the inclined base plate 11 and the inner wall of the diluent tank 1 described in this embodiment adopts a rounded transition structure to avoid forming a right-angle dead angle that would cause liquid stagnation. The opening size of the conical liquid collection tank 12 is adapted to the lowest point of the inclined base plate 11 to ensure that the liquid on the inclined base plate 11 can flow completely into the liquid collection tank. The overall structure achieves liquid flow without dead angles through fluid dynamics optimization.

[0021] Specifically, during operation, the diluent in the diluent tank flows along the inclined bottom plate 11 to the lowest conical collection trough 12 under the action of gravity. The guiding effect of the inclined bottom plate and the converging effect of the conical collection trough work together to concentrate the liquid at the concave outlet 13 for discharge. Structurally, this eliminates the liquid residue area caused by the flat bottom or unreasonable angle design of traditional diluent tanks, greatly reducing the amount of residue. This avoids reagent waste and environmental pollution caused by excessive residue, and at the same time reduces the need for medical institutions to mix new and old reagents to save costs, thereby reducing the risk of distorted test results and decreased reagent stability from the source.

[0022] Furthermore, the tilt angle of the inclined base plate 11 is 8°-12°.

[0023] It should be noted that the 8°-12° tilt angle range described in this embodiment is determined by comprehensively considering the fluidity of diluents with different viscosities, the structural stability of the diluent tank, and the feasibility of processing. For diluents with higher viscosity, an angle close to 12° can be used to enhance fluidity, while for diluents with lower viscosity, an angle close to 8° can be used to take into account the load-bearing strength of the diluent tank. This angle range can ensure efficient liquid collection while avoiding excessive height of the diluent tank or excessive space occupation due to excessive angle.

[0024] Specifically, this tilt angle guides the liquid to flow naturally along the surface of the base plate, allowing the liquid to overcome surface tension and move towards the conical collection tank under the action of gravity. Compared with traditional diluent tanks, which suffer from problems such as liquid stagnation due to too small a tilt angle or no tilt angle, and structural instability due to too large a tilt angle, an angle of 8°-12° can ensure that the liquid flows smoothly to the collection tank while maintaining the rationality of the diluent tank structure. This effectively solves the problem of large residual amount caused by unreasonable angle in traditional designs, thereby reducing reagent waste and the risk of mixed use.

[0025] Furthermore, the inner wall of the diluent tank 1 and the surface of the inclined bottom plate 11 are both coated with an inert material, which is a polytetrafluoroethylene coating or a ceramic coating.

[0026] It should be noted that the inert material coating described in this embodiment not only has chemical stability and can withstand the corrosion of various diluents, but also has extremely low surface energy, which can significantly reduce the adhesion of liquids to the surface. The coating thickness can be designed to be 50-200μm according to the frequency of use and wear requirements. Moreover, the coating is firmly bonded to the substrate of the diluent tank, is not easy to fall off, and can maintain the surface smoothness for a long time, ensuring that the liquid flow is not hindered.

[0027] Specifically, during operation, the inert material coating reduces the adhesion between the liquid and the surface of the diluent tank, making it less likely for the liquid to remain on the inner wall and the inclined base plate during flow. Compared to traditional diluent tanks without coating or using ordinary materials, which cause liquid adhesion and residue, this coating makes it easier for the liquid to flow along the inclined base plate to the conical collection tank, further reducing the amount of residue. This avoids waste caused by residual liquid adhesion, while also reducing the risk of contamination caused by long-term retention of residual liquid and ensuring the stability of test results.

[0028] It further includes a liquid level detection device, which includes a liquid level sensor installed in the conical liquid collection tank 12, and the liquid level sensor is electrically connected to an external control system.

[0029] It should be noted that the liquid level sensor described in this embodiment can be a contact or non-contact design. A contact sensor directly contacts the liquid to detect the liquid level, while a non-contact sensor uses ultrasonic or infrared technology to achieve contactless detection. The external control system can issue an audible and visual alarm or automatically record the liquid level information based on the sensor signal, so that operators can know the remaining liquid in the tank in a timely manner and avoid experimental interruption due to running out of liquid.

