Urine Analyzer Sample Transport Contamination Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automatic urine analyzers, there is a risk of urgent samples falling from the dispensing nozzle and contaminating other samples on the measurement line during transportation, leading to potential contamination and inefficiencies in sample handling.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer system with a transportation apparatus that includes a controller and a dual-nozzle dispensing mechanism, where the first nozzle aspirates and discharges samples into a holding chamber, and a second nozzle further processes the samples in processing chambers, with a mechanism to prevent contamination by repositioning the rack holding samples away from the nozzle's path during urgent sample aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sample dispensing nozzle passes above the sample aspiration position on the measurement line after aspirating an urgent sample, then the nozzle can efficiently transport the sample to the dispensing position, but some of the urgent sample may fall from the nozzle and contaminate the sample in the sample aspiration position
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting when the nozzle is in the dangerous zone (above the measurement line) after aspirating an urgent sample, and preemptively activates the blowing unit to blow away any potential droplets before they can fall and contaminate samples on the measurement line. This preventive measure eliminates the contamination risk while maintaining efficient urgent sample processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate urgent sample holder is added to the system, then urgent samples can be processed separately from routine samples, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement line serves multiple functions: it acts as both the routine sample measurement pathway and the positioning structure for the urgent sample holder. The urgent sample holder is configured to engage with the measurement line, allowing the same structural element to support both routine and urgent sample processing without requiring completely separate infrastructure.
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
The system effectively prevents sample contamination by ensuring that urgent samples are aspirated and processed without coming into contact with other samples on the measurement line, enhancing the precision and reliability of urine analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a blowing unit provided in the transportation apparatus and configured to blow away droplets on a measurement line on which a rack holding a plurality of samples is transported
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Transport part transports first sample container to sample aspiration position. Setting part is set second sample container that accommodates sample to be measured with priority over measurement of the sample in first sample container. Nozzle is capable of moving for aspirating sample from first sample container at sample aspiration position, and aspirating the sample from second sample container set in setting part. Detector detects components of the sample aspirated by nozzle. Controller controls transport part such that first sample container moves to position distant from sample aspiration position, when first sample container has been transported to sample aspiration position and when the sample aspiration from the second sample container using the nozzle is required. Controller executes control such that nozzle that has aspirated the sample from second sample container moves above sample aspiration position in state in which first sample container is distant from sample aspiration position.