Analyzer Nozzle Imaging Layout for Precise Dispensing Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated analyzers face challenges in accurately adjusting the position of nozzles due to manufacturing variations and overlapping images of nozzles and adjustment targets, which affect dispensing accuracy and cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The automated analyzer incorporates an imaging device on a dispensing arm to take images of nozzles at separate imaging positions with blank backgrounds, allowing precise detection of nozzle positions relative to adjustment targets, and adjusts the nozzle positions based on detected coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple analysis devices are used to analyze different body parts, then analysis precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple analysis devices that would normally be separate into a single integrated analysis device. The device includes multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths and multiple detectors positioned at different angles, all within one apparatus. This merging allows simultaneous analysis of different body parts (anterior and lateral surfaces) while reducing the number of separate devices needed, thereby maintaining analysis precision while reducing device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The analysis device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various analyses on different body parts using a single apparatus. The device can analyze both the anterior and lateral surfaces of body parts by incorporating light sources and detectors configured for multiple measurement geometries. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple analysis devices are used to analyze different body parts, then analysis precision is improved, but the area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple analysis devices into a single compact apparatus that occupies minimal space. The integrated design places multiple light sources and detectors in close proximity, arranged to analyze different body surfaces without requiring large spatial separation. This consolidation maintains the precision benefits of multiple analysis capabilities while dramatically reducing the area occupied compared to using separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested arrangement where multiple functional components are positioned within a compact structure. The light sources and detectors are arranged in a space-efficient configuration that allows multiple measurement functions to coexist in a small footprint, effectively nesting multiple analysis capabilities within a single device envelope.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for analysis, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions by automatically acquiring and processing images from multiple angles and wavelengths simultaneously. The system captures comprehensive data sets without requiring manual repositioning or repeated measurements, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically process captured images and provide analysis results. The system uses image processing algorithms to analyze the captured data and generate immediate results, eliminating manual analysis steps and significantly improving productivity while keeping the operation simple and automated.
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 method enables highly accurate alignment of nozzle positions with adjustment targets, enhancing dispensing and cleaning accuracy in automated analysis processes.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that emits light at a plurality of wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a detector that detects the light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The present invention provides an automated analyzer that can highly accurately detect the position of a front end of a nozzle for dispensing, thus being able to highly accurately adjust the position of the nozzle. The automated analyzer according to the present invention includes: dispensing mechanisms (14, 15) including nozzles (21, 22) that dispense a reagent and a specimen, respectively, and dispensing arms (201) that move the nozzles (21, 22), respectively; cleaning tanks (26, 27) for cleaning the nozzles (21, 22) ; and an automated analyzer control unit that adjusts positions of the nozzles (21, 22). The automated analyzer analyzes a mixed liquid of the reagent and the specimen, the mixed liquid being held in a reaction cell. At the dispensing mechanisms (14, 15), stop positions of the nozzles (21, 22) are set. The dispensing mechanisms (14, 15) each include an imaging device (202) disposed on each of the dispensing arms (201). The automated analyzer control unit takes images of the nozzles (21, 22), using the imaging device (202), at imaging positions (407, 412) of the nozzles (21, 22). The imaging positions (407, 412) are positions to which the nozzles (21, 22) are allowed to move, respectively, and are positions different from the stop positions.