Electrolyte Analyzer Flow Path Rinsing With Gas-Separated Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ion-selective electrodes used in electrolyte analysis devices face challenges in accurately measuring samples due to residual samples adhering to the sensitive membrane, requiring frequent rinsing that leads to increased component wear and replacement, especially in high-throughput analysis.
Innovation Solution
An analysis device with a variable mechanism controlling the position of a nozzle to aspirate liquid samples in either liquid or air, and a liquid feeding mechanism to introduce the sample divided by gases into the flow path for rinsing, reducing the need for frequent component replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzle is disposed in liquid to aspirate liquid sample for rinsing, then the rinsing effect is improved, but the measurement liquid amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is moved periodically between liquid and air positions during the sampling process. Liquid sample is aspirated when the nozzle is in the liquid, then gas is introduced when the nozzle is in the air position. This periodic action between liquid aspiration and gas introduction achieves effective rinsing while limiting liquid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Gas is introduced through the nozzle to divide and transport the liquid sample through the flow path. This pneumatic-hydraulic approach uses gas to carry liquid, achieving rinsing效果 with minimal liquid volume by leveraging the gas flow to distribute and transport the sample efficiently.
2Reliability
If pinch valve is opened and closed frequently for rinsing, then the rinsing function is achieved, but the flow path components wear and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The pinch valve is removed from the system entirely. Instead of using a pinch valve to control liquid flow for rinsing, the invention uses a nozzle that can be positioned in air to introduce gas directly into the flow path, eliminating the mechanical wear caused by frequent pinch valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pinch valve system is replaced with a pneumatic control system using a nozzle that can be positioned between liquid and air. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and wear, using gas flow control instead of mechanical opening/closing actions.
3Reliability
If large amount of liquid sample is used for rinsing, then the flow path is thoroughly cleaned, but the measurement precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between aspirating liquid sample and introducing gas through the nozzle. This periodic action allows thorough rinsing of the flow path using minimal liquid volume, as the gas helps distribute and extend the reach of the small liquid amount introduced during liquid aspiration phases.
Solution Approach 2:
Gas is used to transport and distribute the liquid sample through the flow path. By introducing gas that carries the liquid, the system achieves thorough rinsing coverage with minimal liquid volume, preserving measurement precision while ensuring complete flow path cleaning.
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 approach minimizes the measurement liquid amount and ensures analysis performance by effectively rinsing the flow path while reducing the frequency of component replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle (1052) configured to aspirate the liquid sample from the cup
Data Source
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AI summary
A measurement liquid amount is reduced, and analysis performance is ensured while reducing a replacement frequency of components. A measurement control device 1100 of an automatic electrolyte analysis device 1000 controls an operation of a variable mechanism 1053 that can vary a relative position between a sample cup 1010 and a liquid sample aspiration nozzle 1052 to dispose the liquid sample aspiration nozzle 1052 in the liquid of a liquid sample 1011 contained in the sample cup 1010 and in air, and controls an operation of a syringe pump 1051 as a liquid feeding mechanism, to introduce the liquid sample 1011 divided by one or a plurality of gases into a flow path 1054 and rinse the flow path 1054.