Analyzer Nozzle Positioning for Precise Liquid Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers struggle to accurately detect liquid deficiencies or excesses in reaction containers due to assumptions about nozzle insertion, leading to inaccurate analysis results.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle is inserted to a position where its distal end is exposed from the liquid surface, with a detection unit monitoring air inflow to precisely determine liquid amounts by controlling aspiration and air detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the nozzle is inserted to the vicinity of the bottom of the reaction container to aspirate almost the entire amount of liquid, then the liquid aspiration is comprehensive, but the liquid amount deficiency cannot be detected unless the amount is significantly small
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle insertion depth is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit controls the nozzle holding mechanism to insert the nozzle to a specific depth where the distal end is exposed from the liquid surface, optimizing the detection of liquid amount deficiency while maintaining operational feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit provides feedback by detecting air inflow into the nozzle during aspiration. When the liquid amount is insufficient, air enters the nozzle and this is detected, providing a feedback signal to the control unit to indicate liquid amount deficiency and prevent inaccurate analysis.
2Measurement precision
If the nozzle insertion depth is fixed near the bottom, then the device structure is simple, but the liquid amount detection accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle holding mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the nozzle at the optimal depth for detection, controls the aspiration process, and works with the detection unit to monitor air inflow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit acts as an intermediary between the nozzle aspiration process and the control unit. It detects air inflow during aspiration and transmits this information to the control unit, enabling accurate liquid amount detection without requiring direct complex measurement of liquid volume.
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 method allows for precise detection of liquid deficiencies and excesses, enhancing analysis accuracy by distinguishing air inflow patterns at specific timings.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit that detects inflow of the air into the nozzle when aspirating liquid stored in the container
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide an automatic analyzer capable of more precisely detecting deficiency and excess of liquid within a reaction container. [Solution] An automatic analyzer, comprises: a nozzle that is immersed in a liquid stored in a container and that aspirates the liquid; a detection unit that detects inflow of the air into the nozzle when aspirating liquid stored in the container: and a control unit that controls each operation of insertion of the nozzle into the container, immersion of the nozzle into the liquid, aspiration of the liquid by the nozzle, and detection of the air by the detection unit, In the automatic analyzer, the control unit inserts the nozzle into the container to a position where a distal end of the nozzle is exposed from the liquid when the nozzle is immersed in the liquid of the container and aspirates the liquid of an amount required for an analysis.