Automated Analyzer Special Washing Control for Carry-Over Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analyzers face challenges in preventing inter-specimen carry-over, especially when analyzing specimens with vastly different concentrations or requiring high-sensitivity analysis, due to the complexity and increased cost of providing special washing liquids for both specimen and pretreatment specimen dispensing nozzles.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer system that includes a special washing information storage unit, a special washing liquid dispensing unit, and a special washing control unit to determine and perform special washing for the pretreatment specimen dispensing nozzle, using a special washing liquid stored in pretreatment containers, thereby reducing the need for additional washing liquid vessels and simplifying the analyzer's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If special washing liquid vessels are provided for both specimen dispensing nozzle and pretreatment specimen dispensing nozzle, then carry-over between specimens is avoided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing liquid vessel is designed to serve multiple functions: it stores washing liquids for both the specimen dispensing nozzle and the pretreatment specimen dispensing nozzle. The system uses a single washing liquid vessel with multiple dispensing mechanisms rather than separate vessels for each nozzle, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining carry-over avoidance for both dispensing paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the washing liquid storage function for both nozzles into a single integrated system. The washing liquid dispensing mechanism is configured to supply washing liquid to both the specimen dispensing nozzle and the pretreatment specimen dispensing nozzle from the same vessel, merging what would otherwise require separate storage systems
2Reliability
If special washing liquid vessels are provided for both specimen dispensing nozzle and pretreatment specimen dispensing nozzle, then carry-over between specimens is avoided, but washing liquid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single washing liquid vessel supplies washing liquid to both dispensing nozzles, making the washing liquid serve multiple purposes. This multi-functional use of the same washing liquid resource reduces overall consumption compared to having separate vessels that would each require their own supply
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to efficiently use washing liquid by directing it to where it is needed most. The washing liquid dispensing mechanism controls the flow to both nozzles from a single source, optimizing the distribution and reducing waste through centralized management rather than separate independent systems
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
Effectively prevents inter-specimen carry-over without increasing the complexity or cost of the analyzer, while reducing the amount of washing liquid used, by strategically managing the special washing liquid and controlling the dispensing process based on specific washing information.
Implementation Method 1
a specimen dispensing nozzle for sucking the specimen into the specimen dispensing nozzle and for dispensing the specimen from the specimen container to the reaction container
Implementation Method 2
a pretreatment specimen dispensing nozzle for sucking the pretreatment specimen into the pretreatment specimen dispensing nozzle and for dispensing the pretreatment specimen from the pretreatment container to the reaction container
Implementation Method 3
a first special washing liquid dispensing unit that dispenses a special washing liquid used for the special washing to the pretreatment containers
Data Source
AI summary
An automated analyzer includes: a special washing information storage unit that stores special washing information for avoiding carry-over of a pretreatment specimen dispensing nozzle; a first special washing liquid dispensing unit that dispenses a special washing liquid used for special washing to a pretreatment container; and a special washing control unit that controls the first special washing liquid dispensing unit, a pretreatment table, and the pretreatment specimen dispensing nozzle based on the special washing information and information on specimens consecutively dispensed by the pretreatment specimen dispensing nozzle for causing the first special washing liquid dispensing unit to dispense the special washing liquid to the pretreatment container and for causing the pretreatment specimen dispensing nozzle to suck the special washing liquid from the pretreatment container.