Automated Analyzer Nozzle Drying via Sequential Water Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated analyzers face challenges in effectively removing water droplets from nozzles, leading to decreased measurement accuracy due to water droplet carryover, especially when using air blow methods, which can scatter cleaning water and leave remaining droplets unstable, and vacuum suction methods may concentrate droplets at the nozzle tip affecting subsequent dispensing.
Innovation Solution
The automated analyzer incorporates a cleaning method with a control device that performs a first discharge of system water during nozzle movement from a cleaning position to a drying position and a second discharge during suction at the drying position, ensuring effective removal of adhering water droplets by controlling the flow and suction of cleaning water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If air blow method is used to remove water droplets from nozzle, then drying speed is improved, but water droplets scatter and cleaning water is dispersed causing unstable remaining droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a vacuum suction mechanism (pneumatic principle) to remove water droplets from the nozzle instead of air blow. The suction unit creates negative pressure to draw water droplets through the nozzle, providing controlled and stable removal without scattering. This resolves the contradiction by achieving effective water removal while maintaining stability through controlled pneumatic suction rather than uncontrolled air blowing.
2Reliability
If vacuum suction method is used to dry wide range of nozzle, then scattering of water droplets is prevented, but water droplets concentrate at nozzle tip affecting next dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water removal process into two distinct phases: first discharging system water during nozzle movement, and second discharging during suction at the drying position. This segmentation prevents water droplet concentration at the tip by controlling the timing and location of water discharge, resolving the contradiction between preventing scattering and avoiding tip concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary discharge of system water during nozzle movement from cleaning position to drying position before the actual suction process. This preliminary action removes excess water that would otherwise concentrate at the nozzle tip during suction, while still allowing effective drying of the nozzle surface without scattering.
3Reliability
If cleaning water is supplied to clean nozzle, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water droplets remain on outer wall surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous water removal action following the cleaning process. After cleaning water is supplied to clean the nozzle, the vacuum suction mechanism continuously removes water droplets from the nozzle surface and inner wall, ensuring thorough drying. This continuous action resolves the contradiction by maintaining cleaning effectiveness while eliminating remaining water droplets.
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 effectively removes adhering water droplets from the nozzles, preventing scattering and concentration at the nozzle tip, thereby maintaining dispensing accuracy and preventing reagent component dilution, even with repeated dispensing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a drying position configured to suction the cleaning water adhering to the surface of the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
In this invention, there are cleaning positions 25a, 25b, and 25c where cleaning tanks 19, 20, and 21 discharge cleaning water onto the surfaces of nozzles 10, 12, and 14 and drying positions 26a, 26b, and 26c where the cleaning water adhered to the surfaces of the nozzles 10, 12, and 14 is sucked up. During movement from the cleaning positions 25a, 25b, and 25c for the nozzles 10, 12, and 14 to the drying positions 26a, 26b, and 26c for the nozzles 10, 12, and 14, a control device 24 causes system water to be discharged from the nozzles 10, 12, and 14 for a first time, and during the sucking up of the cleaning water on the surfaces of the nozzles 10, 12, and 14 at the drying positions 26a, 26b, and 26c, the control device 24 causes the system water to be discharged from the nozzles 10, 12, and 14 for a second time. As a result, it is possible to effectively remove adhered water drops during nozzle cleaning.