Automatic Analysis Device Liquid Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analysis devices cannot accurately determine if the sample or reagent is adequately dispensed into a reaction tube due to splattering, which can lead to insufficient reaction and affect analysis accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detector on the dispensing probes that measures the liquid level in the reaction tube using electrostatic capacitance changes, allowing for calculation and comparison of the measured liquid level height with the calculated dispensing amount to detect any abnormalities in the dispensing operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure gauge is used to detect pressure in the flow path, then aspiration abnormalities can be detected, but dispensing abnormalities such as splattering cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
A detector is introduced as an intermediary component between the dispensing syringe and reaction tube. This detector measures the liquid level in the reaction tube after dispensing, providing direct verification of successful dispensing. The detector acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the dispensing action and the verification of its completion, enabling detection of splattering and other dispensing abnormalities that pressure gauge monitoring cannot detect.
2Device complexity
If only pressure monitoring is implemented, then the system remains simple, but it cannot determine whether sample or reagent is adequately dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces or supplements the mechanical pressure monitoring system with an electrostatic capacitance-based detector. This detector measures the liquid level in the reaction tube by detecting changes in electrostatic capacitance, providing a non-contact, electronically-based method for verifying dispensing accuracy. This substitution enables precise verification of whether the correct amount of liquid was dispensed without adding significant mechanical complexity to the system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the detection of dispensing abnormalities, such as splattering, ensuring the correct amount of sample and reagent is present, thereby maintaining analysis accuracy by recognizing and addressing any insufficiencies in the reaction mixture.
Implementation Method 1
measures a liquid level in the reaction tube into which the sample and reagent have been dispensed
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analysis device according to the present embodiment includes a processor. The processor calculates the liquid level height in a reaction tube, based on a scheduled dispensing amount of liquid to be dispensed into the reaction tube. The processor detects whether there is an abnormality in a dispensing operation in which liquid is dispensed into the reaction tube, based on a measured liquid level height in the reaction tube and a calculated liquid level height in the reaction tube.