Automatic Analyzer Dispensing Nozzle Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzers face challenges in maintaining dispensing accuracy due to volume changes in the dispensing pipe caused by temperature variations, which are exacerbated by the need for reduced sample and reagent volumes, leading to increased proportionate influence on dispensing accuracy and difficulties in temperature control across the entire flow path.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a heat exchange unit within the third pipe, which is larger than the fluid passing through the electromagnetic valve during cleaning, helps to eliminate temperature differences between the case and the fluid, ensuring accurate dispensing by maintaining the temperature of the water used as a pressure transmission medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the dispensing amount of sample and reagent is reduced, then the burden on patient and reagent cost is reduced, but the proportionate influence of temperature-induced volume change on dispensing accuracy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the pressure transmission medium (ion-exchanged water) to match the fluid temperature in the dispensing nozzle. This temperature parameter control prevents thermal expansion or contraction of the water, thereby maintaining constant volume and ensuring dispensing accuracy even when dispensing amounts are reduced to trace levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical temperature control methods with a bypass flow path system that uses fluid dynamics to achieve temperature equilibration. The bypass flow path allows the pressure transmission medium to circulate and exchange heat with the environment, automatically matching the temperature to the dispensing nozzle without complex mechanical heating or cooling mechanisms.
2Temperature
If a bypass flow path is provided to control temperature of supplied cleaning water, then temperature change in pipe is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass flow path serves multiple functions: it controls the temperature of the pressure transmission medium, facilitates cleaning operations, and enables thermal equilibration between the supplied water and the dispensing system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate temperature control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If cleaning operation is performed with large moving amount of system water, then probe is cleaned effectively, but volume change due to temperature variation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary temperature equilibration of the pressure transmission medium through the bypass flow path before cleaning operations begin. By pre-controlling the temperature of the system water to match the dispensing nozzle temperature, the patent ensures that subsequent cleaning operations with large water movement do not cause significant temperature variations or volume changes that would affect dispensing accuracy.
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 allows for high-accuracy analysis by minimizing the impact of temperature changes on the dispensing process, reducing deviations in the dispensing amount, and enabling efficient heat exchange, thus maintaining precise control over the dispensing of samples and reagents.
Implementation Method 1
the third pipe includes a heat exchange unit that performs heat exchange of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The object of the invention is to avoid a decrease in dispensing accuracy of a sample, a reagent, or the like as a temperature changes. In an automatic analyzer, a dispensing nozzle sucks the sample from a sample container holding the sample and discharges the sample to a reaction container. A syringe pump controls an amount of change in a volume of water. A first pipe connects the dispensing nozzle and the syringe pump. An electromagnetic valve flows or stops the water. A second pipe connects the electromagnetic valve and the syringe pump. A branch pipe branches the water. A third pipe connects the electromagnetic valve and the branch pipe. A case accommodates at least the syringe pump, the first pipe, the electromagnetic valve, the second pipe, the branch pipe, and the third pipe. Further, the third pipe includes a heat exchange unit that performs heat exchange of the water.