Automated Analyzer Probe Tip Liquid Removal Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing automatic analyzers face issues with liquid droplets and system water attaching to the tip end of the probe during exchange, leading to malfunctions and reduced reliability due to the lack of effective countermeasures for liquid management during probe replacement.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analyzer incorporates a liquid surface detection mechanism and a vacuum suction system to aspirate air into the probe, replacing system water with air before exchanging the probe, preventing liquid droplets from attaching and ensuring reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the probe is exchanged without removing the nipple, then the connection between the probe and channel is maintained, but liquid droplets attach to the tip end of the probe causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary aspiration action before probe exchange to remove liquid from the probe tip. The controller commands the syringe to aspirate liquid from the probe tip before the probe is removed, preventing liquid droplets from attaching to the probe tip during exchange and causing malfunctions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the syringe mechanism already present in the dispensing device to perform self-cleaning of the probe tip. The syringe aspirates liquid from the probe tip using its own pumping action, eliminating the need for external cleaning equipment or manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the nipple is removed for maintenance, then the probe can be exchanged, but liquid drops from the tip end of the probe
Solution Approach 1:
The controller commands the syringe to aspirate liquid from the probe tip before the nipple is removed and the probe is exchanged. This preliminary action ensures that no liquid remains in the probe tip to drop when the connection is broken during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the liquid level in the probe using a liquid surface detection mechanism and uses this feedback to control the aspiration process. The controller adjusts the aspiration action based on the detected liquid surface position to ensure complete liquid removal before probe exchange.
3Reliability
If the syringe aspirates liquid from the probe tip, then liquid droplet attachment is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe mechanism serves multiple functions: it dispenses liquid during normal operation and aspirates liquid from the probe tip during maintenance. By making the syringe multi-functional, the system avoids adding separate components for liquid removal, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing syringe mechanism performs the liquid removal function for itself, using its own aspiration capability to clean the probe tip. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external cleaning systems or additional dedicated components.
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 effectively prevents liquid droplets from attaching to the probe tip end during exchange, enhancing maintenance and reliability by ensuring smooth operation and preventing malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum suction system to aspirate air into the probe, replacing system water with air before exchanging the probe
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive liquid surface detection mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Dispensing with liquid dropping from a tip end of a dispensing probe and/or droplets attaching on the tip end when exchanging the probe allows providing an automatic analyzer excellent in maintenance and reliability. The automatic analyzer includes a probe 120 exchangeably attached to an arm section 206 of a dispensing mechanism; a tube 201 which is connected to the probe and forms a dispensing channel; a syringe 121 which is connected to the tube and discharges and/or aspirates system water contained in the dispensing channel; and a controller 118, in which the controller makes the syringe aspirate the system water from the dispensing channel such that the system water is removed from the probe before the probe is detached from the arm section.