Sample Dispensing Probe Positioning for Analysis Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analysis apparatuses face challenges in maintaining sample dispensing accuracy due to variations in sampling positions, particularly with disk samplers, which affect measurement accuracy and the ability to perform urgent measurements during general measurements.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus transfers a sample rack from a first sampler unit to a second sampler unit, where it is moved to a fixed horizontal and vertical position for precise sample dispensing, ensuring consistent suctioning and ejection positions for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rack sampler is used to increase sample capacity and enable interrupt measurements, then productivity and adaptability are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to perform calibration and control measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The rack sampler is designed to perform multiple functions: it can hold both general samples and standard/control samples, and can switch between general measurement mode and calibration/control measurement mode. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling the single device to achieve both high productivity (through interrupt measurements) and measurement precision (through calibration capabilities).
2Measurement precision
If a disk sampler is used to easily perform calibration and control measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to inability to perform interrupt measurements and limited sample capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The rack sampler provides universal functionality by accommodating both calibration samples and general samples, and by supporting both continuous calibration measurements and interrupt general measurements. This eliminates the need to choose between disk sampler's precision and rack sampler's productivity, as the rack sampler achieves both.
3Ease of operation
If a disk sampler is used to repeatedly stop samples at suctioning position, then ease of operation for calibration measurements is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in sampling positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the rack to a predetermined position before suctioning operations. By pre-positioning the rack and samples at precise locations, the system eliminates position variations during repeated calibration measurements, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical position-adjustment methods with a fixed predetermined positioning system. Instead of relying on mechanical repeatability of disk rotation and sample positioning, the system uses a fixed rack position combined with controlled probe movement, eliminating mechanical accumulation errors and improving position consistency.
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
This solution enhances sample dispensing accuracy by fixing the suctioning position, reducing variations in ejection amounts and enabling both urgent and calibration measurements without compromising the capacity or convenience of existing sampler types.
Implementation Method 1
a sample dispensing probe configured to suction the target sample contained in a target sample container identified by the second container reader at the single sample dispensing position
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analysis apparatus that can suction a target sample through an sample dispensing probe at a single sample dispensing position by transferring a sample rack holder having one or more sample containers from a first sampler unit to a second sampler unit and by moving the transferred sample rack in a horizontal direction and up-and-down directions at the fixed single sample dispensing position. By fixing a fluid sampling position of a sample container held by a sample rack at the single position, a sample dispensing accuracy of an automatic analysis apparatus can be increased.