Waste Liquid Pipeline Layout for Leak-Safe Analyzer Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analysis apparatuses face limitations in design freedom due to the need for a waste liquid tank positioned directly below the washing tank, leading to potential contamination from leakage of waste liquid containing surfactants, which complicates the design and increases the risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a waste liquid pipe line that is a separate body from the washing tank, with non-contacting connections and a monotonically downward inclination, allowing for improved design flexibility and preventing leakage by using a waste liquid pipe line composed of multiple segments with non-contacting ends and adjustable inclinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a waste liquid tank is provided directly below the washing tank, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the degree of freedom in design is low
Solution Approach 1:
The waste liquid discharge system is segmented into multiple independent components: discharge pipe from washing tank, flexible hose for connection, and waste liquid inlet in waste liquid tank. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and connected through flexible joints, increasing design freedom while maintaining structural clarity
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible hose is introduced as an intermediary component between the discharge pipe and the waste liquid inlet. This intermediary element provides flexibility in positioning and connection, enabling design freedom without requiring direct vertical alignment between tanks, thus resolving the contradiction between design freedom and structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible hose or sealing material is used to extend the pipe line, then the degree of freedom in design is increased, but waste liquid leakage occurs at connecting portions
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful surfactant-containing waste liquid is extracted and isolated through a dedicated separate waste liquid pipe line that bypasses the main liquid handling system. The pipe line is specifically designed for waste liquid transport with appropriate materials and connections, preventing leakage while maintaining design freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, straightforward connection system using standard sealing methods (O-rings, sealing materials) that are reliable and easy to replace. Rather than attempting complex leak-proof mechanisms, the solution uses conventional, proven sealing techniques that are maintenance-friendly and reliable for the specific application
3Productivity
If surfactant-containing reagent is used to facilitate introduction into microchannel, then the reagent introduction efficiency is improved, but waste liquid leakage increases due to surfactant presence
Solution Approach 1:
The surfactant, which causes leakage in conventional systems, is not eliminated but rather its effects are managed through appropriate material selection and connection design in the waste liquid pipe line. The system accepts the surfactant-containing waste liquid and transports it reliably to the waste liquid tank, converting the potential harm into a manageable condition that maintains both productivity and reliability
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 enhances design freedom while effectively preventing waste liquid leakage and contamination, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance of the analysis apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a waste liquid pipe line that is a separate body from the washing tank and through which the waste liquid is fed from the washing tank to the waste liquid tank
Data Source
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AI summary
An analysis apparatus includes: a dispensing nozzle that dispenses a liquid into a reaction container; a washing tank for washing the dispensing nozzle; a waste liquid tank that accommodates a waste liquid generated in the washing tank; and a waste liquid pipe line that is a separate body from the washing tank and through which the waste liquid is fed from the washing tank to the waste liquid tank, in which an opening at a first end of the waste liquid pipe line on a washing tank side has an opening diameter larger than an outer diameter of a discharge pipe for discharging the waste liquid provided in the washing tank, and the discharge pipe is inserted into the opening at the first end of the waste liquid pipe line without contacting the waste liquid pipe line, and the waste liquid tank has a waste liquid inlet that receives a second end of the waste liquid pipe line on a waste liquid tank side, and the second end of the waste liquid pipe line is inserted into the waste liquid inlet without contacting the waste liquid tank.