Clinical Analyzer Probe Crash Detection Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Clinical analyzers face challenges in detecting probe collisions with obstructions and determining probe damage during high-speed operations, often requiring user intervention and risking probe bending or dislodgment.

Innovation Solution

A self-resetting probe crash detection mechanism with a spring-loaded contact sensor assembly and a crash detection printed circuit assembly that automatically stops the transfer arm upon collision, allowing for electrical disconnection and enabling automated inspection and alignment correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If user inspection and response is required to detect probe collision, then probe damage can be detected, but patient analyses are compromised due to delayed detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe collision detection reliabilityVSAvoidtime delay in collision detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis through automated probe collision detection using sensors and position feedback mechanisms. The analyzer automatically detects probe crashes, identifies damage, and notifies users without requiring manual inspection, thereby eliminating detection delays while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops through position sensors on the vertical drive and collision sensors that monitor probe status in real-time. When a collision occurs, the feedback mechanism immediately signals the controller to halt operations and alert the user, ensuring timely detection without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If dislodging mechanism is used to detect collision, then collision can be detected, but probe is bent during dislodging action due to limited space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision detection capabilityVSAvoidprobe straightness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical dislodging mechanisms with sensor-based detection systems including position sensors and collision sensors that can detect probe crashes without physical contact. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical action that caused probe bending while maintaining reliable collision detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces intermediary sensors between the probe and the detection mechanism. These sensors detect probe position and collision events indirectly through electrical or optical signals rather than direct mechanical contact, preventing probe bending while enabling reliable collision detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If vertical drive completes motion at high speed, then throughput is maintained, but probe may be bent during collision without detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyzer throughputVSAvoidprobe integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring probe position and status before collisions occur. Position sensors track the probe throughout its descent, and collision sensors are pre-positioned to detect impacts immediately upon occurrence, enabling early intervention that protects probe integrity while maintaining high-speed operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic monitoring and control that adapts to the high-speed motion of the probe. Sensors and controllers operate in real-time to detect collisions during rapid descent and trigger immediate stop commands, maintaining productivity through continuous operation while protecting probe integrity through dynamic safety interventions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides automatic detection and response to probe collisions, protects the probe from damage, and allows for self-resetting and alignment correction without user intervention, ensuring reliable fluid transfer operations.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-loaded contact sensor assembly configured to secure the probe within the transfer arm and allow for an electrical connection between the switch and the probe during normal operation and an electrical disconnection upon contact of the probe with an obstruction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring (elasticity): Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11372014B2Clinical analyzer probe crash detection mechanism and process

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC

AI summary

Embodiments are directed to a transfer arm with a probe and a crash detection mechanism for use in a clinical analyzer in an in vitro diagnostics environment. The mechanism requires no user-intervention after a collision event, unless the automated inspection mechanism determines that damage to the probe requires probe replacement. Moreover, the mechanism is capable of protecting the probe, in some instances, from damage during a collision. The mechanism provides for automatic resetting after a collision, self-checking, and alignment correction. The mechanism includes a crash detection printed circuit assembly with a switch, and a spring-loaded contact sensor assembly configured to secure a probe within the transfer arm and allow for electrical connection between the switch and the probe during normal operation and electrical disconnection between the switch and the probe upon contact of the probe with an obstruction.