Automatic Analyzer Straight Flow Path Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic analyzers face inefficiencies in analysis cycle time and accuracy due to limitations in liquid container movement and supply timing, as well as suboptimal flow path design, particularly with long and deformed paths that include bends and joints, leading to decreased performance.

Innovation Solution

An automatic analyzer with a straight pipe connection between the suction nozzle and detector, combined with a container retaining member transfer mechanism that efficiently moves and positions reaction vessels, cleaning, and auxiliary liquid containers, maintaining a linear flow path and precise liquid control to enhance analysis efficiency and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a long flow path with bends and joints is used to connect the suction nozzle and detector, then the device can accommodate complex liquid supply requirements, but the analysis accuracy decreases due to improper control of liquid amounts and deformed flow path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid supply flexibilityVSAvoidanalysis accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is divided into multiple independent segments (first flow path, second flow path, third flow path) that can be independently controlled. Each segment has its own liquid supply mechanism, allowing precise control of liquid amounts while maintaining a straight pipe structure to avoid deformation and ensure high analysis accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple liquid containers are used to handle various liquids in the analysis cycle, then the analysis capability is enhanced, but the analysis cycle time increases due to limitations on container movements and supply timing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid handling capabilityVSAvoidanalysis cycle efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Liquid containers are pre-positioned in their respective positions before the analysis cycle begins. The system is configured so that all necessary liquids are already in place and can be supplied immediately when needed, eliminating time-consuming container movement operations during the analysis cycle and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the flow path is made straight to improve liquid flow control, then analysis accuracy improves, but the ability to accommodate complex liquid supply configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid flow controlVSAvoidflow path configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path system is segmented into multiple straight pipe sections (first, second, and third flow paths) that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows each section to maintain a straight structure for accurate liquid flow control while the overall system achieves versatility through the combination of multiple segments with different functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2597470B1Automatic analysis device
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • EP2597470B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2597470B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2597470B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an automatic analyzer that can efficiently supply a liquid, shorten an analysis cycle, and make analyses with high accuracy. The automatic analyzer includes a suction nozzle, a detection container, and a detector. The suction nozzle suctions a sample and a solution used for the detection of the sample. The suctioned sample and the solution are supplied to the detection container. The detector detects a signal from the sample. A vessel for the sample and a container for the solution are disposed below the detection container.