Automatic Analyzer Vacuum Tank Timing for Flow Path Clog Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzers face challenges in detecting flow path clogging, which can affect analysis performance due to issues with pressure sensors and complex apparatus configurations, especially when clogging occurs in the suction mechanisms for reaction waste and cleaning liquids.
Innovation Solution
The method involves maintaining a constant negative pressure in the vacuum tank and measuring the time it takes for the vacuum switch to turn OFF after stopping the vacuum pump, allowing for the detection of leaks in the flow path without the need for pressure sensors by comparing the measured time with a threshold across all flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual pressure sensors are installed in each suction nozzle to detect clogging, then clogging detection capability is improved, but the number of sensors increases and the risk of failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single pressure sensor located in the vacuum tank. Instead of installing separate pressure sensors in each suction nozzle (waste liquid suction unit and cleaning liquid suction unit), the invention uses one common pressure sensor to monitor the vacuum pressure that serves both suction operations. This reduces the number of sensors from multiple to one, thereby reducing failure risk and device complexity while maintaining the ability to detect clogging in either flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure sensor in the vacuum tank serves multiple functions: it monitors the vacuum pressure for both the waste liquid suction unit and the cleaning liquid suction unit. By making the pressure sensor universal to both suction operations, the system achieves comprehensive clogging detection without requiring dedicated sensors for each unit, thus reducing component count and potential failure points.
2Reliability
If pressure sensors are installed to detect flow path clogging, then clogging detection is improved, but the apparatus configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clogging detection function for both waste liquid suction and cleaning liquid suction into a single pressure sensing location (the vacuum tank). This merging of detection functions into one location simplifies the apparatus configuration compared to having separate pressure sensors and separate detection circuits for each suction unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum tank acts as an intermediary that connects both the waste liquid suction unit and the cleaning liquid suction unit. By placing the pressure sensor in this intermediary component, the system can monitor both flow paths through a single sensing point, avoiding the need for complex distributed sensor networks and simplifying the overall apparatus configuration.
3Reliability
If multiple suction mechanisms are provided for waste liquid and cleaning liquid, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the flow path system becomes more complex and harder to monitor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring of multiple suction mechanisms (waste liquid suction and cleaning liquid suction) into a single pressure monitoring system. Both suction units connect to the common vacuum tank, and a single pressure sensor monitors the vacuum pressure that drives both suction operations. This merging approach maintains the functionality of multiple suction mechanisms while simplifying the monitoring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum tank and its pressure sensor serve both suction mechanisms universally. The same vacuum pressure generated in the common vacuum tank drives both the waste liquid suction unit and the cleaning liquid suction unit. This universal approach allows multiple suction functions to operate from a single vacuum source, reducing the complexity of having separate vacuum systems for each suction unit.
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 approach enables effective detection of flow path anomalies without using pressure sensors, simplifying the apparatus configuration and preventing analysis disruptions caused by clogging.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure in the vacuum tank reaches specified negative pressure, a contact point of a vacuum switch provided in the vacuum tank is switched and then the analyzer becomes ready for analysis
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an automatic analyzer that has a plurality of mechanisms including a mechanism that suctions reaction waste liquid and a mechanism that suctions cleaning liquid, etc. on a sample and a probe surface, the automatic analyzer reducing pressure in a vacuum tank using a pressure-reducing pump, etc., and suctioning waste liquid by negative pressure in the vacuum tank. A contact point of a vacuum switch that is provided in the vacuum tank is closed when the pressure in the vacuum tank reaches a specified negative pressure, and then the analyzer becomes ready for analysis. If any flow path portion of any mechanism that connects with the vacuum tank becomes clogged, suctioning operation cannot be performed properly and analysis performance is affected. The vacuum pump is switched off at a timing at which each solenoid valve connecting to the vacuum pump is individually opened, and the time that elapses before the pressure in the vacuum tank reaches the specified negative pressure is measured. The measured time is compared with parameters in a normal case, and the presence or absence of an anomaly is determined.