Automatic Analyzer Container Disposal with Liquid Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers inefficiently dispose of both used and unused reaction containers, leading to waste of unused containers and prolonged operation delays due to unnecessary disposal operations, and require costly dedicated sensors for container presence detection.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analyzer uses liquid surface detection mechanisms integrated into dispensing mechanisms to determine the status of reaction containers on the incubator, distinguishing between used and unused containers, and controls disposal operations accordingly without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all reaction containers are disposed of after device operation is halted, then safety is ensured by avoiding use of used containers, but unused containers are wasted and operation time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reaction containers into two categories: used containers (containing reaction solution) and unused containers (not containing reaction solution). This segmentation allows differential disposal strategies - only used containers are disposed of, while unused containers are retained for future use, thereby reducing waste and operation time without compromising safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of container status (used or unused) before the disposal operation. By detecting whether a reaction solution is present in advance using liquid surface detection, the system can determine which containers need disposal and which can be retained, avoiding unnecessary disposal operations and reducing overall operation time
2Measurement precision
If dedicated sensors are used for container presence detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the liquid surface detection mechanism serve multiple functions: it is used during normal dispensing operations to detect liquid levels, and also serves as a container status detection tool to determine whether reaction containers are used or unused. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated sensors, reducing device cost while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the existing liquid surface detection mechanism to automatically determine container status without requiring additional dedicated detection devices. The system uses its own existing sensing capability to serve the additional function of container status detection, thereby avoiding increased device complexity and cost
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 approach enhances the efficiency of container use and disposal, reduces operation time, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for dedicated sensors, allowing for more effective utilization of reaction containers.
Implementation Method 1
uses liquid surface detection mechanisms integrated into dispensing mechanisms to determine the status of reaction containers
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a technique that can efficiently control disposal and use of containers of an automatic analyzer. An automatic analyzer includes a controller, a container retaining mechanism (incubator), a dispensing mechanism, a detection mechanism, and a transfer mechanism. The dispensing mechanism includes a liquid surface detection mechanism. The controller uses the dispensing mechanism at a prescribed timing to detect the presence or absence of the liquid surface at a target position on the container retaining mechanism to determine a state including the presence or absence of the container accommodating a reaction solution. The controller performs control in which the operation of disposal using the transfer mechanism is performed at a position when a state is determined in which the container is present, and the operation of disposal using the transfer mechanism is not performed at the position when a state is determined in which the container is not present.