Liquid Transfer Probe Pressure Sensor Calibration via Air Aspiration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid transfer systems in clinical analyzers face inaccuracies in calibrating pressure sensors, leading to incorrect judgments about the volume of specimen or reagent liquid aspirated, especially when dealing with small volumes, due to variations in pressure readings between probes and over time.
Innovation Solution
The method involves calibrating pressure sensors using air aspirations at different flow rates and volumes, establishing a representative pressure reference value to improve accuracy and reliability, allowing for frequent calibration without using reagent liquid and minimizing the effect of system drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are calibrated using liquid aspirations, then calibration accuracy is improved, but reagent liquid is consumed and calibration frequency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary substance to perform calibration. Instead of using reagent liquid directly for calibration, air aspirations are used to establish pressure reference values. The air pressure readings are then correlated with liquid pressure readings to determine calibration factors, eliminating the need to consume reagent liquid for calibration purposes while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the calibration process using air instead of liquid. By measuring air pressure during aspiration and comparing it with liquid pressure measurements, the system derives calibration factors without actually aspirating liquid for calibration. This copying approach allows frequent calibration without consuming reagents.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are calibrated using liquid aspirations, then calibration accuracy is improved, but calibration frequency is reduced due to liquid consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Air serves as a reusable intermediary medium that does not get consumed during calibration. The system can repeatedly perform air aspirations to establish pressure reference values, enabling frequent calibration without the limitation of liquid consumption. This intermediary approach decouples calibration frequency from reagent availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system becomes self-sufficient by using air, which is abundant and reusable, instead of relying on finite reagent liquid supplies. The system can perform calibration as needed without external constraints from liquid consumption, thereby increasing calibration frequency and productivity.
3Reliability
If pressure readings are taken at different aspiration flow rates and volumes, then calibration reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is segmented into distinct phases: air aspiration at multiple flow rates and volumes to establish pressure reference points, liquid aspiration measurements, and correlation analysis. By breaking down the calibration into systematic segments, the complexity is organized and manageable, while still capturing the full range of operating conditions for reliable calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts aspiration flow rates and volumes during calibration to cover the expected operating range. The controller varies these parameters to obtain pressure readings under different conditions, then uses correlation analysis to determine calibration factors. This dynamic approach ensures comprehensive calibration without requiring overly complex manual procedures.
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 enhances the precision and frequency of calibration, ensuring accurate liquid volume aspiration and dispensing, even for small volumes, by correlating air aspiration pressures with liquid pressures, thus improving the reliability of testing results.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor adapted to sense a representative aspiration pressure
Implementation Method 2
performing one or more air aspirations and taking one or more representative pressure readings
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods adapted to calibrate a liquid transfer system. The methods include providing a probe having a fluidly-coupled pressure sensor, the pressure sensor adapted to sense an aspiration pressure associated with the probe, performing one or more air aspirations and taking one or more pressure readings with the pressure sensor, and using one or more of the pressure readings to calibrate the pressure sensor. A novel liquid transfer system is also disclosed, as are other aspects.