Sampler Transponder Verification for Chemical Analyzers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current samplers for chemical analyzers lack the ability to autonomously verify the technical features of syringes, leading to human error and increased costs due to manual verification and potential contamination, as they can only determine the volume and not other critical parameters like materials and needle size, and require operator intervention for checks.

Innovation Solution

A sampler equipped with a transponder on the syringe to store and communicate technical features, a logical control unit to verify these features, and a bar code reader to ensure correct substance usage, allowing autonomous operation and blocking procedures if specifications are not met, thus eliminating the need for human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual verification of syringe features is performed, then operator can check syringe specifications, but human error increases and operation time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidoperation interruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The syringe autonomously provides its own identification information through an integrated transponder that communicates with the sampler's reading device, eliminating the need for manual verification by the operator. The system self-verifies syringe specifications automatically during insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical verification process is replaced by an automatic electromagnetic communication system between the transponder and the reading device, which reads syringe features without physical contact or operator intervention.

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

2Reliability

If inspection windows are provided in the sampler, then operator can verify syringes, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesyringe verificationVSAvoidsampler manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Physical inspection windows are replaced by an electronic identification system using transponders and reading devices, which provides verification capabilities through automated electronic communication rather than optical inspection openings.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The transponder acts as an intermediary carrier of syringe identification information, enabling the sampler to verify syringe features remotely without needing physical access through inspection windows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If operator opens the sampler to verify syringes, then syringe type can be checked, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesyringe identificationVSAvoidcontamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The syringe self-identifies through its transponder when inserted into the sampler, allowing verification without removing the syringe from its sealed container or opening the sampler housing, thus preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The transponder is pre-loaded with syringe identification information before use, enabling verification to occur automatically upon insertion without requiring the operator to open the sampler or expose the syringe to the environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If only volume verification is performed, then simple check is possible, but other critical features like materials and needle size are not verified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification simplicityVSAvoidanalysis protocol compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transponder stores multiple syringe parameters including volume, material composition, needle specifications, and other technical features, allowing the single identification system to verify all required parameters simultaneously rather than requiring separate verification steps for each feature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2538226B1Sampler
Publication Date: 2014.02.26 HTA
  • EP2538226B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2538226B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2538226B1 patent drawingFigure 6a~6b

AI summary

A sampler for chemical analyzers comprising: a syringe (5) placed internally to the sampler (1) for withdrawing from one or more containers (2) predetermined quantities of substances for carrying out chemical analysis; a support and movement group (6) of the syringe (5); a transponder (10) stably associated to the syringe (5) and containing information relating to a plurality of the technical specifications of the syringe. The sampler (1) also includes: a communication device (11) with the transponder (10) to read the information on the syringe (5); a logical control unit (15) operatively connected to the communication device (11) to determine, by means of such information, the type of syringe (5) placed internally to the sampler (1) and to activate an acknowledgment signal when it is suitable to perform the withdrawal of predetermined quantities of substances, and a blocking signal of the sample when the type has technical specifications not suitable to perform the withdrawal.