Liquid Surface Detector for Rapid Aspiration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample analyzers face difficulties in rapidly aspirating liquids when the initial liquid level is unknown, often requiring a high margin for the lowering speed switching height to prevent nozzle entry, which slows down the reagent aspirating operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a liquid surface detector and a controller that stores liquid level information in memory, allowing for dynamic speed control of the aspirating tube based on real-time detection, enabling rapid aspiration even when the initial liquid level is unknown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high margin value is used for setting the lowering speed switching height to prevent nozzle entry, then the reliability of preventing nozzle entry is improved, but the productivity of reagent aspirating operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid surface detector performs preliminary detection of the actual liquid level before the aspirating tube lowers. The controller stores this detected liquid level information and uses it to set an appropriate lowering speed switching height, rather than relying on pre-stored initial liquid level data that may be inaccurate. This preliminary action enables the system to prepare the optimal switching height in advance, allowing high-speed lowering without risking nozzle entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid surface detector provides feedback about the actual liquid level to the controller. The controller adjusts the lowering speed switching height based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism ensures that the switching height is dynamically optimized to prevent nozzle entry while maximizing aspiration speed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
2Reliability
If the lowering speed switching height is set at a high position to ensure margin, then the reliability of preventing nozzle entry is improved, but the speed of reagent aspirating operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lowering speed switching height is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the switching height based on actual liquid level detection results, allowing the system to optimize the switching height for each specific situation. This dynamic adjustment enables the aspirating tube to lower at high speed when safe, while automatically reducing speed only when necessary to prevent nozzle entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of lowering speed switching height based on detected liquid level conditions. Instead of using a fixed high switching height that limits speed, the controller modifies this parameter dynamically according to actual measurements, allowing optimal speed performance while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If a large margin value is ensured for the lowering speed switching height, then the reliability of preventing nozzle entry is improved, but the time required for reagent aspirating operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid surface detector performs preliminary detection of the actual liquid level before the aspirating tube lowers. The controller stores this detected liquid level information and uses it to set an appropriate lowering speed switching height, rather than relying on pre-stored initial liquid level data that may be inaccurate. This preliminary action enables the system to prepare the optimal switching height in advance, allowing high-speed lowering without risking nozzle entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid surface detector provides feedback about the actual liquid level to the controller. The controller adjusts the lowering speed switching height based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism ensures that the switching height is dynamically optimized to prevent nozzle entry while maximizing aspiration speed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
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 allows for efficient and rapid liquid aspiration by accurately determining the liquid level and adjusting the aspirating speed, enhancing the speed and efficiency of the reagent aspirating process.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid surface detector for detecting a liquid surface in the container
Implementation Method 2
an actuator for moving the aspirating tube in an up and down direction
Implementation Method 3
a liquid aspirating unit that includes an aspirating tube and an actuator for moving the aspirating tube in an up and down direction, and that aspirates a liquid for a sample analysis using the aspirating tube from a container
Data Source
AI summary
A sample analyzer is configured to execute a liquid surface detection of detecting a liquid surface in a container by a liquid surface detector prior to a lowering operation of an aspirating tube for aspirating the liquid if a liquid level information is not stored in a memory, and store a liquid level information of a container in the memory based on a detection result by the liquid surface detection. Also, a liquid aspirating method by a sample analyzer.