Nozzle Descent Speed Control for Liquid Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample measuring apparatuses face challenges in achieving high-speed measurement due to the need for precise liquid surface detection, which slows down the suction process, especially when dealing with various liquids where accurate suction amounts and detection are critical for measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a nozzle with different descent speeds based on the liquid's influence on measurement accuracy, using a faster speed for liquids with lesser influence and a slower speed for those with higher influence, along with an acceleration/deceleration drive mode and constant speed drive mode to optimize suction and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the nozzle descends at a low speed to detect the liquid surface accurately, then the liquid surface detection accuracy is improved, but the measurement speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different descent speeds to different liquids based on their individual characteristics. For the first liquid (sample or reagent), a first descent speed is used to ensure accurate liquid surface detection. For the second liquid (cleaning liquid), a second descent speed faster than the first is used, as precise detection is less critical. This local differentiation of operational parameters resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the nozzle descent speed based on the type of liquid being processed. The control unit switches between a first descent speed for sample/reagent liquids and a second faster descent speed for cleaning liquids. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize both detection accuracy and measurement speed according to specific operational requirements.
2Productivity
If the nozzle descends at a high speed to increase measurement throughput, then the productivity is improved, but the liquid surface detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recognizes that not all liquids require the same level of detection accuracy. Sample liquids and reagents require high detection accuracy (first descent speed), while cleaning liquids have lesser influence on measurement accuracy and can be processed faster (second descent speed). This local quality differentiation allows high throughput without sacrificing critical measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If a uniform low descent speed is used for all liquids, then the liquid surface detection accuracy is maintained, but the overall measurement efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter (descent speed) based on the liquid type. By setting different descent speeds - a slower first speed for sample/reagent liquids requiring accurate detection and a faster second speed for cleaning liquids - the system reduces total processing time while maintaining necessary detection accuracy for critical measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
The sample measuring apparatus includes a suction unit that includes a nozzle and a drive unit that raises and lowers the nozzle, and suctions a first liquid and a second liquid that is different from the first liquid; a liquid surface detecting unit that detects liquid surfaces of the first liquid and the second liquid; a control unit that controls the suction unit, and a measuring unit that measures a measurement sample prepared from the suctioned first liquid; wherein the control unit controls the suction unit to suction the first liquid and the second liquid based on the respective liquid surface detection result of the first liquid and the second liquid detected while lowering the nozzle, and a second speed at which the nozzle descends when detecting the liquid surface of the second liquid is faster than a first speed at which the nozzle descends when detecting the liquid surface of the first liquid.