Dispensing Probe Test Kit Using Acidic Pigment Solution

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for evaluating the cleanliness of dispensing probes in clinical chemistry analysis are limited by the small amount of pigment carried, which is near the detection limit of spectrophotometers, making it difficult to accurately measure and ensure the reliability of the surface state evaluation.

Innovation Solution

A test method using an acidic pigment solution is employed, where the amount of pigment carried into a solution without pigment is measured using spectrophotometry, allowing for a more accurate evaluation of the dispensing probe's surface state by adjusting the pH of the pigment solution to enhance pigment attachment and detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a general pigment solution is used for testing, then the test can be performed, but the amount of pigment carried is extremely small making accurate measurement difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracy of carried pigmentVSAvoidamount of pigment carried

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pH parameter of the pigment solution to an acidic range (pH 2-6), which fundamentally alters the pigment's behavior and increases the amount carried from the pigment solution by the dispensing probe, thereby enabling accurate measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies a specific local condition (acidic pH environment) to the pigment solution to enhance pigment attachment to the dispensing probe surface, creating a localized high-concentration scenario that improves measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the pigment solution pH is not optimized, then the test procedure is simple, but the amount of carried pigment is too small for reliable detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of surface state evaluationVSAvoidcomplexity of test procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By optimizing the pH parameter to an acidic range, the patent achieves reliable pigment carrying and detection without adding complex procedural steps, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method provides a high reproducibility and reliability in evaluating the surface state of dispensing probes, ensuring a high level of cleanliness and improved analysis performance.

Implementation Method 1

an absorbance measured by a spectrophotometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorbance measurement: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11788971B2Test kit, test method, dispensing device

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide a technology in which an amount of pigment carried from a pigment solution can be accurately measured at the time of testing a surface state of a dispensing probe on the basis of the amount of carried pigment. In a test method according to the present invention, a surface state of a dispensing probe is evaluated on the basis of an amount of pigment carried from an acidic pigment solution into a solution including no pigment.