Automatic Analyzer Detergent Reservoir Crystal Clogging Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic analyzers face issues with detergent reservoir cleaning, where crystals deposited over time can clog dispensation nozzles, leading to measurement failures and require manual intervention, disrupting analysis processes.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a detergent reservoir system that includes a cleaning liquid supply, detergent supply, waste liquid management, and a control unit to automate detergent refilling and cleaning, ensuring the detergent reservoir is maintained at optimal levels and crystals are removed, preventing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If detergent is stored in the detergent reservoir for a long time, then the detergent reservoir can continuously supply detergent for probe cleaning, but water evaporation causes crystal deposition on the inner wall which may clog the dispensation nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning of the detergent reservoir by supplying cleaning liquid to dissolve and remove deposited crystals before they can clog the dispensation nozzle. This preventive action is triggered when crystals are detected or based on predetermined time intervals, ensuring the detergent reservoir remains clear and functional throughout extended operation periods.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning of the detergent reservoir is performed, then crystals can be removed to prevent clogging, but the analyzer must be set in standby state causing measurement interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning of the detergent reservoir through an automated process. When cleaning is required, the cleaning liquid supply unit automatically supplies cleaning liquid to dissolve and remove crystals from the reservoir inner wall, and the waste liquid discharge unit automatically removes the used cleaning liquid. This automated self-cleaning process eliminates the need for manual intervention and analyzer standby, thereby maintaining continuous measurement operations while ensuring reliable prevention of nozzle clogging.
3Manufacturing precision
If the dispensation probe is cleaned with detergent, then complete cleaning of the probe is achieved, but the analyzer must stop measurement to refill detergent when the amount decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a detergent level detection unit that continuously monitors the detergent amount in the detergent reservoir and provides feedback to the control unit. When the detergent level falls below a predetermined threshold, the system automatically triggers the detergent refilling process by supplying fresh detergent from the detergent supply unit. This feedback-based automated refilling ensures the probe maintains high cleaning quality while eliminating measurement interruptions for manual detergent refilling.
4Ease of operation
If automated detergent refilling is implemented, then detergent refilling is automated reducing manual work, but the system complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves automated detergent refilling by integrating multiple functions into existing components. The cleaning liquid supply unit, originally designed for probe cleaning, is also used to supply cleaning liquid for dissolving crystals in the detergent reservoir. The waste liquid discharge unit, originally for disposing probe cleaning waste, is also used to remove used cleaning liquid from the reservoir. The detergent level detection unit provides dual functionality by monitoring both probe cleaning detergent levels and triggering reservoir cleaning when needed. This multi-functional approach automates detergent management and crystal removal while minimizing additional system complexity.
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 solution reduces the trouble associated with detergent reservoir cleaning and minimizes interruptions in analysis processing by automating the detergent management, ensuring continuous operation without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump installed on a flow path connecting the cleaning liquid tank with the cleaning liquid supply port
Implementation Method 2
a second pump installed on a flow path connecting the detergent tank with the detergent supply port
Implementation Method 3
a solenoid valve installed on a flow path connecting the waste liquid port with the waste liquid tank
Implementation Method 4
the first pump is operated to supply the cleaning liquid to the detergent reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A detergent reservoir reserves detergent for cleaning of a sample probe and includes a cleaning liquid supply port, a detergent supply port, and a waste liquid port When a predetermined condition for execution of cleaning of the detergent reservoir is not satisfied, and a remaining amount of the detergent reserved in the detergent reservoir is a predetermined amount or less, a pump is operated to increase the remaining amount of the detergent to the predetermined amount; and when the predetermined condition for execution of cleaning of the detergent reservoir is satisfied, a solenoid valve is opened to dispose of the detergent in the detergent reservoir. Then, after the detergent in the detergent reservoir is disposed of, the solenoid valve is closed, and a pump is operated to supply cleaning liquid to the detergent reservoir.