Analyzer Liquid Amount Detection Using Moving Optical Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyzers cannot accurately determine if a liquid, such as a reagent or sample, has been dispensed by a predetermined amount, leading to inconsistent measurement conditions and potentially inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
An analyzer equipped with a dispenser, a phototransmitter, a photoreceiver, and a moving unit that changes the relative position between the container and the detector, allowing the controller to determine if the liquid amount is within a predetermined range based on the detector's outputs at multiple positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple presence detection method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the liquid amount cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into multiple discrete relative positions between the container and detector. By measuring light transmission at several distinct positions rather than a single point, the system can accurately determine liquid amount through pattern recognition while keeping the detector structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spatial dimension to the detection process by introducing relative movement between the container and detector. Instead of using a complex fixed multi-point detector, the system creates a temporal-spatial sequence of measurements by moving one component relative to the other, effectively transforming a single-position complex detector into a multi-position simple detector system.
2Device complexity
If a fixed detector position is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because liquid amount cannot be determined at multiple positions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms a static detection system into a dynamic one by introducing relative movement between the container and detector. This dynamic approach allows the system to gather information from multiple positions over time, achieving the measurement precision of a multi-position fixed system while maintaining the simplicity of a single-position detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection at multiple relative positions before final analysis. By collecting light transmission data at various positions during the relative movement, the system builds a comprehensive profile of the liquid column that enables accurate amount determination in the subsequent processing stage.
3Measurement precision
If contact-based liquid detection is used, then the measurement precision is improved, but harmful factors increase due to liquid carry-over between measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical contact-based detection with optical detection. By using light transmission measurements through the container walls, the system achieves accurate liquid amount detection without any physical contact between the detector and the liquid, thereby eliminating carry-over contamination between measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The container walls serve as an intermediary medium that allows optical detection to occur without direct contact between the detector and liquid. The light passes through the container walls and liquid column, enabling the detector to measure liquid amount indirectly through optical properties while the container walls prevent any mechanical contact or carry-over.
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 precise detection of the liquid amount without contacting the liquid surface, preventing carry-over and ensuring accurate measurement conditions by determining if the dispensed amount is within the specified range, thus improving measurement reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a detector which comprises a phototransmitter which emits light to the container and a photoreceiver which receives light from the phototransmitter
Data Source
AI summary
An analyzer comprises a dispenser which dispenses a liquid into a container, a detector which comprises a phototransmitter which emits light to the container and a photoreceiver which receives light from the phototransmitter, a moving unit which changes a relative position between the container and the detector, and a controller which determines whether an amount of the liquid in the container is within a predetermined range, based on outputs from the detector at a plurality of the relative positions.