Automatic Analyzer Probe Cleaning for Temperature-Controlled Clog Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face challenges in effectively removing probe clogging, leading to reduced analysis efficiency and increased manual cleaning frequency due to insufficient cleaning techniques, which can cause cross-contamination and affect dispensing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer equipped with a clogging detection unit that uses a temperature-adjusted liquid to clean the probe when clogging is detected, reducing the need for manual cleaning and enhancing analysis efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If water is discharged from the probe to clean it, then the cleaning operation is simple, but the clogging cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the cleaning liquid from ambient temperature to heated temperature (e.g., 37°C or higher). This parameter change enables the cleaning liquid to effectively dissolve and remove protein-based clogs that water alone cannot eliminate, while maintaining an automated cleaning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flushing action with water discharge by substituting it with a thermal-chemical cleaning mechanism. The heated cleaning liquid chemically dissolves the clogging material, substituting mechanical force with thermal and chemical effects for more effective cleaning.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the probe is immersed in a cleaner containing detergent, then cross-contamination is reduced, but the clogging removal effect remains weak
Solution Approach 1:
The critical parameter changed is temperature. By heating the cleaning liquid to 37°C or higher, the patent transforms the cleaning mechanism from simple surfactant action to thermal dissolution combined with surfactant action. This temperature parameter change enables effective removal of protein-based clogs while the detergent continues to prevent cross-contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite cleaning solution that combines heated liquid with detergent. This composite approach integrates two cleaning mechanisms: thermal dissolution of protein-based clogs and surfactant action for preventing cross-contamination, achieving both objectives simultaneously.
3Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed, then clogging can be removed, but analysis efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service cleaning where the probe automatically cleans itself through the heated cleaning liquid circulation system. The system autonomously detects clogging, activates the heating element, and circulates the heated cleaning liquid through the probe without requiring user intervention, thereby maintaining high analysis efficiency while effectively removing clogs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating of the cleaning liquid before it contacts the clogged probe. This preliminary action ensures the cleaning liquid is at the optimal temperature (37°C or higher) to dissolve protein-based clogs, making the automated cleaning process effective without requiring manual intervention.
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 minimizes manual probe cleaning frequency and improves analysis efficiency by effectively addressing probe clogging through temperature-adjusted cleaning, thereby reducing cross-contamination and maintaining dispensing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the probe is cleaned by a temperature-adjusted liquid when the clogging detection unit detects the clogging of the probe
Data Source
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AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide: an automatic analyzer that reduces the frequency of manual cleaning of a probe and that has a higher analysis efficiency; and a method for cleaning a probe. For this purpose, an automatic analyzer according to the present invention comprises: a probe that dispenses a liquid; and a clogging detection unit that detects clogging of the probe. When the clogging detection unit detects clogging of the probe, the probe is cleaned with a liquid having an adjusted temperature. In addition, a method for cleaning a probe that dispenses a liquid according to the present invention involves cleaning the probe with a liquid having an adjusted temperature when a clogging detection unit detects clogging of the probe.