Patent ID: 12203953

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes the present invention according to several embodiments directed at methods, systems, and apparatuses related to a wash station designed with a helix insert. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a wash station comprising a wash nozzle for providing a fluid (e.g., water) source to clean an exterior portion of a probe, a helix insert that directs fluid in a helical shape around the probe, and a basin allowing for waste fluid and fluid ejected from within the probe to be collected and drained. The helix provides a variety of features that are desirable for a fluid dynamics cleaning of a surface including, without limitation, increasing the wall shear stress on the probe, increasing the residence time of the flow, and allowing the flow to develop a velocity profile. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) may be used to understand the improvement in cleaning.

FIG.1provides a perspective view of a wash station100, according to some embodiments. The wash station100includes a fluid inlet port110and a basin300. The internal cavity125of the basin300comprises a vertically-elongated conduit130that is sized to hold a probe105for cleaning. The vertically-elongated conduit130can have a variety of different shapes, including a cylinder as shown in the embodiment inFIG.1. A fluid inlet port110located at the bottom portion of the basin300secures a wash feed line120. The wash feed line120fills the vertically-elongated conduit130with fluid115to facilitate the cleaning. In some embodiments, the pressure of the wash feed line120is approximately 11 psi. After the vertically-elongated conduit130is completely filled with fluid115, the wash feed line120continues to deliver the fluid115such that it overflows into the internal cavity125of the basin300for draining.

FIG.2provides an internal view of the vertically-elongated conduit130of the wash station100with the fluid115removed. This view shows the helix insert135in the vertically-elongated conduit130of the basin300(shown inFIG.1). As fluid fills the vertically-elongated conduit130, the helix insert135causes the fluid to flow in a helical shape as it is transported through the vertically-elongated conduit130to provide for more efficient cleaning compared to conventional probe cleaning systems. Because the helix insert135displaces volume and tightly hugs the probe105, the flow velocity increases and results in higher shear stress. Thus, the helix insert135causes more interaction between the probe105and fluid which, in turn, helps to reduce cleaning time. The helix also creates a unique velocity profile, unlike that of flow between concentric cylinders, that is beneficial to cleaning. In various embodiments, the helix insert135can be shaped as a circular helix, such as in the embodiment shown inFIG.3A, or a conic helix, such as in the embodiment shown inFIG.3B.

As shown inFIG.2, the helix insert135is defined by the following parameters. The free length of helix insert135is the length of the spring in the free or unloaded condition. This may be contrasted with the solid length which is the length of the helix insert135while in a compressed state. The solid length is a product of the number of coils and the dimensions of the wire or other material that is wound into the helix. The pitch is the distance from center to center of adjacent coils. The angle between the coils and the base of the helix insert135is the helix angle. Finally, the mean helix diameter is the average of the outer diameter and inner diameter of the helix insert135. While the exact value of the parameters can vary according to different embodiments of the present invention, in an exemplary embodiment the parameters are as follows: rectangular profile, width=2.25 mm, height=1 mm, pitch=5 mm: helix angle=11.3 deg: helix outer diameter=8 mm: helix inner diameter=3.5 mm and free length=50 mm. It should be noted that, although the example ofFIG.2shows a right-handed helix, other embodiments of the intention may utilize a left-handed helix. The helix inner diameter can be selected to provide a clearance, designated “c” inFIG.2, between the probe105and the helix insert135. In one embodiment, the clearance can be equal to 0.5 mm. Further, the pitch of the helix insert135can be defined with respect to the length of the vertically-elongated conduit130. For example, the pitch of the helix insert135can be a particular ratio with respect to the length of the vertically-elongated conduit130. In one embodiment, the pitch of the helix insert135can be equal to one tenth the length of the vertically-elongated conduit130.

In some embodiments, this helix insert135is integrated with the vertically-elongated conduit130. For example, in one embodiment, the basin300(shown inFIG.1) is 3D printed and the helix insert135is printed with the vertically-elongated conduit130as a single component. In other embodiments, the helix insert135is an insert placed in the vertically-elongated conduit130and secured, for example, via compression or with internal tabs or other securing mechanisms (not shown inFIG.1) in the vertically-elongated conduit130. In one embodiment, the helix insert135can be attached to an interior wall of the vertically-elongated conduit130. The helix insert135may be composed of, for example, rubber or a similar material.

