Automated Analyzer Light Source Stabilization Using Thermal Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face issues with light intensity drift due to temperature changes when the light source is turned on, necessitating a waiting period before measurement, which reduces processing capability and increases maintenance frequency, especially with LED light sources.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a temperature regulating mechanism and a control system that adjusts the flow rate of a temperature regulating medium to stabilize the light source temperature quickly, allowing immediate measurement after transitioning from a non-measurement state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the light source is turned off when measurement is not performed to reduce unnecessary consumption, then energy consumption is reduced and light source lifetime is extended, but processing capability is significantly reduced when non-measurement state and measurement state are frequently switched
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary warming-up of the light source during idle time before measurement is actually needed. By maintaining the light source at an optimal temperature in advance, the system eliminates the need for waiting time when measurement starts, thus resolving the contradiction between energy saving and processing capability.
2Measurement precision
If a waiting period is imposed after turning on the light source to allow light intensity stabilization, then measurement accuracy is improved, but processing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature stabilization of the light source during idle periods before measurement is required. This advance preparation ensures that when measurement begins, the light source is already at its optimal operating temperature, eliminating the need for waiting time and thus improving processing capability while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Productivity
If the light source operates continuously to avoid waiting time, then processing capability is improved, but light source lifetime is reduced due to unnecessary operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary warming-up of the light source during idle time, maintaining it at optimal temperature in advance. This allows the light source to be turned off during extended idle periods (extending lifetime) while being quickly ready when measurement is needed (maintaining processing capability).
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic temperature maintenance cycles for the light source, keeping it warm during short idle periods and turning it off during extended idle periods. This periodic action pattern optimizes both lifetime and processing capability by matching light source operation to actual measurement needs.
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
The solution stabilizes light intensity without additional waiting time, maintaining measurement accuracy and extending the light source's lifespan by reducing temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature regulating mechanism that regulates a temperature of the light source using a temperature regulating medium
Implementation Method 2
When the light source starts to be turned on by supplying power, the light source itself generates heat and causes a change in temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is an automatic analyzer capable of avoiding light intensity drift accompanying a change in temperature caused by starting supply of power to a light source and capable of shortening a stabilization waiting time. The automatic analyzer 50 includes a light source 39 that irradiates a reaction container 2 containing a mixed liquid of a sample and a reagent with light for measuring the sample, a temperature regulating mechanism 27 that regulates a temperature of the light source 39 using a temperature regulating medium, a reaction tank 5 in which a temperature of the reaction container 2 is regulated using the temperature regulating medium, circulating pumps 30 and 35 that deliver the temperature regulating medium, an analyzing unit 42 that analyzes the sample, and an operation control unit 43. When transitioning from a non-measurement state of the sample to a measurable state via a measurement preparation state, the operation control unit 43 raises a current or a voltage applied to the light source 39 in the measurement preparation state, raises a flow rate of the temperature regulating medium for a certain period of time, restores the flow rate of the temperature regulating medium to a flow rate before raising, then makes transition to a measurable state, and executes measurement of the sample.