Automatic Analyzer Liquid-Surface Detection for Selective Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers inefficiently dispose of unused reaction containers, leading to waste and prolonged analysis delays due to the lack of differentiation between used and unused containers, and require costly dedicated sensors for status detection.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analyzer employs a controller that uses liquid surface detection mechanisms integrated into the dispensing mechanisms to determine the presence of reaction solutions in containers, allowing precise control over disposal and reuse of containers based on their status, without the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all reaction containers on the reaction container retaining mechanism are disposed of before restarting device operation, then safety is ensured and used containers are avoided, but unused containers are wasted and disposal time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reaction containers into two categories: used containers (containing reaction solution) and unused containers (empty). The liquid surface detection mechanism enables this segmentation by detecting whether liquid is present in each container. This allows the system to selectively dispose of only used containers while preserving unused ones, resolving the contradiction between ensuring safety and improving disposal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the liquid surface in each container before disposal operations. By using the liquid surface detection mechanism to identify which containers contain reaction solution in advance, the system can prepare a selective disposal plan that avoids unnecessary disposal of unused containers, thereby improving overall disposal efficiency while maintaining safety.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated sensors are added to detect container status, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the liquid surface detection mechanism serve multiple functions: it detects both the liquid surface level during dispensing operations and the presence/absence of reaction solution in containers for status determination. By reusing existing detection capabilities for dual purposes, the system achieves precise container status detection without adding dedicated sensors, thus avoiding increased device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing liquid surface detection mechanism to determine container status, rather than relying on external or dedicated detection devices. The detection mechanism essentially serves itself by providing information for both dispensing control and container status identification, eliminating the need for additional specialized sensors.
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, reducing waste and analysis time while minimizing costs by utilizing existing mechanisms for status determination.
Implementation Method 1
The dispensing mechanism includes a liquid surface detection mechanism configured to detect a liquid surface of a liquid in the container
Data Source
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.