Automated Sample Mixing and Detection for Concentration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analysis systems require manual operation and dedicated space for mixing reagent solutions with sample solutions, leading to inefficiencies in maintaining the concentration of specified substances within a desired range, especially in industrial settings like aircraft component surface treatment.
Innovation Solution
A sample analysis apparatus and method utilizing a pump, channel switch unit, mixing container, and detection unit, controlled by a control unit, to automatically mix and analyze sample and reagent solutions without manual intervention, ensuring accurate concentration measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual extraction and transportation of sample solution is performed periodically, then worker operations and analysis space are required, but analysis frequency is low and concentration control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic sample solution extraction, reagent mixing, and concentration detection without manual intervention. The automated apparatus performs all operations including pumping sample solution from the treatment solution, mixing with reagent solution, and detecting specified substance concentration, eliminating the need for worker operations and periodic manual analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses electrical signals to control pumping, mixing, and detection. The control unit automatically manages the entire analysis process, substituting human mechanical actions with automated mechanical and electronic systems.
2Productivity
If automatic mixing and detection apparatus is installed, then analysis frequency can be increased, but mixing adequacy and measurement accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reagent solution as an intermediary that reacts with the specified substance in the sample solution to form a detectable complex. This chemical intermediary enables accurate detection of the specified substance concentration through optical measurement, ensuring measurement precision while maintaining high analysis frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary mixing of sample solution and reagent solution in a mixing container before detection. This preliminary action ensures complete reaction and uniform distribution of the specified substance with the reagent, guaranteeing accurate concentration measurement before the detection unit measures the mixture.
3Reliability
If sample solution is extracted periodically by workers, then manual operations and space are required, but concentration maintenance within desired range is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The automated apparatus continuously extracts sample solution from the treatment solution and performs real-time concentration detection without manual intervention. This self-service operation maintains the specified substance concentration within the desired range by providing continuous monitoring and immediate detection, significantly improving concentration control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback on the specified substance concentration in the treatment solution through automatic detection. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring and allows for timely adjustments to maintain concentration within the desired range, enhancing reliability while simplifying operations.
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
Enables continuous, automated analysis of sample solutions, maintaining the concentration of specified substances within desired ranges without the need for manual operations or additional space, improving efficiency and accuracy in industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (10) arranged on a main pipe (Lm)
Implementation Method 2
a channel switch unit (20) having a main port (Pm) connected to the main pipe (Lm) and a plurality of sub-ports (Ps) and configured to select one of the sub-ports (Ps) that is connected to the main port (Pm)
Implementation Method 3
a mixing container (30) provided on the main pipe (Lm) between the pump (10) and the main port (Pm)
Implementation Method 4
a detection unit (40) configured to detect a concentration of a specified substance contained in a sample solution extracted from a treatment solution
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sample analysis apparatus including: a syringe pump; a channel switch valve; a mixing container; a detection unit configured to detect a concentration of a specified substance contained in a sample solution; and a control unit configured to control the syringe pump and the channel switch valve. The channel switch valve includes a sample port, a reagent port, and a detection port connected to a detection pipe on which the detection unit is arranged. The control unit controls the syringe pump and the channel switch valve to draw the reagent solution from the reagent pipe to the mixing container, draw the sample solution from the sample pipe to the mixing container, draw the reagent solution from the reagent pipe to the mixing container, and supply a mixture solution containing the sample solution and the reagent solution from the mixing container to the detection unit.