Bubble Detection Control in Automated Liquid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in accurately determining the sizes of bubbles in liquid samples, which can affect measurement accuracy and require re-analysis, increasing patient burden.
Innovation Solution
An automated analysis device with a detector that optically detects bubble sizes in the flow path, allowing for accurate determination without comparison to pre-registered images, and includes mechanisms to stabilize flow velocity and perform re-feeding operations to confirm bubble size accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to handle analysis tubes, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity is high and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service operation where the analysis device automatically performs tube handling, positioning, and analysis operations without requiring manual intervention for each step, thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The automated handling system is designed to handle multiple types of analysis tubes and perform various operations (positioning, analysis, disposal) through a single integrated mechanism, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and minimizing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If automated handling is implemented, then labor intensity is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (tube transport, positioning, analysis container engagement, and disposal) are merged into a single automated handling mechanism that operates as one integrated system, increasing throughput without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
An automated handling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the analysis tubes and the analysis device, automating the interface operations and enabling high-throughput processing while keeping the core analysis device relatively simple
3Duration of action of stationary object
If used analysis tubes remain in the device, then continuous operation is possible, but contamination risk and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated handling system extracts and removes used analysis tubes from the device automatically after analysis is complete, separating the waste management function from the analysis function to prevent contamination while maintaining operational continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system rapidly transports and removes used tubes through automated handling mechanisms, minimizing the time that used tubes remain in the device and reducing the window for contamination to occur
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an automated analysis device capable of a more accurate determination of the sizes of bubbles included in a liquid. The automated analysis device includes a detection unit 102 which detects bubbles included in a liquid, an internal standard solution syringe 8 which executes a first liquid supply operation in which a liquid is supplied via the detection unit 102, a diluent syringe 9, a sipper syringe 10, solenoid valves 17 to 22 and 30, and a control device 29 which determines whether the size of the bubbles detected during the first liquid supply operation is normal or not based on the operation speed of the liquid supply unit, and controls the operation of the liquid supply unit according to the determination.