Dispensing Arm Static Elimination for Analyzers

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic analyzing apparatuses for biological samples face issues with static electricity accumulation in specimen and reaction vessels, leading to incomplete neutralization due to the need for static eliminators on the traveling route, which complicates the analysis process and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

An automatic analyzing apparatus with a static eliminator integrated into the dispensing mechanism, using a neutralizing ion generation source and blower fan to neutralize static electricity just before dispensing, eliminating the need for separate static eliminators on the traveling route.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a static eliminator is installed on the traveling route of specimen containers or reaction vessels, then static electricity can be neutralized during transport, but the specimen remains charged after passing through the static eliminator until it reaches the dispensing position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatic electricity neutralizationVSAvoidtime for complete neutralization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The static eliminator is integrated into the dispensing mechanism, allowing preliminary neutralization of static electricity to occur immediately before dispensing. This ensures the specimen container is neutralized at the critical moment when it matters most, rather than attempting to neutralize it during transport when the charging continues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The static eliminator function is merged with the dispensing mechanism by incorporating a neutralizing ion generation source and blower fan into the dispensing arm. This combination eliminates the need for separate static elimination devices on the traveling route and performs neutralization at the point of dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate static eliminators are installed on the traveling route, then static electricity can be addressed, but the device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatic electricity neutralizationVSAvoidnumber of static eliminators

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The static eliminator function is merged with the dispensing mechanism by incorporating a neutralizing ion generation source and blower fan into the dispensing arm. This combination eliminates the need for separate static elimination devices on the traveling route and performs neutralization at the point of dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing mechanism is given multiple functions: it not only dispenses specimens but also neutralizes static electricity on specimen containers and reaction vessels. The neutralizing ion generation source and blower fan enable the dispensing arm to perform both dispensing and static elimination functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a static eliminator is installed on the traveling route, then static electricity can be neutralized, but costs increase due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatic electricity neutralizationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The static eliminator function is merged with the dispensing mechanism by incorporating a neutralizing ion generation source and blower fan into the dispensing arm. This combination eliminates the need for separate static elimination devices on the traveling route and performs neutralization at the point of dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing mechanism is given multiple functions: it not only dispenses specimens but also neutralizes static electricity on specimen containers and reaction vessels. The neutralizing ion generation source and blower fan enable the dispensing arm to perform both dispensing and static elimination functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively neutralizes static electricity at the dispensing position, reducing costs and installation space, while ensuring precise dispensing and accurate liquid level detection by controlling the neutralizing ion generation and blowing mechanisms optimally.

Implementation Method 1

a static eliminator having a neutralizing ion generation source and a neutralizing ion blowing mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon generation: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

a neutralizing ion blowing mechanism for blowing the neutralizing ions generated by the generation source to the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Fan

Data Source

PatentEP3173795B1Automatic analysis device

Publication Date: 2021.12.22 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP

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AI summary

An automatic analyzing apparatus capable of eliminating static electricity charged in a specimen container at a specimen dispensing position is provided. The automatic analyzing apparatus includes a dispensing mechanism having a probe that aspirates a liquid and an arm that holds the probe, and a static eliminator having a generation source of neutralizing ions and a neutralizing ion blowing mechanism for blowing the neutralizing ions generated in the generation source to a target, which are provided in the dispensing mechanism.