Dispensing Nozzle Pressure Monitoring for Water Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers require the addition of new components and control patterns to determine water leakage, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer that uses a dispensing nozzle, pressure generation source, flow passage, pressure sensor, and electromagnetic valve to detect pressure changes for determining water leakage without adding new components or control patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure sensor and at least two electromagnetic valves are added to determine water leakage, then water leakage detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing pressure sensor, originally designed for monitoring pressure during specimen or reagent dispensing, is repurposed to detect water leakage by analyzing pressure changes during air aspiration/discharge cycles. This multi-functional use of the pressure sensor eliminates the need for dedicated leakage detection hardware while maintaining reliable detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (pressure sensor, electromagnetic valve, dispensing syringe) to perform self-diagnosis for water leakage. The control unit executes a diagnostic routine that utilizes the normal operational components to detect abnormalities, making the system self-monitoring without external assistance or additional specialized parts
2Measurement precision
If new control patterns are added for water leakage determination, then detection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary diagnostic routine during the initial phase of operation (or at scheduled intervals) where air is aspirated and discharged through the dispensing mechanism. Pressure changes during this pre-established routine are analyzed to detect water leakage before actual specimen processing begins, ensuring detection accuracy while keeping the routine automated and transparent to users
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors pressure sensor data during the air aspiration/discharge cycle and provides immediate feedback by comparing measured pressure changes against predetermined thresholds. When leakage is detected, the system automatically notifies the user and can halt operations, providing clear, actionable feedback without requiring complex user interpretation or additional operational steps
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
Enables effective water leakage detection in automatic analyzers without additional hardware or software modifications, improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure in the flow passage; a control unit configured to determine whether water leaks based on a change in pressure data associated with aspiration or discharge of air by the dispensing nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an automatic analyzer capable of determining whether water leaks without adding a new component or a control pattern thereof. The automatic analyzer according to the invention includes: a dispensing nozzle configured to dispense a specimen or reagent; a pressure generation source configured to generate a pressure within the dispensing nozzle; a flow passage via which the pressure generation source and the dispensing nozzle communicate with each other; a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure in the flow passage; an electromagnetic valve provided in the flow passage, the electromagnetic valve being configured to open and close the flow passage; and a control unit configured to determine whether water leaks based on a change in pressure data associated with aspiration or discharge of air by the dispensing nozzle.