Automated Clot and Leak Detection in Liquid Chromatography Analyzers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of analyzers with multiple liquid chromatography (LC) streams in clinical or laboratory settings makes it difficult to detect and resolve errors or malfunctions, such as clots or leaks, leading to prolonged downtimes due to the need for skilled operators and spare parts.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using sensors to identify the location of clots or leaks in the fluid path of LC analyzers by obtaining a trigger event and initiating a detection routine, which involves switching valves and measuring pressure to isolate and pressurize parts of the fluid path, allowing for efficient detection and indication of the issue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual clot or leak detection is performed, then the analyzer can identify issues, but the process is time-consuming and requires skilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The analyzer performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting clots or leaks through pressure measurements during routine operations. The system monitors pressure variations in the fluid path and autonomously identifies blockages without requiring external intervention, thereby reducing downtime and eliminating the need for skilled operators to perform manual checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pressure signals from sensors positioned at different locations in the fluid path. When pressure variations indicate a clot or leak, the system provides feedback to identify the specific location by determining which sensor detects the anomaly first, enabling rapid localization and resolution of the issue.
2Ease of repair
If manual service operations are performed by operators, then maintenance can be carried out, but the complexity of analyzers requires highly skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The analyzer automatically identifies the location of clots or leaks by analyzing pressure measurements from multiple sensors, eliminating the need for operators to manually trace through complex fluid paths. The system provides precise location information that guides maintenance personnel, reducing the skill level required to perform service operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with automated electronic pressure sensing and computational analysis. Instead of operators physically examining the complex fluid path, the system uses electronic sensors and algorithms to automatically locate issues, simplifying the service process.
3Productivity
If automated clot or leak detection is implemented, then detection speed increases, but the system requires additional sensors and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensors are integrated into the existing fluid path infrastructure and serve multiple functions: they monitor pressure during normal operation and enable clot/leak detection during routine phases. This multi-functionality allows automated detection without adding dedicated separate detection systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs clot and leak detection during routine operational phases without requiring separate dedicated detection cycles. By continuously monitoring pressure during normal fluid flow operations, the system achieves rapid detection while utilizing existing sensor infrastructure, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing system 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 approach reduces downtime by quickly identifying and locating the cause of clots or leaks, enabling operators with less knowledge to perform maintenance and reducing the complexity of service operations, allowing analyzers to return to normal operation more swiftly.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor, preferably a pressure sensor, is present in the fluid path of the analyzer
Data Source
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AI summary
In one general aspect, the present invention relates to an automated method for identifying a clot or a leak in an analyzer including multiple liquid chromatography (LC) streams, the method includes obtaining an indication of a trigger event for a clot or leak detection routine and starting a clot or leak detecting routine in response to the trigger event. The clot or leak detecting routine is designed to identify a location of the clot or leak out multiple possible positions by using one or more sensors of the analyzer. The method further includes providing information regarding the identified location of the clot or leak for further processing.