In some embodiments, rather than have a physical component as the helix insert135, the helical flow is created by one or more jet nozzles that inject pressurized fluid into the vertically-elongated conduit130. More specifically, one or more jet feed lines can be installed at openings on the side wall of the vertically-elongated conduit130. The angle of inclination of the jet feed lines with respect to the floor of the basin can be varied as desired to create the desired helix angle. In some embodiments, rather than have a specialized jet feed line that supplements the wash feed line120(seeFIG.1), the wash feed line120itself may serve as the jet feed line.

FIGS.3A and3Bshow cutaway views of the wash station100, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment shown inFIG.3A, the helix insert135is in the shape of a circular helix, whereas in the embodiment shown inFIG.3B, the helix insert135is in the shape of a conic helix. As shown in these examples, the helix insert135extends the length of the vertically-elongated conduit130into the top of the fluid inlet port110. Without the helix insert135, fluid would extend in a generally straight upward direction along the length of the vertically-elongated conduit130. However, the helix insert135imparts a rotational force that causes the fluid to proceed up the vertically-elongated conduit130in the shape of a helix. As the fluid overflows the vertically-elongated conduit130, it is collected in the internal cavity125before draining out a drain port140on the underside of the wash station100. Furthermore, for the assumed contact angles, rotational flow caused by the helix lowers the height of the free surface at the probe (because the probe sits in the eye of the rotational flow where the water height is lowest, it might not lower the height at the spill over walls) at the spill over walls in comparison to conventional systems. Therefore, the chance of sleeve contamination is reduced during wash.

It should be noted that the helix insert135could be extended even further up the vertically-elongated conduit130to cover more of the probe's height. The only limitation to the length of the helix insert135is how it disturbs the free surface of the wash station100. For example, a wave of fluid generated by the helix insert135should not hit the stainless steel sleeve of the probe.

FIG.4shows a plot of Reynolds number vs. time for comparing a wash station with a helix insert with a conventional wash station. Reynolds number is the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces. As shown in this example, the helix insert significantly increases the inertial forces around the probe. The Reynolds number settles out after approximately 0.5 seconds.

FIG.5provides a layout of an example system architecture400within which embodiments of the invention may be implemented, according to an embodiment. Shown inFIG.5are various transfer arms410(410a,410b,410c, and410d) with respective probes (such as the probe105described above with respect to the wash station100); a diluting turntable420including a plurality of diluting containers arranged in one or more diluting rings: a reaction turntable430including a plurality of reaction containers arranged in one or more reaction rings; and reagent storage areas440aand440bdedicated to storage and supply of a respective reagent, each reagent storage area440aand440bmay also include a plurality of reagent containers. In operation, transfer arm410aand its respective probe may operate to transfer sample from an access position to one or more diluting containers on the diluting turntable420to create a dilution therein. Transfer arm410band its respective probe may operate to transfer dilution from a diluting container to a reaction container on the reaction turntable430. Transfer arms410cand410dand their respective probes may operate to transfer a reagent from reagent storage area440aand440b, respectively, to a reaction container on the reaction turntable430. The various transfers occur by use of a pumping mechanism, such as a displacement pump, for example, attached to the transfer arms410. Additionally, the system architecture400includes one or more controllers (not shown) for controlling operation of the various components, including the transfer arms410, the probes, and the turntables.

According to an embodiment, one or more wash stations100are mounted to the baseplate of the architecture400, in locations where the probes can be reached via their respective transfer arm410. In one embodiment, the architecture400can be embodied as a clinical analyzer. The system architecture400ofFIG.5and the accompanying descriptions are purely exemplary and non-limiting to the wash station100disclosed herein. The system architecture400is just one example system in which the wash station100according to embodiments herein may be implemented.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

The system and processes of the figures are not exclusive. Other systems, processes and menus may be derived in accordance with the principles of the invention to accomplish the same objectives. Although this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are for illustration purposes only. Modifications to the current design may be implemented by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention. As described herein, the various systems, subsystems, agents, managers and processes can be implemented using hardware components, software components, and/or combinations thereof. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112 (f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”