Embedded host of laboratory chemical analysis instrument
By designing an embedded host for laboratory chemical analysis instruments, and adopting a unified power supply and standardized interface, the problems of simplified functions and inconsistent interfaces of domestic instruments were solved. This enabled unified control and data management of multiple instruments, reduced costs, and improved experimental efficiency and data security.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHANGSHA KAIDE MEASUREMENT & CONTROL INSTRUMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
The human-computer interaction units of existing domestic chemical analysis instruments have simplified functions, making it impossible to manage and upload experimental data. Furthermore, the integration of control units and human-computer interaction units increases development and maintenance costs. Inconsistent interfaces between different instruments also lead to difficulties in data acquisition.
Design an embedded host for laboratory chemical analysis instruments, using a unified 24V power supply module and standardized interfaces, equipped with a touch screen, circuit board, WIFI/Bluetooth module, 4G/5G module, serial communication module, etc., to support the control and data transmission of various chemical analysis instruments, and have self-diagnosis, encryption and multi-language functions.
It enables unified control and data management of various chemical analysis instruments, reduces the difficulty of hardware integration and the cost of purchase and maintenance, improves experimental efficiency, and ensures data security and compatibility.
Smart Images

Figure CN224152922U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of chemical laboratory technology, and in particular to an embedded host for a laboratory chemical analysis instrument. Background Technology
[0002] A chemistry lab is equipped with various chemical instruments, including potentiometric titrators, Karl Fischer moisture analyzers, conductivity meters, and pH meters. Each instrument typically comprises two units: a control unit and a human-machine interface (HMI) unit. The control unit's function is instrument-specific, but the main functions of the HMI unit are: 1. Setting experimental parameters and starting the experiment via the host computer; 2. Collecting data uploaded by the control unit and displaying experimental process data and final results; 3. Generating the final experimental report and uploading it to the server.
[0003] Currently, most laboratory chemistry instruments achieve these functions using two main technologies: The first is to integrate the control unit and the human-machine interface unit into a single instrument; this is the most common approach used in domestically produced instruments. The second is to separate the human-machine interface unit into a separate embedded host, which can connect to different control units; this approach is adopted in many newly developed instruments from foreign manufacturers.
[0004] Regarding the background technology mentioned above, the following questions arise:
[0005] Firstly, many domestically produced instruments have simplified the functions of the human-computer interaction unit. The human-computer interaction unit can only realize simple parameter settings, test start-up and result display, but cannot realize test data management and uploading functions.
[0006] Secondly, integrating the human-computer interaction unit and the control unit into one structure will increase development costs and later maintenance costs. This is because the function or measurement accuracy of the control unit will be upgraded with the continuous advancement of control methods. However, the human-computer interaction unit only realizes human-computer operation and data management, and its upgrade frequency is not that high. However, if an embedded system is used, the development cycle of the human-computer interaction is relatively long. Therefore, upgrading both together will increase the difficulty and cycle of development.
[0007] If an embedded host is designed to control multiple laboratory chemical instruments simultaneously (such as four potentiometric titrators), or if the hardware of the embedded host remains unchanged but different programs are installed to control different instruments (for example, if the host originally controls the potentiometric titrator, the embedded software can be changed to the software for the Karl Fischer moisture analyzer to control the Karl Fischer moisture analyzer).
[0008] Some chemical instrument manufacturers have already made embedded host computers, but due to the lack of unified interface standards, especially when the laboratory server needs to collect data from these instrument terminals, it is quite troublesome to achieve unified data collection in the laboratory because these embedded host computers have different external interfaces. Utility Model Content
[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide an embedded host for a laboratory chemical analysis instrument to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0010] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an embedded host for a laboratory chemical analysis instrument, comprising: a touch screen, a circuit board, an external interface, and a power supply. The host is connected to the control unit of the chemical analysis instrument via network port 1 and communicates with the laboratory server via network port 2. The host uses a unified 24V power module for power supply through a pin-type or hole-type circular connector.
[0011] The pin output numbers are: 1: +VO (power positive), 2: -VO (power negative), 3: -VO (power negative), 4: +VO (power positive). The circuit board is equipped with a touch screen interface module for connecting to the touch screen, a WIFI / Bluetooth module and a 4G / 5G module for providing wireless communication functions, a serial communication module that supports RS232 or RS485 interface, and USB communication module 1 and USB communication module 2 for printing and extended communication and program upgrade, respectively.
[0012] In this preferred embodiment, the touchscreen serves as the human-computer interaction interface, replacing the traditional button and display screen mode, and realizing parameter setting, test start, data display and management functions.
