Automated Analyzer Vacuum Discharge for Continuous Waste Liquid Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated analyzers face low throughput due to the need for manual waste liquid disposal and intermittent vacuum states in waste liquid containers, which disrupt continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer configuration with a suction container connected through a vacuum exhaust system, a pressure adjustment mechanism, and a control section that maintains a continuous vacuum state, allowing for arbitrary waste liquid suction and improved throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual waste liquid disposal is implemented, then device simplicity is maintained, but throughput decreases due to operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The waste liquid discharge mechanism automatically performs waste liquid disposal without requiring manual intervention. The vacuum pump creates negative pressure to suction waste liquid, and the control unit automates the entire discharge process, allowing the device to serve itself in waste liquid removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump is activated in advance to create negative pressure in the waste liquid container before waste liquid needs to be discharged. This preliminary vacuum state ensures that waste liquid can be immediately suctioned when needed, eliminating waiting time and maintaining continuous operation.
2Productivity
If intermittent vacuum state is used in waste liquid container, then energy consumption is reduced, but throughput decreases due to operational disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump maintains a continuous negative pressure state in the waste liquid container throughout operation, rather than cycling on and off. This continuous vacuum ensures that waste liquid can be suctioned at any time without interrupting the measurement process, maintaining uninterrupted throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve is introduced as an intermediary component to control the connection between the vacuum pump and the waste liquid container. The valve regulates vacuum application, allowing the system to maintain continuous vacuum capability while managing energy consumption through controlled activation timing.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If waste liquid container is opened to atmospheric pressure, then foam generation is prevented, but waste liquid suction capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The waste liquid disposal system is divided into separate functional components: the waste liquid container, vacuum pump, valve control mechanism, and discharge pump. This segmentation allows the vacuum function to operate independently to prevent foam, while the discharge pump handles actual waste liquid removal, maintaining suction capability without compromising foam control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the vacuum pump, controlling it to maintain appropriate negative pressure levels that prevent foam generation while still enabling effective waste liquid suction. The valve timing and pressure regulation are adjusted to optimize both foam prevention and suction performance.
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
Ensures continuous operation by maintaining a vacuum state in the suction container, enabling waste liquid suction at any time and enhancing the analyzer's throughput.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum exhaust system connected to the suction container through a second path... maintains a vacuum state in the suction container
Data Source
AI summary
An automated analyzer includes a plurality of measurement units including a measurement section which measures a sample, a suction container connected to the plurality of measurement units through a first path, a vacuum exhaust system connected to the suction container through a second path, a discharge section connected to the suction container through a third path, a pressure adjustment mechanism disposed in the second path, and a control section which performs control such that the suction container is vacuum-exhausted by the vacuum exhaust system.