Urine Sample Analyzer Dynamic Filter Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urine sample analyzers face issues where foreign matter captured by filters can be discharged along with the urine sample, contaminating the analysis.
Innovation Solution
A urine sample analyzer with a nozzle system that includes a filter in the flow path for capturing foreign matter, where the urine sample passes through the filter during suction and bypasses it during discharge, preventing foreign matter from being released with the sample, using a dual flow path system controlled by valves to manage the flow and position of the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is provided in the flow path to capture foreign matter, then foreign matter removal is improved, but foreign matter may be discharged from the nozzle together with the urine sample
Solution Approach 1:
The filter position is made dynamic by switching between two flow paths using valves. During suction, the filter is positioned in the flow path to capture foreign matter. During discharge, the flow path is switched to bypass the filter, preventing captured foreign matter from being discharged with the sample. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between foreign matter removal and sample contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is segmented into multiple sections with a bypass route. The main flow path includes the filter, while a separate bypass flow path allows urine to flow without passing through the filter. By controlling valves to switch between these segments, the system can selectively engage or disengage the filter based on whether the nozzle is suctioning or discharging, thus preventing contamination while maintaining foreign matter removal capability.
2Reliability
If the filter is positioned in the flow path during discharge, then foreign matter is captured, but the filter may clog and affect sample flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the filter's position in the flow path based on operational phase. During suction, the filter is engaged to capture foreign matter. During discharge, the flow path is switched to bypass the filter entirely, eliminating the risk of clogging and maintaining optimal sample flow efficiency. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between foreign matter capture and sample flow efficiency.
3Reliability
If a dual flow path system with valves is used to control filter positioning, then sample purity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering function is extracted as a separate, selectable component in the flow path rather than being permanently integrated. By providing a bypass flow path that eliminates the need for the filter during discharge, the system achieves sample purity improvement without requiring complex active control mechanisms. The valves simply route flow between two paths, keeping the control system relatively simple while effectively preventing contamination.
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
Ensures that foreign matter is effectively captured and not discharged with the urine sample, maintaining the purity of the sample for analysis and preventing contamination, while allowing essential components to pass through for accurate detection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a filter for capturing foreign matter, which is placed in the first flow path between the first position and the second position
Implementation Method 2
a pressure source which generates pressures to suction and discharge the urine sample
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a urine sample dispensing method. The method comprises: (i) suctioning a urine sample using a nozzle; (ii) flowing the urine sample suctioned by the nozzle through a filter for capturing foreign matter, the filter being provided in a flow path connected to the nozzle; and (iii) changing a flow course of the urine sample or a position of the filter so that the filter is not positioned on the flow course of the urine sample, when the urine sample that has passed through the filter is discharged from the nozzle.