Automatic Analyzer Probe Cleaning With Temperature-Adjusted Liquid
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face challenges in effectively removing probe clogging, leading to reduced dispensing accuracy and increased manual cleaning frequency, which deteriorates analysis efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer equipped with a clogging detection unit that employs temperature-adjusted liquid to clean the probe when clogging is detected, reducing the need for manual cleaning and enhancing analysis efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If water is discharged from the probe to clean it, then the cleaning process is simple, but the clogging cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the cleaning liquid from ambient to heated state. The heating unit raises the temperature of the cleaning liquid to a predetermined level, which enhances the solvent's ability to dissolve and remove clogging substances like blood coagulants and fibrin from the probe tip, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple cleaning process and effective clogging removal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the probe is immersed in a cleaner containing detergent, then cross-contamination is reduced, but the clogging removal effect remains weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies temperature parameter change by heating the cleaning liquid to a predetermined temperature. This thermal energy enhancement works synergistically with the detergent's chemical action, significantly improving the clogging removal effect while maintaining the cross-contamination prevention benefits of using a detergent-based cleaner.
3Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed, then clogging can be removed, but analysis efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the probe to clean itself automatically through the heating unit and liquid circulation system. When clogging is detected by the detection unit, the system autonomously heats the cleaning liquid and circulates it through the probe to remove clogging, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining high analysis efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control through the detection unit that continuously monitors the probe's condition. When clogging is detected, the system triggers the heating unit and cleaning liquid circulation, and after cleaning, the detection unit verifies whether clogging has been removed. This closed-loop feedback ensures effective clogging removal while maintaining automated operation and analysis efficiency.
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 minimizes manual probe cleaning frequency and improves analysis efficiency by effectively addressing probe clogging through automated temperature-adjusted cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit that heats the cleaning liquid to a predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
the pipes of the dispensing mechanism are usually filled with system water as a liquid that performs a function of pressure transmission. Therefore, a plunger of the dispensing syringe is reciprocated to change a pressure in the pipe, thereby causing aspiration and discharge of the specimen.
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide: an automatic analyzer that reduces the frequency of manual cleaning of a probe and that has a higher analysis efficiency; and a method for cleaning a probe. For this purpose, an automatic analyzer according to the present invention comprises: a probe that dispenses a liquid; and a clogging detection unit that detects clogging of the probe. When the clogging detection unit detects clogging of the probe, the probe is cleaned with a liquid having an adjusted temperature. In addition, a method for cleaning a probe that dispenses a liquid according to the present invention involves cleaning the probe with a liquid having an adjusted temperature when a clogging detection unit detects clogging of the probe.