Immersion Cleaning Dispensing Probe for Automated Analyzer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated biochemical analyzers face issues with carryover and contamination due to protein and lipin adhesion on dispensing probes, leading to increased running costs from frequent replacement of wiping cleaning members.

Innovation Solution

An automated analyzer with an immersion cleaning system that uses a cleaning solution to effectively clean the dispensing probe without a wiping member, where the probe is immersed in the cleaning solution for a duration twice as long as the measurement cycle, reducing contamination and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wiping cleaning member is used to clean the dispensing probe, then the probe can be cleaned during operation, but the cleaning member requires frequent replacement increasing running costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidrunning costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cleaning function from the mechanical wiping member and transfers it to a chemical cleaning solution. The dispensing probe is immersed in a cleaning solution that chemically removes contaminants (proteins and lipids) without requiring physical contact or replacement of cleaning members, thereby eliminating the recurring cost of replacing wiping components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiping system with a chemical cleaning system. Instead of using a mechanical cleaner that physically contacts and wears out, the system uses a chemical solution that dissolves and removes contaminants through chemical action, eliminating the need for mechanical replacement parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the dispensing probe is deeply immersed in the analyte for HbA1c measurement, then blood cells can be collected effectively, but a wide area of the probe outer wall becomes fouled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidcontamination area

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cleaning solution as an intermediary substance between the contaminated probe and the cleaning process. This intermediary chemical solution facilitates the removal of contaminants from the probe surface without requiring the probe to be removed from the measurement system, allowing continuous operation while maintaining cleanliness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning environment by introducing a specifically formulated cleaning solution with appropriate pH, surfactants, and solvents that are effective at dissolving proteins and lipids. This chemical parameter change enables effective cleaning of the extended probe surface area that contacts the analyte during HbA1c measurement.

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

The immersion cleaning method effectively removes contaminants from the probe, reducing carryover and contamination, thereby enhancing measurement accuracy and lowering operational expenses by eliminating the need for wiping cleaning members.

Implementation Method 1

an immersion cleaning controller for controlling the drive mechanism of the aliquot dispenser and the dispensing probe such that an immersion cleaning operation in which the dispensing probe is immersed in the immersion cleaning solution stored in the immersion cleaning solution holding portion is carried out

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical dissolution:

Implementation Method 2

an immersion cleaning solution holding portion for storing an immersion cleaning solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS11680952B2Apparatus and method for automated analysis

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 JEOL LTD

AI summary

Described is an automated analyzer capable of effectively cleaning a dispensing probe without using a sweeping cleaning member. The automated analyzer includes: a receptacle holding portion for holding a plurality of receptacles in which aliquots of liquid are stored, an immersion cleaning solution holding portion for storing an immersion cleaning solution, an aliquot dispenser equipped with a drive mechanism for holding a dispensing probe operative to collect the aliquots of liquid from the receptacles, a measurement controller for controlling the drive mechanism and the dispensing probe such that the aliquots of liquid are successively collected at given cycles from the receptacles, and an immersion cleaning controller for controlling the drive mechanism and the dispensing probe such that an immersion cleaning operation is carried out for an immersion time that is at least twice as long as the period of each of the given cycles.