Automated Analyzer Liquid Tank Switching via Selector Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated analyzers require manual switching of liquid tanks connected to the dispensing probe, which is labor-intensive and prone to human error, especially when switching between different measurement items.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer system that includes a liquid dispenser with a pump and a dispensing probe, an internal liquid supply device with multiple liquid tanks and a selector valve, an input section for setting operations, and an operation controller to automatically switch the liquid tank in communication with the dispensing probe based on measurement items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual switching of liquid tanks is used, then the system structure is simple, but labor intensity increases and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects and switches liquid tanks based on measurement items without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously manages the switching process, making the system serve itself rather than requiring operator action for tank selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical switching with an automated control system that uses electrical signals to actuate the liquid tank selector, substituting mechanical hand operations with an automated control mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If manual switching of liquid tanks is used, then the device structure is simple, but measurement accuracy decreases due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives information about the measurement item and automatically selects the appropriate liquid tank based on this input, creating a feedback loop where the system adjusts its operation based on the required measurement, thereby eliminating human error in tank selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously determines which liquid tank to use based on the measurement item, making the selection process self-directed rather than operator-dependent, thus improving measurement accuracy by removing human error.
3Productivity
If automated switching with selector valve is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid tank selector and controller serve multiple functions: they not only switch between different liquid tanks but also manage the overall measurement process based on input items, making the system multi-functional and justifying the added complexity through enhanced productivity.
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 system enables efficient and automated switching of liquid tanks, reducing labor and minimizing errors, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of measurements for different analyte components.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid dispenser having a dispensing probe and a pump capable of aspirating and dispensing a liquid from and into an open end of the dispensing probe
Implementation Method 2
a selector valve mounted in front of the supply tubes and operative to selectively placing the plurality of liquid tanks into communication with the dispensing probe
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an automated analyzer which has plural liquid tanks connected with a dispensing probe and which can efficiently switch the operative liquid tank according to measurement item. The automated analyzer (1) comprises: a liquid dispenser (20a) having a dispensing probe (21a) and a pump (23) capable of aspirating and dispensing a liquid from and into an open end of the probe (21a) that is at one end thereof, the liquid dispenser (20a) being operative to cause the liquid aspirated in the probe (21a) from the open end and a probe internal liquid (L) of the probe (21a) to be dispensed into aliquot receptacles; an internal liquid supply device (30) having plural liquid tanks (31a, 31b) in which probe internal liquids corresponding to measurement items are stored, supply tubes (32a, 32b) for placing the liquid tanks (31a, 31b) in communication with the other end of the dispensing probe (21a), and a selector valve (33) mounted in front of the supply tubes (32a, 32b) and operative to selectively place the liquid tanks into communication with the probe (21a), the supply device (30) being operative to supply a probe internal liquid into the dispensing probe (21a) from one of the tanks; an input section (60) for entering settings regarding operation of the liquid dispenser (20a); and an operation controller (82) for controlling operation of the liquid dispenser (20a) based on inputs from the input section (60). The analyzer (1) makes measurements of different measurement items by switching the operative liquid tank (31) in communication with the probe (21a) via the selector valve (33) being an automatic valve under control of the operation controller (82).