Automatic Analyzer Probe Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzers face challenges in preventing contamination and suction errors when dealing with test samples separated into multiple layers, as the dispensing probe may excessively invade the sample, leading to contamination and increased cleaning time, while existing technologies only estimate the target distribution zone without ensuring minimal invasion.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer equipped with a dispensing probe, a detecting unit, a calculating unit, and a controller that calculates the minimum depth required to reach the target layer amount, minimizing the probe's entry and adjusting the positional relation between the suction point and the layer boundaries, using concentration gradient data and liquid properties to optimize suction precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dispensing probe is lowered deeper into the test sample to avoid suction error, then the reliability of sample collection is improved, but the probe outer wall surface area in contact with the sample increases causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the blood cell component distribution zone using a detection probe before the dispensing probe enters. Based on this advance information about the distribution zone depth and concentration gradient, the dispensing probe's entry depth is precisely calculated and controlled to reach only the required depth, preventing both insufficient entry (suction error) and excessive entry (contamination).
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detection probe's concentration gradient measurements to dynamically adjust the dispensing probe's entry depth. The detection probe continuously monitors the blood cell component concentration at different depths, and this information is fed back to control the dispensing probe's positioning, ensuring it enters only to the necessary depth while avoiding contamination of the outer wall surface.
2Loss of time
If the dispensing probe entry distance is minimized to reduce contamination, then the cleaning time is reduced, but the risk of suction error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection probe performs preliminary mapping of the blood cell component distribution zone before the dispensing operation. By advance detection of the concentration gradient and determination of the optimal entry depth, the system ensures that the dispensing probe enters precisely to the required depth, eliminating both the need for excessive entry (reducing cleaning time) and preventing insufficient entry (avoiding suction error).
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from concentration gradient detection to dynamically control the dispensing probe's entry depth. The detection data provides continuous information about the blood cell component distribution, allowing the control system to adjust the entry depth precisely, thereby minimizing cleaning requirements while ensuring accurate sample suction without error.
3Measurement precision
If the dispensing probe enters the test sample sufficiently to collect adequate blood cell component, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the adherence of test sample to the probe increases causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The detection probe performs preliminary detection of the blood cell component concentration gradient and distribution zone depth before the dispensing probe enters. This advance information allows precise calculation of the minimum entry depth required to collect adequate blood cell components, ensuring the dispensing probe enters only to this calculated depth - sufficient for accurate measurement but not excessive to cause outer wall contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detection probe's concentration gradient measurements to dynamically adjust the dispensing probe's entry depth. The continuous monitoring of blood cell component concentration provides real-time information to control the dispensing probe positioning, ensuring it reaches the necessary depth for adequate sample collection while preventing excessive entry that would cause adherence and contamination of the probe outer wall surface.
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 minimizes contamination and suction errors by ensuring the dispensing probe only enters the sample as necessary, reducing adherence to the probe and optimizing the positional relation between the suction point and layer boundaries, thereby preventing empty-suctioning and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
technology for detecting the liquid level of the test samples using an electrical resistance method, or a capacitance method
Implementation Method 2
technology for detecting the liquid level of the test samples using an electrical resistance method, or a capacitance method
Implementation Method 3
the dispensing probe is lowered and suctions the test sample by being subjected to negative pressure while immersed within the test sample
Implementation Method 4
the blood cell component settles if left as it is, and the test sample is separated into an upper layer of plasma component and a lower layer of blood cell component
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an automatic analyzer that analyzes a component of a target layer of a test sample separated into a plurality of layers by transferring the component from an installed container, including: a dispensing probe that descends into the target layer and suctions the component; a detecting unit that detects the height of the layer surface of the target layer of the test sample; a calculating unit that calculates the depth from the layer surface of the target layer at which the total content of the component of the target layer reaches a target amount; and a controller that causes the dispensing probe to descend to the depth calculated by the calculating unit and suction the component.