[0030] Specifically, during operation, the liquid level sensor monitors the liquid volume in the conical collection tank in real time and transmits the signal to the external control system. When the liquid volume drops to a preset threshold, the system issues a prompt to remind the operator to handle the situation in time. Compared with traditional diluent tanks that lack liquid level detection function, which leads to the problem of residual liquid not being detected in time and being mixed for use, this device can accurately grasp the liquid residue situation, avoid the mixing of new and old reagents due to ignorance, and ensure the accuracy of the test results.

[0031] Furthermore, a controllable drain valve is provided at the liquid outlet 13 in the recess. The controllable drain valve is a solenoid valve, and the inner diameter of the channel of the controllable drain valve is adapted to the minimum inner diameter of the conical liquid collection tank 12.

[0032] It should be noted that the solenoid valve described in this embodiment has a fast response speed and can be automatically switched on and off through an external control system. Its sealing structure is made of corrosion-resistant materials to ensure no leakage when closed. The inner diameter of the channel is adapted to the minimum inner diameter of the conical liquid collection tank to avoid dead zones of liquid stagnation caused by changes in channel diameter. The valve can also achieve linkage control based on the liquid level sensor signal to further improve the accuracy of liquid drainage.

[0033] Specifically, during operation, the solenoid valve opens according to the control signal, and the liquid in the conical collection tank is discharged through a channel that matches the inner diameter of the collection tank. This avoids the liquid residue caused by the mismatch between the channel size and the collection tank in traditional drain valves. At the same time, the controllability of the solenoid valve makes the draining process easier to control, reduces residue caused by improper human operation, and solves the problem of incomplete draining by traditional manual valves, thereby reducing reagent waste and the risk of mixed use.

[0034] Furthermore, the taper of the conical liquid collection tank 12 is 30°-60°, the depth of the conical liquid collection tank 12 is 1 / 8-1 / 5 of the total height of the dilution tank 1, and the central axis of the liquid outlet 13 in the recess coincides with the central axis of the conical liquid collection tank 12.

[0035] It should be noted that the taper and depth parameters described in this embodiment are to ensure that the liquid collection tank can efficiently collect liquid without affecting the overall capacity of the diluent tank due to excessive volume. The taper of 30°-60° allows the liquid to form a smooth flow path in the tank, while the depth ratio of 1 / 8-1 / 5 balances the liquid collection effect with the space utilization of the diluent tank. The design of the coincident central axis ensures that the liquid is discharged from the center of the liquid collection tank, avoiding residue caused by deviated flow.

[0036] Specifically, during operation, the conical liquid collecting tank guides the liquid towards the center through its conical surface. The reasonable design of the taper and depth prevents the liquid from forming eddies or stagnating in the tank. Combined with the structure in which the liquid outlet at the recess coincides with the central axis, it ensures that the liquid can be completely discharged from the bottom of the collecting tank. Compared with the liquid residue problem caused by the unreasonable taper, insufficient depth or the offset of the liquid outlet at the recess in traditional collecting tanks, this design further reduces the amount of residue and solves the risk of reagent waste and environmental pollution caused by structural defects.

[0037] Furthermore, the main body of the diluent tank 1 is made of food-grade polyethylene or food-grade polypropylene, and the inclined base plate 11 is integrally injection molded and sealed to the diluent tank 1.

[0038] It should be noted that the food-grade polyethylene and polypropylene described in this embodiment have good chemical resistance, low-temperature toughness and processing performance, are suitable for contact with various diluents and will not produce leaching substances that contaminate reagents. The one-piece injection molding process allows the inclined base plate to be seamlessly connected to the diluent tank, avoiding gaps that may occur in spliced ​​connections that could lead to liquid retention and leakage, while also enhancing the overall structural strength of the diluent tank.

[0039] Specifically, during operation, the one-piece molded structure eliminates the gaps at the connection between the inclined base plate and the diluent tank, preventing liquid residue from remaining in the gaps. The food-grade material ensures that the diluent tank will not react chemically with the diluent, thus preventing reagent contamination. Compared to the residue and contamination problems caused by traditional diluent tanks using ordinary plastic or spliced ​​structures, this design reduces the risk of residue from the perspective of materials and connection methods, ensuring reagent purity and thus avoiding distortion of test results due to reagent contamination or residue.

