Automatic Analyzer Nozzle Cleaning Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzers face challenges in ensuring sufficient nozzle cleaning and maintaining analysis accuracy when processing high volumes of samples quickly, particularly due to varying sample suction quantities and the need for reduced operation cycle times.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a controller that adjusts the number and timing of nozzle cleaning cycles based on the maximum sample suction quantity in previous processes, allowing for efficient cleaning even during high-speed processing by separating cleaning into multiple cycles and optimizing cleaning water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operation cycle time is reduced to increase processing speed, then productivity is improved, but the nozzle cleaning time becomes insufficient leading to carry-over between samples
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning operation is segmented into multiple discrete cleaning actions performed at different stages: (1) cleaning after sample discharge, (2) cleaning before reagent dispensing, and (3) cleaning before next sample suction. This segmentation allows thorough cleaning to be accomplished within the compressed operation cycle by distributing cleaning tasks across multiple time points rather than requiring a single extended cleaning period.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism performs preliminary cleaning actions before potentially contaminating operations. Specifically, the nozzle is cleaned before reagent dispensing and before the next sample suction, preventing carry-over contamination in advance. This preliminary action approach ensures that even with reduced cycle time, the nozzle is guaranteed to be clean before critical sampling operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sample suction quantity is increased to handle diverse analysis items, then adaptability is improved, but the nozzle contamination increases requiring longer cleaning time
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning operation is divided into multiple segments performed at different stages of the operation cycle. After sample discharge, the nozzle is cleaned of bulk sample material. Before reagent dispensing, another cleaning removes any residual sample. Before next sample suction, a final cleaning ensures complete removal of contaminants. This segmented approach handles large sample quantities effectively without requiring excessive total cleaning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism operates periodically at regular intervals throughout the operation cycle, performing cleaning actions after sample discharge, before reagent dispensing, and before next sample suction. This periodic cleaning rhythm ensures that even with varying large sample quantities, the nozzle is repeatedly cleaned at predetermined intervals, preventing accumulation of contamination while maintaining efficient cycle timing.
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 ensures effective nozzle cleaning and maintains analysis accuracy even at high processing speeds by securing sufficient cleaning time and preventing carry-over between samples.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning mechanism which cleans the sample dispensation nozzle with cleaning water
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzer is capable of ensuring sufficient nozzle cleaning and suppressing of deterioration in the accuracy of analysis. When it is judged that there remains no analysis item of the sample, a judgment is made on whether the sample dispensation quantity of the n-th sample dispensation is less than a dispensation quantity threshold value or not, and if less, a cleaning pattern is selected by making a judgment on whether or not all the sample dispensation quantities of the first through (n−1)-th sample dispensations are less than the dispensation quantity threshold value. If the sample dispensation quantity of the n-th sample dispensation is the dispensation quantity threshold value or more, another cleaning pattern selected by making the judgment on whether or not all the sample dispensation quantities of the first through (n−1)-th sample dispensations are less than the dispensation quantity threshold value.