Probe Cleaning Unit With Thermal-Bridge Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing probe cleaning methods fail to accurately measure and maintain the temperature of a probe cleaner, leading to inadequate removal of contaminants on the tip of a dispensing probe, which can affect dispensing accuracy and potentially cause specimen adhesion during sample discharge.
Innovation Solution
A probe cleaning unit with a storage section, cylinder section, and heater, equipped with a temperature measuring device positioned above the cylinder to accurately measure the probe cleaner's temperature, ensuring efficient and controlled heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature measuring device is placed in the storage section to measure probe cleaner temperature, then the temperature can be measured, but the measurement accuracy is insufficient because the probe cleaner temperature at the heating location cannot be accurately reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermally conductive member (heat transfer rod) as an intermediary between the probe cleaner and the temperature measuring device. This rod conducts heat from the probe cleaner at the heating location to the temperature sensor, allowing accurate temperature measurement without directly placing the sensor in the probe cleaner. The rod acts as a thermal bridge that faithfully transmits temperature information from the critical heating zone to the measurement device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct thermal contact measurement with a thermal conduction system. Instead of placing the temperature sensor directly in the probe cleaner (mechanical/physical contact), the system uses a thermally conductive rod to transfer thermal energy, substituting direct measurement with indirect thermal conduction-based measurement, which preserves temperature accuracy while avoiding interference with the probe cleaner.
2Reliability
If the probe cleaner is heated to high temperature to remove contaminants, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but temperature control becomes difficult and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the temperature measuring device continuously monitors the probe cleaner temperature and feeds this information back to the heating control mechanism. This allows the heating system to adjust its output based on actual temperature conditions, maintaining the probe cleaner at the optimal temperature range for contaminant removal while preventing excessive heating and energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating parameters dynamically based on temperature measurements. Instead of maintaining constant high-power heating, the system adjusts heating intensity according to the measured temperature, using higher power only when temperature is below the target range and reducing or stopping heating when the target temperature is reached, thereby optimizing energy consumption while ensuring effective cleaning.
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 allows for precise temperature measurement and heating of the probe cleaner, effectively removing contaminants and maintaining dispensing accuracy by ensuring consistent cleaning of the probe tip.
Implementation Method 1
a heater for heating the probe cleaner in the cylinder section
Implementation Method 2
A temperature measuring device for measuring a temperature of the cylinder section is placed above the cylinder section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a probe cleaning unit capable of accurately measuring the temperature of a cleaning solution, which is used for cleaning a dispenser probe, when heating the cleaning solution. A probe cleaning unit according to the present invention comprises a storage section for containing a cleaning solution, a cylinder section connected to the storage section, and a heater for heating the cleaning solution in the cylinder section. A temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the cylinder section is placed above the cylinder section