Automatic Analyzer Sample Dispensing Temperature Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face stagnation in analysis operations and reduced throughput due to restrictions on sample dispensing during unstable fluid temperature conditions within the sample dispensing system.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analyzer includes a sample dispensing system with a controller that manages two operation sequences: a standby state and an analysis state. The interior cleaning time in the standby state is set to be shorter than in the analysis state, and interior cleaning is performed at a reduced frequency in the standby state to maintain equilibrium temperatures similar to those in the analysis state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interior cleaning is performed frequently with high-pressure pump to prevent sample contamination, then sample contamination between runs is reduced, but fluid temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the interior cleaning frequency based on the operational state. During standby state, interior cleaning is performed less frequently (once every multiple cycles), while during analysis state, it is performed more frequently. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to prevent contamination when needed while minimizing temperature disruption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of interior cleaning frequency based on operational state. By switching between different cleaning frequencies (standby state vs. analysis state), the system optimizes both contamination prevention and temperature stability according to current operational requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If sample dispensing operation is restricted during unstable fluid temperature period, then dispensing precision is maintained, but analysis throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic operation sequencing that adapts to temperature stability conditions. Rather than imposing static restrictions, the system performs interior cleaning at optimized intervals during standby state, allowing sample dispensing to proceed during analysis state when precision is critical, thereby maintaining throughput while ensuring precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs interior cleaning in advance during standby state at reduced frequency, preparing the system for subsequent analysis operations. This preliminary action ensures that cleaning is completed before precision dispensing begins, eliminating the need to restrict dispensing operations during temperature stabilization periods.
3Reliability
If interior cleaning time is extended to ensure complete fluid replacement, then contamination prevention is improved, but analysis operation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different interior cleaning durations to different operational states. During standby state, shorter cleaning intervals are used, while during analysis state, longer cleaning periods are implemented. This localized quality approach ensures adequate contamination prevention during critical analysis operations while minimizing time loss during idle standby periods.
Solution Approach 2:
During standby state, the system performs partial interior cleaning (shorter duration) that is sufficient for contamination prevention but does not require complete fluid replacement. This partial action reduces time loss while maintaining adequate contamination prevention, with full cleaning reserved for analysis state when needed.
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 approach stabilizes the fluid temperature within the piping, reducing temperature fluctuations during sample dispensing and maintaining high-precision dispensing performance without restricting sample dispensing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a high-pressure pump, which is connected to piping of the sample dispensing system, is used to inject ion-exchange water into piping and drain it
Implementation Method 2
The volume of in-pipe fluid has a dependence on fluid temperature, and as the temperature rises, the volume expands, whereas as the temperature drops, the volume contracts
Implementation Method 3
This makes fluid temperature within piping unstable. Specifically, if there is a temperature difference between the temperature of injected fluid (ion-exchange water) and environment temperature around the sample dispensing system
Data Source
AI summary
The fluid temperature within piping of a sample dispensing system is stabilized in order to maintain stable dispensing performance with high precision in an automatic analyzer. A controller executes a first operation sequence to operate the sample dispensing system in a standby state continued until the sample is transported to the sample dispensing position, and executes a second operation sequence to operate the sample dispensing system in an analysis state in which the sample located in the sample dispensing position is dispensed. A time period during interior cleaning performed on the sample probe in a single cycle of the first operation sequence is set to be shorter than a time period during interior cleaning performed on the sample probe in a single cycle of the second operation sequence. Alternatively, the first operation sequence is configured to perform interior cleaning at a rate of once every multiple of cycles.