[0040] Furthermore, the conical liquid collection tank 12 is integrally formed of polytetrafluoroethylene material, or its inner wall surface is mirror polished.

[0041] It should be noted that the polytetrafluoroethylene material described in this embodiment has an extremely low coefficient of friction and surface energy, and the liquid hardly adheres to its surface. The integral molding process ensures that the liquid collection tank is seamless and avoids residue. The mirror polishing treatment makes the surface roughness of the inner wall extremely low, the liquid flow resistance is small, and it is not easy for microorganisms to grow. Both methods can be selected according to the usage requirements to adapt to different cost and performance requirements.

[0042] Specifically, during operation, the PTFE material or mirror-polished inner wall allows the liquid to flow smoothly within the conical collection tank, making it less prone to adhesion and residue. Compared to traditional collection tanks where liquid stagnation is caused by rough material surfaces or seams, this design ensures that the liquid in the collection tank can flow completely to the recessed outlet for discharge, further reducing residue and solving the problem of reagent waste caused by structural defects in the collection tank. At the same time, it reduces the risk of microbial contamination and ensures the reproducibility of test results.

[0043] Furthermore, a cardboard box 2 is provided on the outside of the diluent tank 1, and the surface of the cardboard box 2 has an opening 21 that matches the liquid outlet 13 in the recess.

[0044] It should be noted that the cardboard box 2 described in this embodiment is made of moisture-proof and pressure-resistant material, which can effectively protect the diluent tank 1 and prevent the diluent tank from being deformed or damaged due to collisions during transportation and storage. The opening 21 adopts an easy-tear structure, which can be easily opened to expose the recessed liquid outlet 13 when in use, and the recessed liquid outlet can be closed when not in use to prevent dust and impurities from entering the recessed liquid outlet and contaminating the inside of the diluent tank.

[0045] Specifically, during operation, the cardboard box protects the diluent tank from damage during transportation and storage, ensuring the integrity of key structures such as the inclined base plate and conical collection tank, and preventing an increase in residue due to structural deformation. The opening protects the recessed liquid outlet from contamination, preventing external impurities from entering the diluent tank and affecting reagent purity. Compared to the traditional diluent tank without dedicated packaging, which can lead to damage or contamination of the recessed liquid outlet, this design ensures the structural stability of the diluent tank and the cleanliness of the reagent, indirectly reducing the risk of residue and detection due to structural damage or contamination.

[0046] It should be understood that the recessed liquid outlet 13 is located at the bottom of the diluent tank 1, while the opening 21 is at the top of the carton 2. During transportation, the diluent tank 1 is placed inside the carton 2, and the recessed liquid outlet 13 is placed at the opening 21 of the carton 2. This avoids the problem that the diluent tank 1, being made of soft material, may become uneven during transportation due to bumps, which could lead to incomplete aspiration by the instrument.

[0047] As one possibility, the diluent tank 1 and the cardboard box 2 are integrated as a single unit.

