Automatic Analyzer Liquid Volume Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers fail to accurately detect the liquid volume of reagents in containers with deformed or non-standard shapes, such as those made of resin like PE or PS, due to limitations in light refraction or reflection methods.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer is designed with a reagent container, an emission unit outside the container emitting light, a light receiving unit to detect the light, and a determination unit that calculates the liquid level based on the light received, with the wavelength of light chosen according to the material and type of reagent container, allowing for shape-independent liquid volume detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light refraction or reflection method is used to detect liquid volume, then detection can be performed, but the reagent container shape is limited and cannot accommodate deformed containers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from relying on light refraction/reflection patterns (which are shape-dependent) to measuring light absorption intensity at specific wavelengths (which is shape-independent). By selecting wavelengths where the container material has minimal absorption and where the reagent has characteristic absorption, the system achieves accurate liquid volume detection regardless of container deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates an optical measurement model that copies the absorption characteristics of the reagent and container materials at different wavelengths. By pre-characterizing the optical properties and using this information to select optimal wavelengths, the system can accurately detect liquid volume without being affected by container shape variations.
2Ease of manufacture
If wall surface of reagent container is thinned for cost reduction, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the wall surface becomes distorted when reagent is filled
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection approach from methods sensitive to container shape (refraction/reflection) to methods insensitive to shape (absorption spectroscopy at specific wavelengths). This allows the use of thin-walled, cost-effective containers without compromising detection accuracy, as the optical absorption method does not rely on the container maintaining a specific shape.
3Measurement precision
If wavelength of light is not optimized based on container material and reagent type, then detection system is simpler, but detection accuracy decreases for specific container-reagent combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the light wavelength parameter based on the specific container material and reagent type. By selecting wavelengths where the container material has minimal absorption and where the reagent has characteristic absorption peaks, the system maximizes detection accuracy. The determination unit automatically selects appropriate wavelengths based on stored optical characteristic information for different material combinations.
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 enables accurate detection of reagent liquid volume regardless of the reagent container's shape, preventing analysis interruptions and reducing waste by ensuring the reagent level is maintained at a predetermined amount, thus optimizing the analysis process and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
an emission unit that is provided outside the reagent container and emits light so as to pass inside the reagent container; a light receiving unit that is provided outside the reagent container and receives the light emitted from the emission unit
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzer which accurately detects a liquid volume of a reagent irrespective of a shape of a reagent container is provided. The invention is directed to an automatic analyzer including: a reagent container that contains a reagent; an emission unit that is provided outside the reagent container and emits light so as to pass inside the reagent container; a light receiving unit that is provided outside the reagent container and receives the light emitted from the emission unit; and a determination unit that, based on the light received by the light receiving unit, detects a liquid level inside the reagent container, and determines whether a liquid volume in the reagent container becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value from the liquid level. A wavelength of the light is determined based on a material of the reagent container and a type of the reagent.