Analyzer Wash Ring with Radial Jets for Instrument Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analyzer systems face challenges in effectively washing elongated instruments without contaminating surrounding areas, as wash fluid often escapes and can only target a limited segment of the instrument's circumference, reducing the number of instruments that can be accommodated due to space constraints from supply conduits.

Innovation Solution

A separate, movable wash ring with radially inward-directed jet orifices surrounds the instruments, allowing for intensive washing without external contamination and enabling more instruments to be accommodated by distributing wash fluid over a wider area, with the wash ring sharing a vertical guide with the instrument holder for space efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a revolving circle of jets (Segner turbine) is used to spray washing fluid at instruments, then washing intensity is improved, but wash fluid escapes and contaminates surrounding areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing intensityVSAvoidcontamination of surrounding areas

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The washing device is segmented into multiple stationary jet orifices arranged in a circular pattern around the instrument holder, replacing the single revolving Segner turbine. Each jet orifice is positioned to target a specific angular portion of the instrument circumference, confining wash fluid to the intended target area and preventing escape and contamination of surrounding areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having a single rotating jet source that sprays outward, the invention inverts the approach by positioning multiple stationary jets inward toward the instrument from all directions. The jets are directed radially inward at the instrument surface, ensuring wash fluid remains contained on the instrument rather than escaping outward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If wash-jet orifices are positioned in receiving holes of the instrument holder, then washing is performed, but supply conduits take up space reducing the number of receiving holes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of instruments accommodatedVSAvoidspace occupied by supply conduits

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple jet orifices are merged into a single circular washing device structure that surrounds the instrument holder. The supply conduits are consolidated into a central distribution system that delivers wash fluid to all jet orifices through the washing device body, eliminating the need for individual conduits to each receiving hole and maximizing the number of instruments that can be accommodated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The circular washing device acts as an intermediary structure between the wash fluid supply and the instruments. It contains the supply conduits within its structure and distributes wash fluid through multiple jet orifices positioned around the instrument holder, separating the conduit space from the instrument receiving space and allowing both functions to coexist efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single jet orifice is used to spray wash fluid at instruments, then device complexity is reduced, but only a limited segment of the instrument circumference can be cleaned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure of washing deviceVSAvoidcoverage of instrument surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The circular washing device performs multiple washing functions simultaneously through its array of jet orifices. Each jet orifice targets a different angular portion of the instrument circumference, allowing the single washing device structure to clean the entire instrument surface in one operation, providing universal coverage without requiring multiple separate washing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables thorough and efficient washing of instruments without external contamination, allowing for a higher number of instruments to be washed in a given space, with improved washing intensity and reduced time compared to existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

The washing device has at least one wash-jet orifice that receives wash fluid by way of a supply conduit arrangement and serves to spray the fluid at the instruments to be washed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS7862774B2Analyzer system and drive mechanism for same

Publication Date: 2011.01.04 METTLER TOLEDO GMBH

AI summary

An analyzer system has an instrument holder that can hold at least two instruments and is movable along a vertical guide. At least one washing device is provided for the instruments, with one or more jet orifices fed by a supply conduit to spray wash fluid at the instruments. The washing device comprises one or more wash rings surrounding the instruments. The washing device is separate from and movable in relation to the instrument holder, and the one or more jet orifices are aimed at the instruments positioned inside the one or more wash rings.