Movable Probe Guard for Automated Analyzer Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analysis devices do not effectively stop the operation of the test body sampling and container installing mechanisms when a hand or object is interposed between the probe guard and the test body container installing mechanism without requiring further pressure on the operator.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analysis device incorporates a movable probe guard that can be detected when it is displaced from its fixed position, triggering the stopping of the test body sampling and container installing mechanisms, and automatically returns to its fixed position when the interference is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the probe guard is fixedly disposed to limit access to the probe tip end portion, then operator safety is improved, but the device cannot detect interference until further pressure is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The probe guard is changed from a fixed structure to a movable one that can be displaced by external force (such as a hand or object interposed between the guard and mechanism). This dynamic structure allows the guard to move when interference occurs, triggering detection by the detection means and stopping the sampling mechanism, thereby improving both safety and detection sensitivity without requiring additional pressure from the operator.
2Ease of operation
If the probe guard is made movable to detect interference, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable probe guard serves multiple functions: it continues to limit access to the probe tip end portion for safety, while simultaneously acting as a detection element that moves when interference occurs. The guard's movement is detected by detection means, and it also blocks the track to prevent probe movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the probe guard blocks the track to prevent probe movement, then safety is improved, but the sampling mechanism cannot operate
Solution Approach 1:
The probe guard is designed to move along the track rather than being fixed. During normal operation, the guard is positioned to allow probe movement. When interference is detected (hand or object interposed), the guard moves to block the track, preventing further probe movement. This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between operational and safety-blocking states as needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic analysis device is realized in which even when a hand of an operator or the like is interposed between a probe guard and a test body container installing mechanism, the operation of a test body sampling mechanism and the test body container installing mechanism is able to be stopped without further pressing the hand of the operator. When an external force acts on a probe guard 26 in a horizontal direction, the probe guard 26 moves in a direction escaping from the external force around a center portion 47 of a test body container installing mechanism 1, and the probe guard 26 is separated from a fixed position. An outer circumferential wall 29 of the probe guard 26 invades a test body sampling mechanism track 28, and thus a risk that a sampling nozzle 23 of a test body sampling mechanism 5 invades the test body container installing mechanism 1 is avoided by the outer circumferential wall 29. When the probe guard 26 is separated from the fixed position, this is detected, and thus the operation of the test body sampling mechanism 5 and the test body container installing mechanism 1 is stopped.