Clinical Analyzer Nozzle Self-Cleaning via Universal Aspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated clinical analyzers face challenges in completely preventing nozzle clogging of the reaction cuvette wash unit, requiring separate mechanisms for cleaning that are not efficiently addressed by methods described in prior patents.
Innovation Solution
An automated clinical analyzer with a nozzle cleaning mode that uses a control system to manage the delivery and aspiration of detergents through the reaction cuvette wash nozzles, allowing for simple manipulation and effective cleaning of the nozzles, including the use of multiple detergents and rinsing processes to prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mechanisms are added to clean the nozzles of the reaction cuvette wash unit, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction cuvette wash unit is designed to perform both its primary function of cleaning reaction cuvettes and the additional function of cleaning its own nozzles. The control unit coordinates the turntable rotation and nozzle operations to enable the nozzles to aspirate and discharge cleaning solutions, allowing self-cleaning without requiring separate cleaning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The wash unit cleans itself by using its own nozzles to aspirate and discharge cleaning solutions through the turntable rotation mechanism. The system utilizes its existing components (nozzles, turntable, control unit) to perform maintenance functions, eliminating the need for external cleaning devices and reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If manual cleaning procedures are required for nozzle maintenance, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated cleaning process integrates nozzle maintenance into the continuous operation of the wash unit. The control unit automatically sequences the turntable rotation and nozzle operations to clean multiple nozzles in succession without interrupting the overall washing process, enabling continuous maintenance with minimal downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors and coordinates the cleaning process, automatically adjusting the turntable rotation and nozzle operations based on the cleaning sequence. This automated feedback control ensures that each nozzle is properly cleaned without requiring manual intervention, reducing both time loss and operational complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple detergents and rinsing processes are implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the quantity of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning and rinsing processes are merged into a single integrated sequence performed by the same nozzles. The control unit coordinates the aspiration and discharge of both cleaning solution and rinse fluid through the same operational mechanism, eliminating the need for separate cleaning systems and reducing overall substance consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system efficiently uses and discards cleaning and rinsing fluids in a controlled sequence. The control unit manages the aspiration and discharge processes to minimize fluid waste while ensuring thorough cleaning, optimizing the quantity of substances used for reliable nozzle maintenance.
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
Enables the efficient and straightforward cleaning of reaction cuvette wash nozzles, reducing the likelihood of clogging and maintaining analyzer performance over time with minimal manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction cuvette wash unit for delivering and aspirating a detergent into and from the reaction cuvettes set on the reaction turntable via reaction cuvette wash nozzles
Implementation Method 2
The exhaust nozzle S1 held to the holder H1 aspirates reaction liquid undergone a measurement and vents the liquid into the waste tank
Implementation Method 3
The injection nozzle I1 injects a rinse fluid or rinse water into the reaction cuvette from which the reaction liquid has been discharged
Implementation Method 4
The drying nozzle SD held to the holder H6 completely aspirates the rinse fluid remaining on the bottom and inner wall of the cuvette and discharges the fluid, thus drying the cuvette
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated clinical analyzer is offered which can clean the nozzles (S1-S5, I1-I5) of a reaction cuvette wash unit (23) with a simple structure and with simple manipulations. A detergent is put in first reagent containers (9) located on a first reagent turntable (10). A computer controller (51) drives a first reagent pipette (17) to aspirate the detergent from the first reagent containers (9) and to deliver the detergent into reaction cuvettes (11). The controller (51) drives a reaction turntable (12) to bring each reaction cuvette (11) holding the detergent therein to the reaction cuvette wash unit (23). The controller (51) drives the reaction cuvette wash unit (23) to aspirate the detergent from inside the reaction cuvettes (11) using reaction cuvette wash nozzles (S1-S5, I1-I4) to thereby clean the wash nozzles.