Automatic Analyzer Storage Optics for Full Load Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance sensors using triangulation or time-of-flight methods for detecting full load conditions in automatic analyzers face issues with diffuse reflection from small reaction containers, leading to inaccurate detection.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer design that utilizes a storage part with light-emitting and light-receiving parts to measure light transmission through and from the storage area, allowing the controller to judge full load conditions based on received light thresholds, thereby mitigating diffuse reflection errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distance sensors using triangulation or time-of-flight methods are used to detect full load conditions, then the detection function is provided, but diffuse reflection from small reaction containers causes erroneous detection and reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from distance measurement to light transmission intensity measurement. By measuring the intensity of light that passes through the storage part rather than the distance to objects, the system avoids the diffuse reflection problem that plagues distance sensors while still detecting the full load condition accurately
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the optical distance measurement system (triangulation or time-of-flight sensors) with a light transmission intensity measurement system. This substitution eliminates the reliance on reflected light paths that are disrupted by diffuse reflection from small containers, providing more reliable detection
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
Accurately detects full load conditions in the storage part by suppressing erroneous detections caused by diffuse reflection, ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a storage part (113) that includes: a first part capable of transmitting light from outside; and a second part capable of transmitting light to outside
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic analyzer that uses reaction between a sample and a reagent to analyze the sample, comprises: a storage part that includes a first part capable of transmitting light from outside, and a second part capable of transmitting light to outside, and that is capable of housing a plurality of consumables for use in the automatic analyzer; a light emitting part that is located outside the storage part and radiates first light into an inside of the storage part through the first part; a first light receiving part that is located outside the storage part and receives second light from inside the storage part through the second part; and a controller that judges that the storage part is in a full load condition if an amount of light received by the first light receiving part is larger than a previously determined threshold. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection caused by diffuse reflection of light and accurately detect a full load condition.