Dispensing Device Syringe Weight Reduction Jamming Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensing devices for genetic testing analyzers face challenges in achieving high dispensing accuracy and jamming detection precision due to the need for a short distance between the syringe and suction tip, which is difficult to maintain with heavy syringe components.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device configuration that reduces the weight of the syringe by using a lightweight tip holding part and a spring mechanism, allowing for precise movement and detection of minute displacements, while maintaining a short distance between the syringe and suction tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If air is used as pressure-transmitting fluid instead of liquid, then contamination is prevented, but dispensing accuracy deteriorates due to larger volume changes with pressure/temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate fluid pathways: air as pressure-transmitting fluid in the syringe, and liquid (sterile water) as pressure-transmitting fluid in the connection tube between syringe and nozzle. This segmentation allows air to prevent contamination while liquid maintains dispensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection tube filled with liquid acts as an intermediary between the air-filled syringe and the dispensing nozzle. The liquid in the connection tube transmits pressure accurately without the volume expansion issues of air, while the air in the syringe prevents contamination.
2Manufacturing precision
If distance between syringe and suction tip is reduced, then dispensing accuracy is improved, but jamming detection accuracy deteriorates due to heavy syringe components
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy syringe components (motor, pump) are extracted from the movable syringe part and relocated to the fixed base part. This extraction reduces the weight of the movable part to a few grams, enabling both short distance operation and sensitive jamming detection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the motor and pump in the movable syringe part as conventional, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing them in the fixed base part. This reversal reduces movable mass and improves detection sensitivity.
3Reliability
If heavy syringe components are placed in movable part, then dispensing function is ensured, but detection of minute displacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The motor and pump are extracted from the movable syringe part and placed in the fixed base part. This separates the heavy actuation components from the sensitive detection components, enabling both reliable dispensing and sensitive displacement detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system operates in a different dimension by using optical detection (photo interrupters) rather than mechanical sensing. This allows sensitive detection without being affected by the mass of syringe components.
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
Improves dispensing accuracy and jamming detection precision by enabling sensitive detection of slight loads and reducing the impact of collisions, ensuring accurate liquid handling and contamination prevention.
Implementation Method 1
A dispensing device configuration that reduces the weight of the syringe by using a lightweight tip holding part and a spring mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a dispensing device and an analyzer capable of improving dispensing accuracy as well as improving jamming detection accuracy by realizing a short distance between a syringe and a suction tip. The dispensing device 10 comprises an upper fixed unit 10A, a lower movable unit 10B which is connected to the upper fixed unit 10A, the movable unit being relatively movable with respect to the upper fixed unit 10A, and a Z-axis movement mechanism 55Z which moves the upper fixed unit to and fro. A syringe 4 and a plunger 13 are held by the upper fixed unit 10A. A tip nozzle 8 is attached to the lower movable unit 10B. Interior space of the syringe 4 and interior space of the tip nozzle 8 are connected with each other by a connection tube 1 having flexibility.