Automatic Analyzer Flow Path Abnormality Detection Using Liquid Amount Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The addition of pressure sensors or operation sensors to automatic analyzers increases costs and alters the device configuration, limiting the applicability of existing products and their ranges.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer that uses an existing liquid amount sensor to detect abnormalities in the flow path system by measuring the liquid amount in containers, such as reagents, cleaning agents, and measurement targets, without requiring additional sensors or altering the device configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is added to the flow path or an operation sensor is mounted on the electromagnetic valve to detect abnormalities, then the detection accuracy of flow path system abnormalities is improved, but the device cost increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid amount sensor originally provided in the automatic analyzer is made to serve multiple functions: its original function of measuring liquid amount in containers is retained, and additionally it is used to detect abnormalities in the flow path system by measuring liquid amounts during aspiration and discharge operations. This eliminates the need for separate pressure sensors or operation sensors on electromagnetic valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing liquid amount sensor performs self-service by detecting flow path system abnormalities through its own measurements during normal liquid handling operations. The sensor monitors liquid amounts during aspiration and discharge cycles, and the controller determines abnormalities by comparing measured values with expected values, allowing the sensor to detect system faults without requiring additional dedicated detection devices.
2Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is added to the flow path or an operation sensor is mounted on the electromagnetic valve to detect abnormalities, then the detection accuracy of flow path system abnormalities is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid amount sensor originally provided in the automatic analyzer is made to serve multiple functions: its original function of measuring liquid amount in containers is retained, and additionally it is used to detect abnormalities in the flow path system by measuring liquid amounts during aspiration and discharge operations. This eliminates the need for separate pressure sensors or operation sensors on electromagnetic valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing liquid amount sensor performs self-service by detecting flow path system abnormalities through its own measurements during normal liquid handling operations. The sensor monitors liquid amounts during aspiration and discharge cycles, and the controller determines abnormalities by comparing measured values with expected values, allowing the sensor to detect system faults without requiring additional dedicated detection devices.
3Reliability
If the device configuration is changed by adding sensors to the flow path or electromagnetic valve, then the detection capability of flow path system abnormalities is improved, but the adaptability of existing products decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid amount sensor originally provided in the automatic analyzer is made to serve multiple functions: its original function of measuring liquid amount in containers is retained, and additionally it is used to detect abnormalities in the flow path system by measuring liquid amounts during aspiration and discharge operations. This eliminates the need for separate pressure sensors or operation sensors on electromagnetic valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing liquid amount sensor performs self-service by detecting flow path system abnormalities through its own measurements during normal liquid handling operations. The sensor monitors liquid amounts during aspiration and discharge cycles, and the controller determines abnormalities by comparing measured values with expected values, allowing the sensor to detect system faults without requiring additional dedicated detection devices.
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 flow path system abnormalities, including electromagnetic valve malfunctions and pressure changes, using existing sensors, thereby maintaining cost-effectiveness and expanding product applicability.
Implementation Method 1
a syringe that is connected to a branch portion of the flow path system and changes an internal pressure of a flow path
Implementation Method 2
the first electromagnetic valve being provided on the first flow path and opening and closing the first flow path, and the second electromagnetic valve being provided on the second flow path and opening and closing the second flow path
Implementation Method 3
a sensor that measures a liquid amount of a container containing liquid
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an automatic analyzer in which an abnormality of a flow path including malfunction of an electromagnetic valve or a pressure change portion can be detected using an existing sensor that measures a liquid amount in a container. A syringe 103, a first electromagnetic valve 104, and a second electromagnetic valve 105 are operated such that a predetermined liquid aspirating and discharging operation is performed in a container 101, a liquid discharging unit 108, and flow path systems 113 and 114 and whether or not an abnormality occurs in the flow path system is determined based on a liquid amount measured by the sensor 102.