[0013] In this preferred embodiment, the host computer controls different types of chemical analysis instruments by installing different embedded software, including but not limited to potentiometric titrators, Karl Fischer moisture analyzers, conductivity meters, and pH meters.
[0014] In this preferred embodiment, the host is equipped with dual Ethernet communication modules: Ethernet communication module 1 for communicating with the instrument control unit and Ethernet communication module 2 for communicating with the laboratory server, thereby enabling independent data transmission and management.
[0015] In this preferred embodiment, the host has a built-in WIFI / Bluetooth module and a 4G / 5G module, supporting wireless connection, remote monitoring and OTA function, allowing users to update the host configuration and transmit data via wireless network.
[0016] In this preferred embodiment, the host's USB communication module 2 is used for program upgrades and also connects to other devices such as printers via the USB interface to achieve extended communication functions.
[0017] In this preferred embodiment, the host has a serial communication module that is compatible with RS232 or RS485 bus interfaces for further functional expansion.
[0018] In this preferred embodiment, the host has self-diagnostic capabilities, which monitors the working status of each hardware component in real time through a built-in diagnostic module, and generates an error report when an anomaly is detected. This report is displayed on a touchscreen or sent to an external device via a network interface.
[0019] In this preferred embodiment, the host supports multi-language interface switching, allowing users to select different operating languages via the touchscreen to meet the usage needs of users in different countries and regions; furthermore, the host has a built-in language pack update mechanism, which can download and update language packs via the USB communication module 2 or the wireless communication module.
[0020] In this preferred embodiment, the host is equipped with a data encryption module for encrypting data transmitted via Ethernet port 1, Ethernet port 2, the Wi-Fi / Bluetooth module, and the 4G / 5G module, ensuring data security and privacy protection. Furthermore, this encryption module also supports user-defined encryption algorithm selection or settings.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects and advantages of this utility model are as follows:
[0022] This laboratory chemical analysis instrument embedded host adopts a universal design, enabling it to control different types of chemical analysis instruments (such as potentiometric titrators and Karl Fischer moisture analyzers) by installing different embedded software. It communicates with other devices through standardized interfaces (including two Ethernet ports, two USB ports, one serial port, and one power interface). The circuit board has multiple functional modules, such as a touchscreen interface module, a WIFI / Bluetooth module, a 4G / 5G module, a serial communication module, and an Ethernet communication module. These modules work together to allow the host to flexibly adapt to various application scenarios. By defining unified interface types and specifications, compatibility with different types of instruments is ensured, reducing hardware integration difficulty. Compared to the traditional approach of requiring separate human-machine interface units for each instrument, this invention allows users to operate multiple instruments with only one host, reducing purchase and maintenance costs.
[0023] Since all operations can be completed on one interface, there is no need to switch between different instruments, which greatly improves experimental efficiency. When there are new instruments or functional requirements, only the corresponding software needs to be updated or appropriate modules need to be added, without replacing the entire system, which greatly simplifies the upgrade process. Attached Figure Description
[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model 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 this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the main unit of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main circuit control principle of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a single instrument connected in series according to this utility model;
[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a control unit for controlling multiple instruments by a host computer, as described in this utility model.
[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the power interface of the whole machine of this utility model, which adopts a DIN-4P interface.
[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the detachable cable management unit of this utility model;
[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the detachable cable management board of this utility model.
[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0034] In the diagram: 1. Touch screen; 2. Ethernet port 1; 3. Ethernet port 2; 4. Pin-type or hole-type round connector; 5. Serial port; 6. USB interface 1; 7. USB interface 2; 8. Back cover; 9. Recessed groove; 10. Removable cable management board; 11. Positioning socket; 12. Removable cable management unit; 13. Cable threading hole; 14. Concave magnet; 15. Protruding magnet; 16. Handle. Detailed Implementation
[0035] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with the present invention.
[0036] Unless otherwise defined, the directions mentioned herein, such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, and outside, are based on the directions shown in the figures of this utility model, and are explained here together.
[0037] This embodiment provides, for example Figures 1 to 8 An embedded host for a laboratory chemical analysis instrument is shown, comprising: a touch screen 1, a circuit board, an external interface, and a power supply. The host is connected to the control unit of the chemical analysis instrument via network port 1 and communicates with the laboratory server via network port 2. The host uses a unified 24V power module for power supply through a pin-type or hole-type circular connector 4; the pin-type or hole-type circular connector 4 is 4-pin.
