Automatic Analyzer Vacuum Timing for Flow Path Clog Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzers face challenges in detecting flow path clogging, which can affect analysis performance due to issues with suction operations and increased complexity with the use of pressure sensors for clogging detection.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer system that includes a vacuum tank, a vacuum pump, a first solenoid valve, a determination unit, and a clogging detection unit, where the solenoid valve is closed and then opened to measure the time it takes for the vacuum value to reach a threshold, allowing for clogging detection without a pressure sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure sensors are installed in each suction nozzle to detect clogging, then clogging detection capability is improved, but device complexity and failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple clogging detection functions into a single pressure sensor located in the vacuum tank. Instead of installing individual pressure sensors in each suction nozzle, the system uses one pressure sensor to monitor the vacuum tank pressure, which reflects the clogging state of all suction nozzles collectively. This reduces the number of sensors from multiple to one, simplifying the device structure while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure sensor in the vacuum tank serves multiple detection purposes: it monitors clogging in the waste liquid suction unit, cleaning liquid suction unit, and other vacuum-dependent components. The pressure sensor performs a universal monitoring function for the entire vacuum system rather than dedicated detection for each specific component, reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If individual pressure sensors are installed in each suction nozzle, then clogging detection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single pressure sensor installation in the vacuum tank. This reduces manufacturing costs by requiring only one pressure sensor instead of multiple sensors, while the pressure changes in the vacuum tank still provide sufficient information to detect clogging conditions in various suction units.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum tank pressure sensor leverages the existing vacuum system infrastructure to perform detection. The vacuum tank naturally experiences pressure changes when clogging occurs in connected suction units, and the single pressure sensor exploits these natural pressure variations for detection without requiring additional complex measurement systems in each suction nozzle.
3Reliability
If a pressure sensor is added to an existing apparatus without one, then clogging detection function is added, but apparatus configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor installed in the vacuum tank serves multiple detection purposes for different suction units (waste liquid suction, cleaning liquid suction, etc.). This single sensor provides universal monitoring capability across the entire vacuum system, adding the clogging detection function without requiring multiple sensors or complex configuration changes in each suction unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum tank acts as an intermediary that transmits clogging information from various suction units to the control system. Instead of directly monitoring each suction nozzle, the pressure sensor monitors the vacuum tank, which reflects the overall vacuum system status including clogging conditions in connected units, simplifying the detection architecture.
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 method effectively detects anomalies in the flow path without the need for pressure sensors, simplifying the system and reducing the risk of failure, thereby maintaining analysis performance.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump that vacuum suctions liquid
Implementation Method 2
suctions the waste liquid by a pressure difference in the vacuum tank
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an automatic analyzer that has a plurality of mechanisms including a mechanism that suctions reaction waste liquid and a mechanism that suctions cleaning liquid, etc. on a sample and a probe surface, the automatic analyzer reducing pressure in a vacuum tank using a pressure-reducing pump, etc., and suctioning waste liquid by negative pressure in the vacuum tank. A contact point of a vacuum switch that is provided in the vacuum tank is closed when the pressure in the vacuum tank reaches a specified negative pressure, and then the analyzer becomes ready for analysis. If any flow path portion of any mechanism that connects with the vacuum tank becomes clogged, suctioning operation cannot be performed properly and analysis performance is affected. The vacuum pump is switched off at a timing at which each solenoid valve connecting to the vacuum pump is individually opened, and the time that elapses before the pressure in the vacuum tank reaches the specified negative pressure is measured. The measured time is compared with parameters in a normal case, and the presence or absence of an anomaly is determined.