Biochemical Analysis Piercer Sensor Error Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biochemical analysis apparatuses fail to easily recognize the factors causing suction failures of accommodation objects, such as specimens or reagents, due to issues like droplets adhering to the piercer or the piercer's inability to pierce the cover member.

Innovation Solution

The biochemical analysis apparatus includes a piercer for piercing the cover member, a nozzle for suctioning the accommodation object, a first sensor to detect contact with the accommodation object inside the piercer, a second sensor to detect collisions, and a controller that provides error notifications for both scenarios, ensuring the user is informed of suction failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the piercer pierces the cover member and the nozzle is inserted to suction the accommodation object, then the biochemical analysis can be performed, but the user cannot easily recognize the factors causing suction failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction success rateVSAvoiderror recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect the suction state and provide information back to the control unit. The first sensor detects whether the nozzle has successfully contacted the accommodation object, while the second sensor detects collision between the nozzle and cover member. This feedback enables the system to recognize suction failures and provide appropriate error notifications to the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensors as intermediary detection devices between the suction mechanism and the control system. These sensors act as mediators that translate physical states (contact, collision) into detectable signals that the control unit can process, thereby enabling error recognition without requiring direct observation by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the nozzle contacts a droplet of accommodation object inside the piercer, then suction may start in a location free from the accommodation object, but the user cannot recognize this error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic suction detectionVSAvoidsuction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first sensor provides feedback about the contact state between the nozzle and accommodation object. By detecting whether contact occurs at the expected location, the system can identify erroneous suction attempts where the nozzle contacts droplets inside the piercer rather than the intended accommodation object, thereby maintaining suction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated sensor detection. Instead of requiring the user to visually verify proper nozzle positioning and contact, the sensor-based detection system automatically monitors the suction process and identifies errors, improving both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the piercer fails to pierce the cover member, then the nozzle cannot be inserted to suction the accommodation object, but the user cannot recognize this failure factor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimple piercing mechanismVSAvoidpiercing status detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The second sensor provides feedback about the piercing operation by detecting collision between the nozzle and cover member. When the piercer fails to pierce the cover member, the sensor detects the abnormal collision and communicates this status to the control unit, enabling the user to recognize the failure factor through error notifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The collision sensor acts as an intermediary that detects the piercing status without requiring direct user observation. It translates the mechanical event (collision or successful piercing) into detectable signals that enable automatic error recognition and notification to the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for immediate recognition of suction failure causes, preventing unnecessary reagents or specimens from being wasted and enabling prompt corrective actions, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of biochemical analyses.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor that detects contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContact detection:

Implementation Method 2

a second sensor that detects a collision of the nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollision detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12332267B2Biochemical analysis apparatus and biochemical analysis method

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

A biochemical analysis apparatus includes a piercer for piercing a cover member, a nozzle that passes through the piercer which has pierced the cover member and suctions a specimen, a liquid surface sensor that detects contact of the nozzle with the specimen, and a controller that drives the nozzle and the piercer, in which the controller provides an error notification upon detection of contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object inside the piercer, and upon detection of a collision of the nozzle with the cover member.