[0038] The pin output numbers are: 1: +VO (power positive), 2: -VO (power negative), 3: -VO (power negative), 4: +VO (power positive). The circuit board is equipped with a touch screen interface module for connecting to touch screen 1, a WIFI / Bluetooth module and a 4G / 5G module to provide wireless communication functions, a serial communication module that supports RS232 or RS485 interface, and USB communication module 1 and USB communication module 2 for printing and extended communication and program upgrade, respectively. The back of the touchscreen 1 is provided with a back shell 8, which has a U-shaped structure, so that all external interface components are disposed on the bottom wall of the recessed groove 9 in the upper part of the back shell 8. A detachable cable management unit 12 is provided above the external interface components and above the recessed groove 9, so that different external cables connected to the external interface components can be tidied up by the detachable cable management unit. The detachable cable management unit 12 includes a detachable cable management plate 10 embedded in the recessed groove 9 and multiple cable through holes 13 opened inside the detachable cable management plate 10. A handle 16 is installed on the outer wall of the detachable cable management plate 10, and positioning insertion holes 11 are opened on both sides of the inner wall of the recessed groove 9. The two ends of the detachable cable management board 10 are detachably installed in two positioning sockets 11 via magnetic components. The magnetic components include concave magnet pieces 14 symmetrically embedded on the top surfaces of both ends of the detachable cable management board 10 and convex magnet blocks 15 adhered to the inner top wall of each positioning socket 11. All external cables connected to the external interfaces in the recessed groove 9 are snapped into their corresponding upper cable-passing holes 13. Holding the detachable cable management board 10 by the handle 16, with the opening end of the cable-passing hole 13 facing the back of the touchscreen 1, the convex magnet block 15 and the concave magnet piece 14 snap together and magnetically attract when the detachable cable management board 10 is inserted into the two positioning sockets 11. This not only allows for neat cable management and reduces clutter, but the magnetic connection also facilitates disassembly and increases installation stability. Furthermore, the opening direction of the cable-passing hole 13 faces the back of the touchscreen 1 to prevent cables from detaching from the cable-passing hole 13.
[0039] In this embodiment, the touch screen 1 serves as a human-computer interaction interface, replacing the traditional button and display screen mode, and realizes parameter setting, test start, data display and management functions.
[0040] In this embodiment, the host computer controls different types of chemical analysis instruments by installing different embedded software, including but not limited to potentiometric titrators, Karl Fischer moisture analyzers, conductivity meters, and pH meters.
[0041] In this embodiment, the host is equipped with dual Ethernet communication modules, namely Ethernet communication module 1 for communicating with the instrument control unit and Ethernet communication module 2 for communicating with the laboratory server, so as to realize independent data transmission and management.
[0042] In this embodiment, the host has a built-in WIFI / Bluetooth module and a 4G / 5G module, supporting wireless connection, remote monitoring and OTA function, allowing users to update the host configuration and transmit data through the wireless network.
[0043] In this embodiment, the host's USB communication module 2 is used for program upgrades and also connects to other devices such as printers via the USB interface to achieve extended communication functions.
[0044] In this embodiment, the host has a serial communication module 5, which is compatible with RS232 or RS485 bus interfaces and is used for further functional expansion.
[0045] In this embodiment, the host has self-diagnosis capabilities. It monitors the working status of each hardware component in real time through a built-in diagnostic module and generates an error report when an anomaly is detected. The report is displayed on the touch screen 1 or sent to an external device through a network interface.
[0046] In this embodiment, the host supports multi-language interface switching. Users can select different operating languages through the touch screen 1 to meet the usage needs of users in different countries and regions. In addition, the host has a built-in language pack update mechanism, which can download and update language packs through the USB communication module 2 or the wireless communication module.
[0047] In this embodiment, the host is equipped with a data encryption module for encrypting data transmitted through network port 1, network port 2, the WIFI / Bluetooth module, and the 4G / 5G module, ensuring data security and privacy protection. Furthermore, this encryption module supports user-defined encryption algorithm selection or settings. The host also includes a voice broadcast module, enabling voice broadcast functionality.
[0048] Working principle
[0049] The laboratory chemical analysis instrument's embedded host is connected to a unified 24V power module via a pin-type or hole-type circular connector 4. The power system converts the 24V voltage to the voltage required by the various modules within the circuit. After powering on, the host performs a self-test program to check whether all hardware components are working properly and prepares for startup. The touchscreen 1 serves as the main human-machine interface, allowing users to set experimental parameters and select control modes. Users can install different software to control different types of chemical analysis instruments, such as potentiometric titrators and Karl Fischer moisture analyzers.
