Nozzle Tip Raising for Clogging Prevention in Sample Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample dispensing apparatuses face issues with clogging when dealing with high viscosity samples like serum, leading to inefficient sample transfer and potential damage to the primary sample due to the need to return and re-suck serum constituents, which prolongs processing time and disturbs the sample.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus raises the nozzle tip to prevent clogging by keeping the opening submerged in the serum liquid, allowing suction under residual pressure and additional controlled suction to minimize sample leftovers without disturbing the primary sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzle tip opening comes into contact with the separating agent due to insufficient sample quantity, then clogging occurs, but returning and re-sucking the serum constituent increases processing time and disturbs the primary sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by immersing the nozzle tip opening in the serum liquid before suction begins and maintaining immersion throughout the suction process. This preventive measure ensures the opening remains submerged even when sample quantity is insufficient, preventing contact with the separating agent and clogging before they can occur. The nozzle tip is positioned to extend below the liquid surface level, creating a safety margin that anticipates potential sample quantity variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the serum liquid itself as an intermediary medium. By ensuring the nozzle tip opening remains immersed in the serum liquid during suction, the liquid acts as a protective barrier between the separating agent and the nozzle opening. This intermediary approach allows continuous suction without direct contact between the nozzle and the clogging-prone separating agent layer.
2Reliability
If the nozzle tip opening comes into contact with the separating agent, then clogging occurs, but returning and re-sucking disturbs the primary sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the nozzle tip opening below the serum liquid surface before suction starts. This ensures the opening remains immersed throughout the suction process, preventing contact with the separating agent that would cause clogging. The preliminary positioning creates a protective immersion state that maintains both reliability and sample integrity throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The serum liquid serves as an intermediary protective layer between the nozzle tip and the separating agent. By maintaining the nozzle opening immersed in the serum liquid during suction, the liquid barrier prevents direct contact with the separating agent, thereby preventing clogging while avoiding any disturbance to the primary sample composition.
3Reliability
If suction is stopped when clogging is detected, then the sucked sample can be delivered to the secondary sample vessel, but the serum constituent remaining in the primary sample cannot be fully depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-immersing the nozzle tip in the serum liquid before suction begins. This preventive immersion continues throughout suction, allowing the system to complete the full suction quantity without early termination for clogging detection. The preliminary positioning enables complete sample depletion while preventing clogging through continuous immersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping the nozzle tip immersed in the serum liquid throughout the entire suction process. This continuous immersion prevents clogging occurrences, allowing suction to proceed without interruption or early termination. The useful action of sample suction continues uninterrupted until the full required quantity is obtained, maximizing sample depletion while preventing clogging.
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 effectively reduces the amount of sample left in the primary vessel without disturbing it, ensuring efficient and timely sample transfer by managing clogging through controlled pressure and suction techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum suction unit (1b) which sucks and discharges the sample
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum suction unit (1b) is composed of a pump mechanism including bellows, syringe, etc. (not shown)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A sample dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection from one vessel to another are provided wherein the remaining quantity of a primary sample can be reduced without disturbing the primary sample. When clogging by a separating agent is detected during suction of a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection, the sample dispensing apparatus performs raising of an aliquot head such that an opening at the free end of a nozzle tip does not come out of the sample liquid surface to dissolve clogging; sucking of the sample under the residual pressure; and additionally sucking of a fixed quantity of the sample to reduce the remaining quantity of the sample.