Automated Analyzer Probe Cleaning with Vacuum Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated analyzers require a large amount of cleaning water for probe cleaning, which can hinder continuous analysis when a sufficient supply of cleaning water is not available.
Innovation Solution
The automated analyzer employs a cleaning system with a cleaning tank that immerses and suctions cleaning water, a drying tank that removes surface water via vacuum suction, and an outer cleaning unit to reduce the amount of cleaning water used, optimizing the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional probe cleaning methods are used in automated analyzers, then the probe can be cleaned effectively, but a large amount of cleaning water is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is divided into multiple distinct stages: pre-cleaning with cleaning water, drying with air blowing, and final drying with heating. This segmentation allows each stage to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the overall amount of cleaning water needed while maintaining effective probe cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pure mechanical water-based cleaning with a combination of air blowing and heating methods. The air blowing unit uses gas flow to remove liquid, and the heating unit evaporates remaining moisture, substituting mechanical water removal processes that would otherwise require large volumes of cleaning water
2Productivity
If a large amount of cleaning water is required for probe cleaning, then continuous analysis can be maintained, but the automated analyzer cannot operate in areas with limited water supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cleaning process by introducing temperature control through heating and pressure control through air blowing. These parameter changes enable effective cleaning with minimal water, allowing the automated analyzer to maintain productivity while adapting to water-limited environments
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 configuration reduces the amount of cleaning water required, enabling continuous analysis even in areas with limited water supply by efficiently cleaning the probes.
Implementation Method 1
a drying tank for suctioning the cleaning water on the surface of the probe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This automated analyzer 100 comprises: a sample probe 11a for dispensing a substance to be dispensed into a plurality of reaction vessels 2 for causing a sample to be analyzed to react with a reagent, a measurement unit (light source 4a, spectrophotometer 4, and control device 21) for measuring a reaction liquid produced from the sample and reagent in a reaction vessel 2, a cleaning tank for probe cleaning, and a control device 21 for controlling the operation of the probe, measurement unit, and cleaning tank 13. The cleaning tank 13 comprise a cleaning pool 36 for storing cleaning water for immersing and cleaning the probe and a drying tank 37 for sucking up the cleaning water on the surface of the probe after the probe has been immersed in the cleaning water of the cleaning water pool 36 and cleaned. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of cleaning water used to clean the probe .