Automated Analyzer Nozzle Damage Prevention via Force Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analysis devices face challenges in accurately determining whether a sample container has a stopper or not, leading to potential damage to the dispensing nozzle due to incorrect operation, especially when the stopper is made of rubber or has a rubber frame, and varying container dimensions and shapes complicate proper identification.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a sample dispensing mechanism with a capacitance detector and an obstacle detection plate, using external force detection to differentiate between the presence of a stopper, a stopper frame, or other obstacles, and includes a controller to adjust operation commands based on detected forces and positions to prevent nozzle damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If external force detection is used to determine stopper presence, then automation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because the detection cannot distinguish between rubber stopper contact and other obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The external force detection is segmented into multiple stages: first detection at a initial position to identify any obstacle, then continued movement to a second position for further detection. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between different types of obstacles (rubber stopper vs. other objects) by analyzing the pattern of external force application across different positions, thereby maintaining automation while improving measurement precision.
2Productivity
If the nozzle operates after detecting external force, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to excessive load on rubber stoppers causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on external force detection results. When a rubber stopper is detected (through the characteristic external force pattern), the system dynamically changes the nozzle operation mode to avoid excessive loading. This dynamic adaptation maintains productivity by continuing operation while preventing damage through intelligent control adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from external force detection to control nozzle operation. The detection results are fed back to the control unit, which then adjusts the operation commands accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that when rubber stoppers are detected, the system modifies its operation to prevent excessive loading, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving productivity through intelligent decision-making.
3Measurement precision
If dimension information is registered in advance for determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to need to accommodate all container types
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the dimension information registration requirement from the system design. Instead of pre-registering all possible container dimensions, the system uses external force detection at multiple positions to dynamically determine stopper presence. This extraction eliminates the need for complex pre-registration databases while maintaining measurement precision through real-time detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-determination of container characteristics through external force detection without requiring pre-programmed dimension information. The detection mechanism itself provides the necessary information about stopper presence by analyzing external force patterns during nozzle movement. This self-service approach reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 control of the dispensing nozzle operations, preventing damage by accurately identifying contact targets and adapting to different container types, ensuring safe and effective sample handling.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance detector and an obstacle detection plate, using external force detection to differentiate between the presence of a stopper
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
There is provided an automatic analysis device which can properly control an operation of a dispensing nozzle by identifying a target with which the dispensing nozzle comes into contact, and which can avoid damage to the dispensing nozzle. In a case where a sample container 15 has a rubber-made lid 35, if a sample nozzle 12a descends and comes into contact with the lid 35, the sample nozzle 12a is relatively moved inside an arm 42 as far as a lid detection distance 48, and a detector 44 detects a detection plate 43. A fact that the sample nozzle 12a comes into contact with the lid 35 is stored together with position information of the sample nozzle 12a, into an operation commanding unit. The sample nozzle 12a further continues to descend, and a suction operation of a sample 34 is performed at a predetermined position. In a case where the sample nozzle 12a collides with a frame portion 36 of the lid 35 and external force is applied thereto, the detector 44 detects that the detection plate 43 is relatively moved as far as the detection distance 48. Thereafter, the sample nozzle 12a stops descending, when excessive external force is applied due to the sample nozzle 12a trying to descend and the detection plate 43 is relatively moved as far as an obstacle detection distance 49.