Automated Analyzer Waste Liquid Management with Dual Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers require manual addition of sterilizing agents to waste liquid tanks, leading to user complexity and potential operational interruptions when tanks are full, risking specimen loss.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a waste liquid system featuring two tanks and electromagnetic valves that automatically switches between them, along with a feed unit for sterilizing agents, ensuring continuous operation by sterilizing and discarding waste without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual addition of sterilizing agent is used, then sterilization can be achieved, but user operation becomes complicated and may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when the waste liquid tank is full and triggers the feed unit to add sterilizing agent without user intervention. The control unit monitors tank status and autonomously manages the sterilization process, making the system self-servicing and eliminating manual operation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the waste liquid level in the tank and provide feedback to the control unit. When the tank is detected as full, the control unit automatically activates the feed unit to add sterilizing agent, creating a closed-loop feedback system that ensures reliable sterilization without user intervention.
2Reliability
If waste liquid tank replacement is performed, then sterilization can be completed, but analyzer operation must be stopped causing specimen loss
Solution Approach 1:
The waste liquid management system is segmented into multiple tanks (first waste liquid tank and second waste liquid tank). When one tank is full, the system automatically switches to another tank, allowing continuous operation without stopping the analyzer. This segmentation enables parallel operation of multiple tanks to maintain productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sterilization by automatically adding sterilizing agent to the full tank before it needs to be emptied. This preliminary action ensures sterilization is completed in advance, allowing the tank to be replaced without interrupting analyzer operation and preventing specimen loss.
3Ease of operation
If user manually collects waste liquid, then tank can be emptied, but user burden increases and immediate action is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors waste liquid levels and manages the sterilization and disposal process without requiring user intervention. The control unit detects when tanks need emptying and coordinates the replacement process, eliminating user burden and removing the requirement for immediate user response.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of monitoring and emptying waste liquid tanks is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors and electronic control units to monitor tank status and manage replacement, substituting human action with an automated mechanical-electronic system.
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
The system securely sterilizes and discards waste liquid without interrupting the analyzer's operation, reducing user burden and preventing specimen loss.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic valve disposed between the first flow path and the second flow path, and configured to switch the flow paths so as to discharge the waste liquid to any one of the first waste liquid tank and the second waste liquid tank
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the invention is to securely sterilize and then discard a waste liquid in a waste liquid tank without interrupting operation, so as to reduce burden on a user in discarding the waste liquid. An automatic analyzer includes: a measuring unit configured to perform measurement on a specimen; a first waste liquid tank configured to accommodate a waste liquid discharged via a first flow path from the measuring unit; a second waste liquid tank configured to accommodate a waste liquid discharged via a second flow path from the measuring unit; an electromagnetic valve disposed between the first flow path and the second flow path, and configured to switch the flow paths so as to discharge the-waste liquid to any one of the first waste liquid tank and the second waste liquid tank; a first feed unit configured to feed a sterilizing agent into the first waste liquid tank; and a control unit configured to control at least the electromagnetic valve and the first feed unit. The control unit is configured to drive the first feed unit to feed the sterilizing agent into the first waste liquid tank when the waste liquid in the first waste liquid tank reaches a first prescribed amount, and drive the electromagnetic valve to switch the first flow path into a closed state and to switch the second flow path into an open state.