Flexible Tube Bending for Automatic Analyzer Splash Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzers face challenges in achieving high throughput and analysis reliability due to liquid splashing during the dispensing process, which affects the accuracy of reagent dispensing and increases reagent consumption.
Innovation Solution
The design adjusts the flexible tube's length to minimize liquid spillage by aligning the bending portion with the nozzle tip, reducing the pressure difference and inertia force, thereby preventing splash and ensuring precise dispensing, even at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the nozzle movement speed is reduced to prevent liquid splash, then liquid splashing is prevented and dispensing accuracy is improved, but throughput decreases and cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the flexible tube (length, bending position, rigidity) to optimize liquid flow characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains stable liquid flow at higher nozzle movement speeds, resolving the contradiction between dispensing accuracy and throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamically adjustable flexible tube configuration that can adapt to different dispensing conditions. The tube's bending position and length can be modified based on operational requirements, allowing the system to maintain accuracy across varying speeds and improving overall productivity.
2Reliability
If the nozzle movement speed is reduced to prevent liquid splash, then liquid splashing is prevented and reliability is improved, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the flexible tube parameters (length, bending position, rigidity) to ensure stable liquid flow characteristics that prevent splashing even at higher movement speeds. This maintains analysis reliability while reducing cycle time and improving throughput.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the flexible tube length is increased to prevent liquid spillage, then liquid flow stability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the flexible tube parameters (length, bending position, rigidity) to achieve the minimum effective configuration. This provides sufficient liquid flow stability while minimizing tube complexity and space requirements, avoiding unnecessary device complexity.
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 configuration allows for accurate and reliable dispensing with reduced reagent consumption, maintaining high throughput and preventing contamination, thus enhancing the analyzer's performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The pipe line has a flexible tube which is generally provided with a lengthwise downward hanging portion so as not to obstruct the movement of the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a pump (a pressure changing mechanism) for sucking the sample or the reagent into the nozzle at a predetermined amount
Implementation Method 3
The bending point of the flexible tube is often located at a position lower than the position of the tip of the nozzle by approximately 200 mm
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The occurrence of splash of a sample or a reagent from a nozzle tip is prevented during shifting of a dispensing mechanism. An automatic analyzer includes a nozzle for sucking liquid to be dispensed; a pump for allowing suction of the liquid into the nozzle and generating pressure variations; a pipe line connecting the nozzle with the pump; and a shifting mechanism for shifting the nozzle in horizontal and vertical directions. In the automatic analyzer, the pipe line is at least partially composed of a flexible tube. The flexible tube has an upward or downward convex bending portion in the middle thereof. The convex bending portion changes in position and shifts along with the shifting mechanism at a nozzle side. If the nozzle is shifted horizontally, a value obtained by subtracting a vertical distance between the top of a convex portion of the flexible tube and the uppermost portion of the nozzle from a vertical distance between the tip portion of the nozzle and the uppermost portion of the nozzle is a value ranging from -30 mm to 130 mm.