Automatic Analyzer Absorbance Measurement via Encoder Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face challenges in accurately measuring absorbance due to the need for detection plates and sensors, which require precise alignment and are prone to errors from foreign matter and insufficient mixing, especially with increased miniaturization and number of reaction containers.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer that uses a spectral detector and light source to measure light transmission through reaction containers, employing a piezo electric element for stirring and ultrasonic waves, and software-based position detection to calculate absorbance without relying on detection plates, allowing for accurate measurement even with foreign matter or insufficient mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection plates and sensors are used to detect reaction container positions, then measurement timing can be synchronized, but device complexity increases and alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the detection plates and sensors from the system and replaces them with software-based position detection using encoder signals from the motor driving the reaction disc. This extracts the problematic physical detection components while maintaining the essential function of position detection through a simpler alternative.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical detection system (detection plates and sensors) with an electronic/software-based system using encoder signals. The encoder integrated into the motor provides position information electronically, substituting the mechanical optical detection method with a more reliable electronic sensing approach.
2Ease of operation
If light intensity is measured over a predetermined area and averaged, then measurement process is simplified, but measurement accuracy decreases due to foreign matter interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light intensity measurement process into multiple individual measurements taken at different positions along the effective length of travel. Instead of a single averaged measurement, the system divides the measurement into discrete segments that can be individually evaluated and selectively used based on their validity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring light intensity measurements and using this information to determine the effective length of travel and identify valid measurement regions. The system adjusts the measurement process based on feedback from the detected light intensity variations, allowing it to exclude regions affected by foreign matter.
3Productivity
If the number of reaction containers is increased to enhance analysis processing ability, then productivity increases, but alignment accuracy between reaction containers and detection plates becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the detection plates that require precise alignment with reaction containers and replaces them with a motor encoder-based position detection system. This extraction eliminates the alignment precision problem entirely while allowing the reaction disc to accommodate more reaction containers for increased productivity.
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 accurate absorbance measurement without errors, eliminating the need for detection plates and improving accuracy by distinguishing between reaction solution and foreign matter or mixing states, thus enhancing analysis precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo electric element for stirring and ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
a piezo electric element for stirring and ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 3
a light source and a spectral detector are disposed so as to oppose to each other via a reaction container thereby to measure a quantity of light transmitted through the reaction container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In an automatic analyzer which includes a reaction container (303) which contains reaction solution (304) therein, a light source which emit light to be transmitted through the reaction solution, a spectral detector which measures the light transmitted through the reaction solution, a memory which stores light measurement data measured by the spectral detector and a CPU which calculates the light measurement data stored in the memory to obtain a light intensity, wherein the spectral detector measures the light (302) over an entirety of an area from one end to the other end of the reaction container at a portion where the reaction solution reserves, the memory stores the light measurement data measured by the spectral detector, and light measurement data in an area where the reaction solution exists (313) is obtained from the memory to calculate a light intensity. Defective signal regions due to foreign matter in the reaction solution are disregarded.