Automatic Analyzer Probe Electrical Potential Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic analyzing apparatuses lack a simplified method to check the operation of detergent diluting mechanisms and the concentration of additives in constant temperature water, relying on manual pH measurement instruments.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of processing circuitry that measures electrical potential between a probe and a liquid surface, determining if the measurement value is within a specific range, and providing a notification on the liquid state, allowing for automated detection of detergent concentration and additive levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual pH measurement instruments are used to check detergent dilution and additive concentration, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but operational complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent concentration detection accuracyVSAvoidmanual checking complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual pH measurement instruments with an automated electrical potential measurement system. The probe directly measures electrical potential in the washing liquid or constant temperature water, and the processing circuitry automatically determines concentration based on the measured value, eliminating the need for manual pH measurement operations while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service monitoring by automatically measuring and determining concentration values without requiring servicemen's intervention. The probe and processing circuitry work together to autonomously detect detergent concentration or additive concentration, allowing the system to monitor its own state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual pH measurement instruments are used to check additive concentration in constant temperature water, then accurate detection is possible, but time and labor resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditive concentration detection accuracyVSAvoidchecking time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes manual pH measurement with automated electrical potential measurement for checking additive concentration. The probe measures electrical potential in the constant temperature water, and the processing circuitry automatically determines additive concentration, eliminating time-consuming manual operations while preserving detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous monitoring of additive concentration in constant temperature water. Unlike periodic manual checks, the automated probe and processing circuitry can continuously measure and determine concentration, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance of the constant temperature water quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If automated electrical potential measurement is implemented, then operational simplicity and speed improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe serves multiple functions: it can measure electrical potential in both washing liquid (for detergent concentration) and constant temperature water (for additive concentration). The processing circuitry also performs dual functions by determining both types of concentration based on electrical potential measurements, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a probe as an intermediary device that converts chemical concentration information into electrical potential signals. This intermediary enables the processing circuitry to indirectly determine concentration values through electrical measurements, simplifying the overall measurement approach while improving speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables automated and accurate detection of detergent and additive concentrations, preventing measurement inaccuracies and equipment failures, and reducing the need for manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

processing circuitry that measures an electrical potential pertaining to a contact between a probe for dispensing a sample or a reagent and a liquid surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical potential measurement: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20240061000A1Automatic analyzing apparatus and automatic analyzing method

Publication Date: 2024.02.22 CANON KK

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzing apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry measures an electrical potential pertaining to a contact between a probe for dispensing a sample or a reagent and a liquid surface, and outputs the measured electrical potential as a measurement value, determines whether or not the measurement value is within a specific range, and outputs a determination result, and provides a notification on a state of a liquid related to the liquid surface according to the determination result.