[0050] Through network port 1, the host establishes a connection with the control unit of the selected chemical analysis instrument, using the same communication protocol to ensure compatibility. Meanwhile, network port 2 is used to establish a connection with the laboratory server to facilitate data upload and management. Utilizing a WIFI / Bluetooth module or a 4G / 5G module, the host supports wireless connectivity, allowing users to remotely monitor and operate the host via mobile devices. It also supports OTA (Over-The-Air Technology) updates, enabling the host to receive software updates without service interruption.
[0051] Users input experimental parameters and start the experiment via the touchscreen. The host sends corresponding instructions to the control unit based on the selected instrument type. During the experiment, the host continuously collects data from the control unit and displays the results in real time on the touchscreen. The data can be printed out via USB communication module 1 or transferred to an external storage device or printer via USB communication module 2.
[0052] During data transmission, whether via wired or wireless means, the data is processed by a data encryption module to ensure data security and privacy protection. Users can switch the operating language on the touchscreen as needed. The host's built-in language pack update mechanism allows the latest language pack to be downloaded via USB communication module 2 or wireless communication module.
[0053] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "one" and "two" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, the phrase "comprising an element defined as..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0054] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A laboratory chemical analysis instrument embedded host, characterized in that, include: Touch screen (1), circuit board, external interface, serial communication module (5), power supply and USB communication module 1 (6) and USB communication module 2 (7). The host is connected to the control unit of the chemical analysis instrument through network port 1 (2) and communicates with the laboratory server through network port 2 (3). The host uses a unified 24V power module to be powered through a pin-type or hole-type circular connector (4). The PIN pin outputs are: +VO, -VO, -VO, +VO. The circuit board is equipped with a touch screen interface module for connecting the touch screen (1). The serial communication module (5) supports RS232 or RS485 interface. The USB communication module 1 (6) and USB communication module 2 (7) are used for printing and extended communication and program upgrade, respectively. The back of the touch screen (1) is provided with a back shell (8). The back shell (8) has a U-shaped structure, so that all external interface components are set on the bottom wall of the recessed groove (9) at the top of the back shell (8). A detachable cable management unit (12) is provided above the external interface components and above the recessed groove (9), so that different external cables connected to the external interface components can be tidied up through the detachable cable management unit.
2. A laboratory chemical analysis instrument embedded host computer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detachable cable management unit (12) includes a detachable cable management plate (10) embedded in the recessed groove (9) and multiple cable through holes (13) opened inside the detachable cable management plate (10). The touch screen (1) has a human-machine interface and can set parameters, start the test, display data and manage it.
3. A laboratory chemical analysis instrument embedded host computer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner walls on both sides of the notch (9) are provided with positioning sockets (11). The two ends of the detachable cable management plate (10) are respectively detachably installed in the two positioning sockets (11) by magnetic attraction components. The host controls different types of chemical analysis instruments by installing different embedded software.
4. A laboratory chemical analysis instrument embedded host computer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The magnetic components include concave magnet pieces (14) symmetrically embedded in the top surfaces of both ends of the detachable cable management plate (10) and convex magnet blocks (15) bonded to the inner top wall of each positioning socket (11). The host is equipped with dual Ethernet communication modules, namely Ethernet communication module 1 for communicating with the instrument control unit and Ethernet communication module 2 for communicating with the laboratory server, so as to realize independent data transmission and management.
5. A laboratory chemical analysis instrument embedded host computer according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the detachable cable management board (10) is inserted into the two positioning sockets (11), the convex magnet block (15) and the concave magnet piece (14) are engaged and magnetically attracted. The outer wall of the detachable cable management board (10) is equipped with a handle (16). The host has a built-in WIFI / Bluetooth module and a 4G / 5G module, which supports wireless connection, remote monitoring and OTA function, allowing users to configure and update the host and transmit data through the wireless network.
6. A laboratory chemical analysis instrument embedded host computer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The host's USB communication module 2 (7) is used for program upgrades and can also connect to other devices via the USB interface to extend communication functions.
7. A laboratory chemical analysis instrument embedded host computer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The host has a serial communication module (5) which is compatible with RS232 or RS485 bus interface for further functional expansion.
8. A laboratory chemical analysis instrument embedded host computer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The host has self-diagnosis capabilities. It monitors the working status of each hardware component in real time through the built-in diagnostic module and generates an error report when an abnormality is detected. The report is displayed on the touch screen (1) or sent to an external device through the network interface.
9. A laboratory chemical analysis instrument embedded host computer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The host supports multi-language interface switching, and users can select different operating languages through the touch screen (1).
10. A laboratory chemical analysis instrument embedded host computer according to claim 9, characterized in that: The host is equipped with a data encryption module, which is used to encrypt the data transmitted through network port 1 (2), network port 2 (3), WIFI / Bluetooth module, and 4G / 5G module to ensure data security and privacy protection.