Aspirating Member Error Detection via Liquid Presence Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample processing apparatuses for aspirating and processing samples, such as urine analyzers, face challenges in detecting errors in the aspirating operation beyond clogging of the sample needle, including blockages, insufficient sample, and improper aspiration, which can affect processing results.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing apparatus equipped with an aspirating member, a sensor to detect liquid presence, and a controller that compares sensing results from aspirating sample and air to identify errors in the aspirating operation, allowing for comprehensive error detection and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical detecting device is provided to detect clogging of the sample needle, then clogging detection capability is improved, but the ability to detect other aspiration errors (blockages, insufficient sample, improper aspiration) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detecting device is enhanced to perform multiple detection functions. By analyzing different characteristics of the detected light (such as light absorption, reflection, or transmission patterns) during the aspiration process, the device can identify various error types including clogging, blockages, insufficient sample, and improper aspiration, not just clogging alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection approach changes from detecting a single parameter (presence of air column indicating clogging) to monitoring multiple parameters (light intensity variations, aspiration flow characteristics, temporal patterns of detection signals). By analyzing changes in these parameters throughout the aspiration process, the system can distinguish between different error conditions.
2Reliability
If a sensor is provided in the aspirating unit to monitor aspiration status, then error detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detecting device acts as an intermediary that indirectly monitors aspiration status by detecting light properties rather than directly measuring flow or pressure. This indirect detection method provides reliable error detection while avoiding the complexity of multiple sensors, as the optical system can infer various error conditions from light interaction with the sample and air column in the flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical or electrical sensing mechanisms with an optical detection system. The optical device substitutes for more complex mechanical flow sensors or pressure sensors, providing error detection capability with simpler device architecture and fewer moving parts.
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 solution enables broad detection of errors, including blockages, insufficient sample, and improper aspiration, facilitating effective error handling and maintaining the integrity of the sample processing operation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detect device is provided in the middle part of the sample flow path to detect clogging of the sample needle by detecting the length of the air column aspirated in the sample flow path via the optical detecting device
Data Source
AI summary
A sample processing apparatus comprises an aspirating member which comprises a pump at one side and which is configured to aspirate a sample from the other side, a sensor which is configured to sense the presence or absence of a liquid at a predetermined position of the aspirating member, and a controller which is programmed to execute operations. The operations comprise controlling the aspirating member to aspirate a sample, obtaining a first sensing result by the sensor when the aspirating member aspirates a sample, controlling the aspirating member to aspirate air after aspirating a sample, obtaining a second sensing result by the sensor when the aspirating member aspirates air, and detecting an error in the aspirating operation, based on the first sensing result and the second sensing result.