Automatic Analyzer Quasi-Stop Cleaning for Rapid Measurement Start
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzers face a trade-off between rapid measurement start and water consumption reduction, as continuous cell blank measurement and cleaning operations consume detergent and water, prolonging standby times.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a quasi-stop mode that controls cleaning water supply to minimize consumption by reducing the amount of cleaning water used during standby periods, allowing for quick measurement resumption while conserving resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If cell blank measurement and cleaning operation are continued during standby time, then measurement can be quickly performed when sample is received, but detergent and water are continuously consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by switching between two distinct operational modes during standby time: a power-saving mode that stops cleaning operations and cell blank measurement to reduce water and detergent consumption, and a measurement preparation mode that resumes these operations when a sample is received. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by eliminating continuous consumption while enabling rapid measurement start when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the operational state adaptable based on real-time conditions. The control unit dynamically transitions the analyzer between power-saving mode and measurement preparation mode according to whether a sample has been received. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between resource consumption and measurement readiness, resolving the trade-off between continuous operation and resource saving.
2Loss of substance
If power-saving mode stops cleaning mechanism operation, then water and detergent consumption is reduced, but measurement cannot be performed immediately when sample is received
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by implementing distinct operational phases: during extended standby periods, the power-saving mode is activated to stop cleaning operations and minimize resource consumption; upon sample reception, the system periodically transitions to measurement preparation mode to perform necessary cleaning and cell blank measurement. This phased approach resolves the contradiction by concentrating resource usage only when measurement is imminent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by performing cleaning operations and cell blank measurement in advance immediately when a sample is received, rather than maintaining continuous preparation. The control unit detects sample arrival and initiates the necessary preparation steps before measurement begins, ensuring minimal delay while avoiding continuous resource consumption during idle standby time.
3Speed
If analyzer is operated for 24 hours maintaining measurable state, then urgent samples can be processed quickly, but water and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by operating in alternating cycles of power-saving mode and measurement preparation mode during 24-hour operation. During periods without samples, the system enters power-saving mode to stop energy-consuming operations including cleaning mechanisms and light sources. When samples are received, the system transitions to active measurement mode. This periodic cycling resolves the contradiction by maintaining 24-hour operational capability while dramatically reducing power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the operational state flexible and responsive to actual workload demands. The control unit dynamically adjusts the analyzer's operational intensity based on sample arrival patterns, transitioning between low-power standby states and full measurement mode as needed. This dynamic operation allows the analyzer to maintain readiness for urgent samples while adapting power consumption to actual usage requirements throughout 24-hour operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an automatic analyzer that satisfies both rapid measurement start and water consumption reduction, and a method of operating the automatic analyzer. When the automatic analyzer (100) is in a standby state where measurement of a sample is acceptable, a supply amount of cleaning water supplied to a sample dispensing probe (113) that dispenses the sample to a reaction vessel for reaction of the sample and a reagent, a sample dispensing probe cleaning tank (113A) that cleans an outer periphery of the sample dispensing probe (113) after the sample is dispensed, a reagent dispensing probe (116) that dispenses the reagent to the reaction vessel, a reagent dispensing probe cleaning tank (116A) that cleans an outer periphery of the reagent dispensing probe (116) after the reagent is dispensed, and a cleaning mechanism (115A) that cleans the reaction vessel after the measurement is completed, is reduced to be smaller than a supply amount during the measurement of the sample.