[0048] In summary, when the diluent tank 1 stores the diluent, its inclined base plate 11 guides the diluent to flow to the lowest point under gravity through a reasonable tilt angle. The conical collection trough 12 at the lowest point of the inclined base plate 11 further collects the liquid. At the same time, the inert material coating of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or ceramic coating on the inner wall of the diluent tank 1 and the surface of the inclined base plate 11, and the integral PTFE molding structure or mirror polishing treatment of the inner wall of the conical collection trough 12, significantly reduce the adhesion of the liquid to the surface and prevent liquid stagnation. The inner diameter of the solenoid valve channel at the liquid outlet 13 in the recess is consistent with that of the conical collection trough. When the minimum inner diameter adapter 12 is opened, the liquid collected in the conical collection tank 12 can be discharged without dead corners. The liquid level sensor in the conical collection tank 12 monitors the liquid volume in real time and transmits the signal to the external control system, promptly reminding the operator to handle residual liquid and avoiding residual liquid retention due to lack of awareness. The diluent tank 1 is made of food-grade polyethylene or food-grade polypropylene through one-piece injection molding, eliminating gaps at the connection between the inclined base plate 11 and the diluent tank 1, preventing liquid residue in the gaps, and avoiding chemical reaction between the material and the diluent to contaminate the reagent. The outer cardboard box 2 protects the diluent tank 1 during transportation. The structure remains intact during storage, preventing deformation due to collisions from affecting the converging effect of the inclined base plate 11 and the conical collection tank 12. The opening 21 on its surface seals the recessed liquid outlet 13 when not in use, preventing impurities from entering and contaminating the inside of the diluent tank. Through the synergistic effect of the above structures, the diluent achieves seamless flow and discharge within the tank. In this process, the angle design of the inclined base plate, the converging structure of the conical collection tank, the anti-adhesion surface treatment, precise liquid level monitoring and controllable drainage, the integrated sealing structure, and the external protection design collectively solve the problems of traditional diluent tanks in the background art. The problem of reagent waste caused by residual 200-1000ml of diluent is eliminated. At the same time, the residual amount is greatly reduced to <10mL, avoiding the practice of medical institutions mixing new and old batches of reagents to save costs. This eliminates the risk of distorted test results caused by differences in active ingredients, pH value, and preservative concentration between different batches of reagents. Since the preservative concentration does not need to be diluted, the liquid does not remain for a long time, and the surface treatment reduces the conditions for microbial growth, the problems of decreased reagent stability and microbial contamination affecting the reproducibility of test results are solved. At the same time, the environmental pollution risk caused by improper disposal of residual liquid is reduced.

[0049] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A diluent tank for reducing residue, characterized in that, include: A hollow structure diluent tank (1) with a recessed liquid outlet (13) on the bottom plate of the diluent tank (1). The bottom of the diluent tank (1) is an inclined bottom plate (11) with the inclined direction of the bottom plate (11) facing the liquid outlet (13) in the recess. The lowest point of the inclined bottom plate (11) is provided with a conical liquid collection trough (12), and the bottom of the conical liquid collection trough (12) is connected to the liquid outlet (13) in the recess; The tilt angle of the inclined base plate (11) is set so that the diluent in the diluent tank (1) can be collected into the conical collection tank (12) under the action of gravity.

2. The diluent tank for reducing residue according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tilt angle of the inclined base plate (11) is 8°-12°.

3. The diluent tank for reducing residue according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the diluent tank (1) and the surface of the inclined bottom plate (11) are both coated with an inert material, which is a polytetrafluoroethylene coating or a ceramic coating.

4. The diluent tank for reducing residue according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a liquid level detection device, which includes a liquid level sensor disposed in the conical liquid collection tank (12), and the liquid level sensor is electrically connected to an external control system.

5. The diluent tank for reducing residue according to claim 1, characterized in that, A controllable drain valve is provided at the liquid outlet (13) in the recess. The controllable drain valve is a solenoid valve. The inner diameter of the channel of the controllable drain valve is adapted to the minimum inner diameter of the conical liquid collection tank (12).

6. The diluent tank for reducing residue according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cone-shaped liquid collection tank (12) has a taper of 30°-60°, and the depth of the cone-shaped liquid collection tank (12) is 1 / 8-1 / 5 of the total height of the dilution tank (1). The central axis of the liquid outlet (13) in the recess coincides with the central axis of the cone-shaped liquid collection tank (12).

7. The diluent tank for reducing residue according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the diluent tank (1) is made of food-grade polyethylene or food-grade polypropylene, and the inclined bottom plate (11) and the diluent tank (1) are integrally injection molded and sealed.

8. The diluent tank for reducing residue according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conical liquid collection tank (12) is integrally formed of polytetrafluoroethylene material, or its inner wall surface is mirror polished.

9. The diluent tank for reducing residue according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diluent tank (1) is provided with a cardboard box (2) on the outside, and the surface of the cardboard box (2) has an opening (21) that matches the liquid outlet (13) in the recess.

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