Automatic Analyzer Dispensing Channel Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face poor detection performance due to time-dependent changes or component replacements in the dispensing channel, leading to inaccurate analysis results, as the reference database becomes unsuitable for abnormal dispensing detection.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analyzer employs a control device with a pressure signal process unit, a statistic distance calculation unit, and a determination-purpose reference data suitability verification unit to accurately detect component replacement or device adjustment needs, using Mahalanobis distance calculations and updating reference data to maintain effective abnormality detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the amount of the probe dipped into the test specimen is increased to avoid abnormal dispensing caused by air bubbles or liquid films, then abnormal dispensing is avoided, but contamination increases and adversely affects analysis results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical probe dipping method with an optical detection method. Instead of physically inserting the probe deeper into the liquid to detect air bubbles or liquid films, the system uses optical sensors to detect the liquid level and characteristics non-contactly or with minimal contact, thereby avoiding contamination while maintaining reliable abnormal dispensing detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary between the detection system and the liquid. Optical sensors detect liquid level and abnormalities through light interaction without requiring physical contact, serving as a mediator that eliminates the contamination issue associated with probe insertion while maintaining detection accuracy
2Measurement precision
If the reference database is updated frequently to adapt to component replacement or wear, then detection accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-updating reference database system that automatically adapts to component changes. The system monitors dispensing patterns over time and automatically updates the reference database when significant deviations are detected, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex management procedures while maintaining high detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a baseline reference database during the initial operation phase with new components. This preliminary reference data serves as the foundation for future comparisons, allowing the system to detect abnormalities without requiring frequent updates or complex management of multiple reference databases
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 configuration allows for accurate detection of required component replacements or device adjustments, ensuring consistent analysis accuracy by adapting the reference data and improving abnormal dispensing detection performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensor that detects pressure inside a dispensing channel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The pressure signal process unit 98 acquires data under a predetermined condition. A calculation unit 94 calculates a statistic distance between the acquired data and determination-purpose reference data stored in a storage unit 93. An abnormal dispensing determination unit 97 determines whether or not dispensing is abnormal. A suitability verification unit 95 verifies whether the determination-purpose reference data is suitable for an abnormality detection function to be properly fulfilled. In a case where it is determined that the determination-purpose reference data is not suitable for an abnormality detection function to be properly fulfilled, temporary determination-purpose reference data is prepared so as to be compared with the previously acquired data under a predetermined condition. In a case where a difference therebetween is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the suitability verification unit 95 determines a possibility that an automatic analyzer may have an abnormal component or that a failure may occur in the automatic analyzer, transmits the result to the control instruction unit 99, and causes a display device 92 to display an alarm. In this manner, it is possible to accurately detect a state where component replacement or device adjustment is required, without being affected by a time-dependent change or replacement of each component configuring a channel.