Reagent Dispensing Temperature Sensing for Abnormal Discharge Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid dispensing devices struggle to accurately detect abnormal dispensation, particularly for liquids with low viscosity and low surface tension, failing to effectively address the problem of clogging and inaccurate analysis results due to variations in viscosity and surface tension.

Innovation Solution

A liquid dispensing device that utilizes temperature monitoring to detect abnormal dispensation by measuring temperature changes at the dispensing position, employing a control part to the temperature controller to regulate heat generation of the dispensing position, implementing a change of the dispensing position, and the temperature monitor part to monitor the dispensing position, ensuring the temperature controller to regulate the temperature of the dispensing position, and the temperature sensor to detect temperature changes during dispensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pressure sensor is used to detect clogging in the dispensing channel, then clogging detection capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for liquids with low viscosity and low surface tension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclogging detection capabilityVSAvoidabnormal sample dispensation detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a bubble as an intermediary substance injected into the dispensing channel to detect clogging. The bubble's behavior (movement, compression, or failure to move) serves as a mediator to indicate the presence of clogging, which is particularly effective for liquids with low viscosity and low surface tension where direct pressure sensing is insufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional pressure sensor-based mechanical detection system with a bubble-based detection method. Instead of relying on pressure changes that are difficult to detect in low-viscosity liquids, the system uses the mechanical behavior of a bubble (movement, compression, or blockage) to detect clogging, providing more reliable detection across different liquid properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If pressure-based clogging detection is implemented, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclogging detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the bubble itself to detect clogging by observing its behavior during injection. The bubble serves both as a detection tool and a functional element in the dispensing process, eliminating the need for separate pressure sensors and complex control systems. The controller simply monitors whether the bubble moves as expected during the dispensing cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If traditional dispensing monitoring methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but analysis reliability deteriorates due to undetected clogging and inaccurate dispensation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidanalysis reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bubble acts as an intermediary that provides reliable clogging detection without requiring complex additional hardware. By injecting a bubble into the dispensing channel and monitoring its behavior, the system achieves high analysis reliability while maintaining relative system simplicity, as the bubble detection can be implemented with basic controller functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively detects abnormal dispensation by monitoring temperature changes, improving analysis reliability by preventing clogging and ensuring accurate dispensation of liquids, regardless of viscosity and surface tension, enhancing the temperature of the dispensing position, and the temperature controller to regulate the temperature of the dispensing position, thereby ensuring accurate dispensation.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor that detects a temperature change amount of a dispensing position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature change detection:

Implementation Method 2

a temperature controller that regulates heat generation of the dispensing position based on the temperature change amount detected by the temperature sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat generation regulation:

Data Source

PatentEP4012419B1Liquid dispensing device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • EP4012419B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4012419B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4012419B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Means for determining whether or not a reagent necessary for a chemical reaction is normally discharged is provided for a liquid dispensing device that dispenses the reagent for the reaction. A liquid dispensing device as such means includes a temperature controller that controls a temperature of a reaction position to any appropriate temperature and a temperature monitor part that monitors the temperature of the reaction position, monitors with the temperature monitor part a change in the temperature of the reaction position when the dispensing device discharges a reagent, and when a temperature change amount deviates from a beforehand determined threshold range, determines abnormal dispensation.