Probe Washing Apparatus with Throttle Portion and Vacuum Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analysis devices face challenges in efficiently washing probes due to wide washing ranges, leading to contamination and dilution of reagents or samples, and require longer washing times and increased installation space.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analysis device with a throttle portion forming a narrow opening for the probe, a washing mechanism for discharging and suctioning washing water, and a drying mechanism for quick and effective washing and drying within the same washing tank, minimizing contamination and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the probe is washed over a wide range to prevent evaporation and contamination, then the washing effect is improved, but the washing time increases and washing water adheres to the probe side surface causing dilution of reagent
Solution Approach 1:
The washing tank is divided into multiple washing sections (first washing section, second washing section, third washing section) along the probe insertion direction. Each section has dedicated washing nozzles that spray washing water at different positions and angles, enabling comprehensive cleaning of the probe surface without requiring excessive washing distance or time
Solution Approach 2:
A drying section with vacuum suction nozzles is introduced to rapidly remove washing water from the probe side surface using negative pressure. This pneumatic method efficiently eliminates adhered washing water that would otherwise cause reagent dilution, completing the drying process quickly without extending washing time
2Loss of time
If the opening portion of the washing tank is narrowed to improve washing efficiency, then the washing time is reduced, but the reagent or sample may scatter or adhere to the vicinity of the opening causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A shield is installed at the opening portion of the washing tank to prevent scattering of reagent or sample onto the opening vicinity during probe insertion. Additionally, a pre-washing nozzle sprays washing water onto the probe before it fully enters the washing tank, removing contaminants in advance and preventing them from reaching the opening area
Solution Approach 2:
The shield acts as an intermediary barrier between the probe and the opening portion, intercepting any scattered liquid and preventing contamination of the opening area. The shield is positioned to block the path of scattered liquid while allowing the probe to pass through
3Reliability
If the washing range is widened to ensure thorough cleaning, then the washing effect is improved, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple washing nozzles are arranged at different spatial positions and angles within a compact washing tank structure. The nozzles spray washing water in multiple directions (from above, from sides, from below) to cover the entire probe surface, achieving comprehensive washing coverage without requiring a large washing tank volume
Solution Approach 2:
The washing nozzles and drying nozzles are nested within the compact washing tank structure, with each component positioned to maximize space utilization. The multi-section washing arrangement allows thorough cleaning within a minimized footprint by efficiently organizing washing elements in three-dimensional space
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 device achieves a quicker washing operation with reduced contamination and space requirements by effectively removing washing water and minimizing the risk of reagent or sample dilution during subsequent suctioning.
Implementation Method 1
a drying mechanism that is arranged below the throttle portion and performs vacuum suctioning of washing water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention realizes an automatic analysis device in which a washing effect of a probe is improved by being washed in a short period of time and washing water and the like which may be mixed in at the time of suctioning of a succeeding liquid can be decreased. Washing water is supplied to a throttle portion 301 of a washing tank 32 from a washing nozzle 201. A reagent probe 7a is inserted into the washing tank 32. Washing of the outside of the reagent probe 7a, washing of the throttle portion 301, and a washing operation for the inside of the reagent probe 7a are performed while a lowering operation of the reagent probe 7a is performed. The automatic analysis device is configured to perform a drying operation by using vacuum nozzles 212 and 213 even when the reagent probe 7a is lifted, and thus, washing and drying operations of the reagent probe 7a can be sped up and can be performed in a short period of time.