Probe Droplet Detection via Capacitance in Automatic Analyzers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzers face issues with liquid droplets adhering to probes, leading to inaccurate sample or reagent dispensing, as these droplets can contaminate containers and affect analysis results by altering the concentration of samples or reagents.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer equipped with a detector, such as an electrode measuring capacitance, to detect liquid droplets on the probe surfaces, and a controller to manage the cleaning process, ensuring accurate dispensing by identifying and removing adhering droplets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the probe is used for sucking and discharging fluid multiple times, then productivity increases, but liquid droplets adhere to the outer surface of the probe causing contamination and analysis errors
Solution Approach 1:
The detector measures capacitance before each sucking operation to detect liquid droplets in advance. If droplets are detected, the cleaning mechanism activates to clean the probe surface before the next operation, preventing contamination of samples or reagents and ensuring analysis accuracy is maintained throughout extended use
2Productivity
If the probe outer surface deteriorates or becomes dirty, then liquid droplets form more easily, but continued use maintains productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The detector provides continuous feedback by measuring capacitance between the probe and surrounding components. When capacitance changes indicate liquid droplet presence on the probe surface, the system automatically triggers the cleaning mechanism to remove droplets, preventing the cumulative effect of surface deterioration and maintaining low droplet formation throughout continuous operation
3Reliability
If cleaning fluid adheres to the probe outer surface, then the probe appears clean, but subsequent sampling is contaminated by the cleaning fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The detector measures capacitance after cleaning operations to verify that cleaning fluid has evaporated or been removed from the probe surface before the next sampling operation. This preliminary check prevents contaminated samples from being taken, ensuring both probe cleanliness and sample concentration accuracy are maintained
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
The solution effectively prevents liquid droplets from contaminating containers, maintaining the concentration integrity of samples and reagents, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of analysis results.
Implementation Method 1
a detector (50) configured to detect that the probe (40) is in contact with a liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzer includes a probe, a detector, and a controller. The probe sucks and discharges a sample and/or a reagent. The detector detects that the probe is in contact with a liquid. The controller detects that a liquid droplet adheres to the probe based on a detection result of the detector.