Analyzer Photometry Mechanism Cleaning Tool Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing photometry mechanisms in analyzers face challenges in maintaining the cleanliness of transparent plates, leading to reduced analysis reliability due to difficulty in access and manual cleaning, resulting in inconsistent analysis accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An analyzer with a photometry mechanism that includes a cleaning tool with a press portion impregnated with cleaning liquid, capable of being pressed against the light emitting or incident surface, and a heater to facilitate cleaning, along with a method that involves checking the surface dirtiness using a reference plate and automatically performing the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the photometry mechanism is located at a back portion with small clearance to prevent external light, then light shielding is improved, but cleaning accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool is designed to be automatically movable between the placing portion and photometry mechanism by the table's reciprocating motion, enabling self-cleaning without manual intervention. The tool automatically contacts the transparent plate during table movement and performs cleaning, then returns to the placing portion
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool's position is made dynamic rather than fixed - it moves between the placing portion and photometry mechanism according to table movement. The pressing force against the transparent plate is also dynamically controlled through spring elasticity, allowing adaptation to different cleaning needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual cleaning is performed, then cleaning flexibility is maintained, but cleaning consistency and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-cleaning automatically through the table's reciprocating motion that drives the cleaning tool against the transparent plate. This eliminates dependency on user operation while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through mechanical automation
Solution Approach 2:
A dirt detection unit measures the degree of soiling on the transparent plate and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit decides whether cleaning is needed based on this feedback, ensuring cleaning is performed only when necessary while maintaining consistent standards
3Measurement precision
If frequent cleaning is performed to maintain transparency, then analysis accuracy is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning operation is automated through the table's existing reciprocating motion, which naturally drives the cleaning tool against the transparent plate during normal operation. This integrates cleaning into the existing operational cycle without adding separate manual steps
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool is pre-positioned at the placing portion and automatically moves to the photometry mechanism when needed. The spring-loaded pressing mechanism is pre-configured to apply appropriate force, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust cleaning parameters
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
The solution ensures consistent and reliable cleaning of the transparent plates, reducing user dependency and improving analysis accuracy by automating the cleaning process and ensuring thorough dirt removal.
Implementation Method 1
analyzer further comprises a heater for heating the light emitting surface or the light incident surface of the photometry mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a press portion that is impregnated, in use, with a cleaning liquid and that is configured to come into pressing contact with the light emitting surface or the light incident surface
Implementation Method 3
come into pressing contact with the light emitting surface or the light incident surface of the photometry mechanism for cleaning
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an analyzer (1) including a photometry mechanism (6) for photometrically analyzing a reagent pad of an analytical tool to which a sample is applied, and a table (4) including a placing portion (41) at which the analytical tool is to be placed. The light emitting surface (68) or the light incident surface (68) of the light from the light emitting elements (66) of the photometry mechanism (6) is cleaned, with a cleaning tool (22) placed at the table (4). The present invention further provides a cleaning tool (22) for cleaning the photometry mechanism (6) of the analyzer (1).