Dynamic Nozzle Positioning for Analysis Apparatus Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analysis apparatuses face inefficiencies due to waiting states caused by slower analysis processes in second units, leading to prolonged downtime and reduced efficiency, especially when the second analysis unit is not ready to accept sample vessels, resulting in complications such as malfunction and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The analysis method involves a transport apparatus that moves a rack holding multiple sample vessels along a predetermined route, allowing both first and second analysis units to collect samples using nozzles positioned along this route, with the ability to change nozzle positions when transport is interrupted, enabling continuous analysis by shifting sample collection points to maintain workflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second analysis unit operates at a slower analysis process speed, then the analysis quality or thoroughness may be improved, but the waiting state increases and the overall productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning of nozzles that can change their positions along the transport route based on real-time operational conditions. When the second analysis unit is occupied or washing, the first nozzle can position itself at alternative locations to collect samples from different sample vessels, thereby eliminating waiting states and maintaining continuous productivity while allowing the second unit to operate at its optimal (slower) speed for quality analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sample collection by the first nozzle at alternative positions before the second analysis unit is ready. Samples are collected in advance and can be processed or held, so that when the second unit becomes available, the samples are already prepared, eliminating the need for the second unit to wait and maintaining the workflow continuity.
2Device complexity
If the sample collecting positions are kept constant for both analysis units, then the device structure is simplified, but the productivity decreases during waiting states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic, adjustable nozzle positions that can be reconfigured along the transport route. The nozzles are not fixed at single constant positions but can move to multiple predetermined locations, allowing the system to adapt to operational conditions and maintain productivity during waiting states while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzles are designed to perform multiple functions: they can collect samples at their primary positions during normal operation and switch to alternative positions during waiting states or maintenance periods. This multi-functionality allows a single nozzle system to handle both standard sample collection and contingency operations without requiring separate dedicated systems.
3Productivity
If a stock area is provided between the first and second analysis units, then the waiting state problem is resolved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing a physical stock area that would increase device footprint, the patent uses dynamic nozzle positioning to virtually create buffer capacity. The nozzles can position themselves at alternative locations along the transport route to collect and hold samples temporarily, providing the functional equivalent of a stock area without the physical space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the buffer function from a physical stock area and relocates it to the transport route itself through dynamic nozzle positioning. The sample vessels continue to move along the transport route, and the nozzles intercept them at alternative positions during waiting states, thereby removing the need for a dedicated stock area while maintaining the buffering capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An analysis apparatus S comprises a first analysis unit A1 which collects samples by utilizing a first nozzle 4A to analyze the sample, a second analysis unit A2 which collects samples by utilizing a second nozzle 4B to analyze the sample, and a transport apparatus 2 which transports a plurality of sample vessels 30 along a predetermined transport route 29. When a predetermined waiting state is provided such that the transport of the plurality of sample vessels 30 is interrupted or stopped, then the sample collecting position is changed for at least one of the first and second nozzles 4A, 4B, and the samples B are collected from the plurality of sample vessels 30 by means of the nozzle having the changed position. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the efficiency of the analysis process performed by the analysis apparatus S, while suppressing the transport apparatus 2 from being large-sized and suppressing the structure from being complicated.