Automated Analyzer Common Tank Compartment Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers are large and complex due to the need for separate systems for degassed and non-degassed water, which complicates the miniaturization and simplification of the system for supplying and using system water.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a common tank having separate compartments for degassed and non-degassed water, where the degassed water is only used where necessary, and a circulation system for the degassed water, allowing for efficient use and storage of both types of water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate systems for storing and managing degassed and non-degassed water are used, then the reliability of pressure propagation in the dispensing mechanism is improved, but the device size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate storage tanks for degassed and non-degassed water into a single common tank with internally separated compartments. This merging approach maintains the functional separation needed for reliable pressure propagation while reducing the overall device size and structural complexity compared to using completely separate external tanks and piping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The common tank serves multiple functions: it stores both degassed and non-degassed water, provides separate supply paths to different systems (cleaning system and dispensing mechanism), and enables circulation of degassed water back to the degassing device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Productivity
If a circulation system for degassed water is implemented, then the efficiency of degassed water usage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system enables continuous circulation of degassed water from the common tank back to the degassing device, ensuring that degassed water is continuously re-degassed and maintained in its degassed state. This continuous action improves the efficiency of degassed water usage by preventing re-aeration and maintaining its suitability for pressure propagation applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation system is designed to automatically circulate degassed water without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the circulation of degassed water back to the degassing device, reducing the need for external control and monitoring while maintaining efficient degassed water usage.
3Measurement precision
If degassed water is supplied to all systems, then the dispensing accuracy is improved, but the device size increases due to larger degassing device requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing degassed water only to specific systems that require it (dispensing mechanism with syringe pumps) while allowing non-degassed water to be used in systems where it is sufficient (cleaning system). This localized application of degassed water maintains dispensing accuracy where needed while avoiding the need to size the degassing device for the entire water consumption of all systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The water supply system is segmented into separate paths: one path supplies degassed water to the dispensing mechanism, and another path supplies non-degassed water to the cleaning system. This segmentation allows the degassing device to be sized appropriately for only the portion of water that requires degassing, reducing its overall volume while maintaining dispensing accuracy.
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
This configuration allows for the miniaturization and simplification of the system for supplying and using system water, reducing the size and complexity of the device while ensuring accurate pressure propagation and efficient use of degassed water.
Implementation Method 1
a degassing device 21 for producing the degassed water
Implementation Method 2
the water level in the first compartment is controlled by a water level sensor, which controls a water supply valve in the water supply pipe so as to keep the water level within a certain range
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This automated analyzer comprises a first system 11 that does not need to use degassed water, a second system 12 for which it is preferable to use degassed water and that comprises a degassing device 21 for producing degassed water and a second pump 19 for delivering the degassed water, and a tank 1 having formed therein a first compartment 4 for storing water to supply to the first system 11 and a second compartment 5 for storing degassed water to supply to the second system 12. The second system 12 comprises a circulation system, which comprises a suction flow path 20 and return flow path 24 for connecting the degassing device 21, the second pump 19, and the second compartment 5 of the tank 1, and a usage system, which comprises a discharge flow path 22 and connection flow path 27 for connecting the degassing device 21 and a usage unit for using the degassed water. Provided inside the tank 1 are a partition 3 for forming the first compartment 4 and second compartment 5 and a water passage part 6 where water moves between the first compartment 4 and second compartment 5.