Suction Container Vacuum Control for Automated Analyzer Waste Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated analyzers face low throughput due to the need for manual disposal of waste liquids when containers are full, and previous solutions, such as vacuum systems, do not maintain a consistent vacuum state, leading to inefficiencies in waste liquid suction.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer configuration with a suction container connected through a vacuum exhaust system, a pressure adjustment mechanism, and a control section that ensures the suction container remains in a vacuum state, allowing for continuous waste liquid suction by controlling the vacuum exhaust and discharge sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a vacuum waste liquid discharge mechanism is used, then waste liquid can be automatically discharged, but the vacuum container cannot maintain a consistent vacuum state leading to inefficient suction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the continuity principle by maintaining the vacuum container in a persistent vacuum state through continuous connection to the vacuum pump via the second path. This eliminates interruptions in the suction process, allowing waste liquid to be continuously and efficiently removed from the dilution tank without periodic re-vacuuming, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation and suction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing the vacuum state in the container before waste liquid accumulation becomes problematic. The vacuum pump continuously maintains the vacuum condition, so when waste liquid needs to be discharged, the suction capability is already ready and immediate, eliminating delays associated with re-establishing vacuum conditions.
2Ease of operation
If manual disposal of waste liquid is performed, then device operation can be controlled, but throughput is reduced due to stopping the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically managing waste liquid discharge through the vacuum container and discharge section without requiring operator intervention. The control section autonomously monitors and manages the vacuum state and waste liquid removal process, enabling continuous operation and maintaining high throughput while eliminating the need to stop the device for manual disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-configuring the automatic discharge mechanism with the vacuum container and discharge section. This setup allows the system to autonomously handle waste liquid removal without interrupting measurements, thereby maintaining throughput while ensuring proper waste liquid management.
3Ease of operation
If washing water accumulates in a vacuum container, then washing can be performed, but the liquid runs over and is sucked into another vacuum container through piping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by separating the washing liquid removal function from the vacuum container through the dedicated discharge section. The discharge section provides a controlled pathway for washing water to be expelled from the system, preventing overflow and contamination of other vacuum containers while maintaining the vacuum state for waste liquid suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge section acts as an intermediary component between the vacuum container and the external environment. It mediates the removal of washing water by providing a controlled discharge path that prevents uncontrolled overflow and potential contamination of other vacuum containers, thus resolving the contradiction between washing capability and contamination prevention.
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 configuration enables continuous and efficient waste liquid suction at any desired timing, improving throughput by maintaining a consistent vacuum state and reducing the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum exhaust system connected to the suction container through a second path... the control section controls the vacuum exhaust system to vacuum-exhaust the suction container
Implementation Method 2
a pressure adjustment mechanism disposed in the second path... the control section controls the pressure adjustment mechanism to adjust the pressure in the second path
Implementation Method 3
a solenoid valve that includes a movable section having a first flow path and a second flow path... a port switch control section including a coil, a magnet, and a movable magnetic core which moves inside the coil
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated analyzer includes a plurality of measurement units including a measurement section which measures a sample, a suction container connected to the plurality of measurement units through a first path, a vacuum exhaust system connected to the suction container through a second path, a discharge section connected to the suction container through a third path, a pressure adjustment mechanism disposed in the second path, and a control section which performs control such that the suction container is vacuum-exhausted by the vacuum exhaust system.