Automatic Analyzer Optical Component Deterioration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analysis apparatuses for biological samples struggle to detect long-term malfunctions and deteriorations in light sources and optical filters, leading to premature part replacement and maintenance costs, as they rely on absorbance measurements at specific wavelengths, making it difficult to distinguish between lamp and filter deterioration.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus compares transmitted light distributions across multiple wavelengths to identify and classify malfunctions and deteriorations in light sources and optical filters, providing users with information on the actual degree of deterioration, allowing for more precise and timely replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If absorbance measurement at a specific wavelength is used to detect lamp malfunction, then lamp malfunction during analysis can be detected, but long-term deterioration of optical components cannot be detected and parts must be replaced periodically regardless of actual condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into multiple measurement points at different wavelengths. By measuring transmitted light intensity at multiple wavelengths (e.g., λ1, λ2, λ3) separately, the system can identify which specific component (lamp or optical filter) is deteriorating based on the pattern of intensity changes across wavelengths, rather than using a single absorbance measurement that cannot distinguish between component failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from single-wavelength absorbance to multi-wavelength transmitted light intensity distribution. By monitoring how the intensity distribution changes across multiple wavelengths over time, the system can detect gradual deterioration patterns and determine when actual replacement is needed, preventing both premature replacement and undetected failures.
2Reliability
If periodic replacement of optical components is conducted to ensure inspection quality, then apparatus performance is maintained, but replacement occurs before actual end of life extending maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured transmitted light intensity distribution at multiple wavelengths is continuously monitored and compared against reference values. This feedback allows the system to detect actual deterioration of optical components and trigger replacement only when necessary, rather than following a fixed periodic schedule, thus reducing unnecessary replacements and maintenance costs while maintaining inspection quality.
3Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths are measured to identify deteriorating parts, then accurate identification of lamp or filter deterioration is achieved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transmitted light intensity measurement system multi-functional by using the same basic measurement apparatus to serve multiple purposes: detecting lamp malfunction, detecting optical filter deterioration, monitoring gradual degradation trends, and determining optimal replacement timing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized detection systems for each type of component failure.
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 enables the easy identification of deteriorating parts, reduces unnecessary replacements, and optimizes maintenance by extending the life of components until their actual end-of-life, thereby lowering maintenance costs and improving overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a light source and a spectroscopic detector, wherein the reaction container is disposed between the light source and the spectroscopic detector
Implementation Method 2
measuring a quantity of light from a reaction container... for measuring an absorbance
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an automatic analysis apparatus for measuring a concentration of an intended component in a biological sample, such as blood or urine, or for knowing whether the intended component is contained in the sample or not, wherein the automatic analysis apparatus has a function such that, with respect to the optical system, a part whose lifetime has ended is specified or the degree of deterioration of a part is detected to provide a user with the information. The automatic analysis apparatus has a storage unit for storing a transmitted light distribution for a plurality of wavelengths detected by a receptor element when measuring a transmitted light which has passed through a substance to be measured from a light source, and a control unit for comparing a first transmitted light distribution preliminarily stored in the storage unit with a second transmitted light distribution acquired at the time of measurement, wherein the control unit specifies a deteriorating part from a plurality of parts based on the result of the comparison and outputs the specified part.