TWI458980B - Connecting device and testing system - Google Patents

Description

Connecting device and detection system

The present invention relates to a connecting device and a detecting system using the same, and in particular, to a connecting device capable of detecting or adjusting the nature of an internal environment and a detecting system using the connecting device.

In general, the detection methods used in biology, medicine, or chemistry are to receive samples and reagents for testing using a detection platform. The sample or reagent can be transmitted to the detection platform for detection by the connection device, wherein the connection device can be a catheter that communicates with the storage tank for storing the sample or reagent and the detection platform.

Since the sample and the reagent are transmitted to the detection platform via the connecting device, the connecting device itself and the detecting platform or the storage tank must have a good joint to prevent the substance from leaking out. In addition, when the detection platform is tested in the biological, medical, chemical or other fields, it is usually necessary to maintain a stable detection environment in order to measure more accurate results. Therefore, the test platform must maintain stable environmental properties such as temperature, pH, fluid flow rate or electromagnetic field to avoid biological, physical or chemical reactions between the sample and the reagent due to environmental fluctuations.

However, even if the detection platform maintains a stable environment, the connection device will still affect the test environment in the detection platform. Moreover, the devices used in the prior art to maintain the environment of the detection platform generally do not provide a stable environment for the substances in the connection device. Therefore, the transfer of substances from the connection device to the detection platform may damage the stable environment of the detection platform.

On the other hand, since the reagent or test system is carried by the fluid and flows in the connecting device, the stability of the fluid flow and the flow rate will be against the reagent or the sample. Make an impact. For example, too fast a flow rate or turbulence may cause the specimen to strike the wall of the connector and disrupt the original nature of the specimen.

Therefore, how to maintain the environmental stability in the connection device is an important issue in the detection technology.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a connection device that can adjust the nature of the internal environment to solve the above problems.

According to a specific embodiment, the connecting device of the present invention is used in a detection system. Wherein, the connecting device comprises a connecting tube, a plurality of sensors and at least one actuator.

In this embodiment, the connecting tube can be disposed on the detecting platform of the detecting system and used to provide communication between the detecting platform and the functional unit. Each sensor is disposed on the connecting tube for sensing environmental properties in the connecting tube, such as temperature, flow rate or pH, and the sensor can generate a sensing signal about the environmental properties. The actuator adjusts the nature of the environment based on the sensing signal.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a detection system that includes connection means that can adjust the environmental properties therein to solve the above problems.

According to a specific embodiment, the detection system of the present invention comprises a functional unit, a detection platform and a connection device, wherein the connection device further comprises a connection tube, a plurality of sensors and at least one actuator. The functional unit and the detection platform are connected to each other by a connecting device, and the detecting platform is used for detecting a sample.

In this embodiment, the connecting tube can be disposed in the detection system of the detection system. On the stage, it is used to provide connectivity between the detection platform and the functional unit. Each sensor is disposed on the connecting tube for sensing environmental properties in the connecting tube, such as temperature, flow rate or pH, and the sensor can generate a sensing signal about the environmental properties. The actuator adjusts the nature of the environment based on the sensing signal.

In addition, in the specific embodiment, the sensor of the connecting device can also sense the nature of the sample of the sample in the connecting tube and generate a sensing signal about the nature of the sample. The actuator can adjust the nature of the sample based on the sensing signal.

The advantages and spirit of the present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a connecting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the connecting device 1 comprises a connecting tube 10, a sensor 12 and actuators 14, 14'. The connecting device 1 is used to connect a detection platform (not shown) and a functional unit (not shown).

In practice, the functional unit can be a sample input unit or a reagent input unit to provide a sample or reagent, and the sample or reagent can be transferred to the detection platform for detection by fluid bearing. On the other hand, the functional unit may also be a waste liquid collection unit for collecting the sample, the reagent or the waste liquid containing the sample and the reagent detected by the detection platform.

In the present embodiment, two sensors 12 are disposed on the connecting tube 10, and the two sensors 12 can sense the environmental properties in the connecting tube 10, respectively. In practice, the environmental properties described above may be, but are not limited to, the pH, temperature, flow rate, electrical properties, or magnetic properties of the fluid within the connecting tube 10. In addition, since the functional unit can provide a reagent or a sample, the environmental property that the sensor 12 can sense can also be the concentration of the sample or reagent. According to the nature of the environment sensed, The sensor 12 can generate and transmit a sense signal 120 about the nature of the environment.

The actuators 14, 14 are coupled to the sensor 12 for adjusting the environmental properties based on the sensing signals 120. In this embodiment, the two actuators 14, 14' can be coupled to the two sensors 12, respectively. In addition, in practice, the position of the actuator can be determined according to the needs of the user or the designer. As shown in FIG. 1, the actuators 14 and 14' can be disposed outside the connecting tube 10 and the connecting tube 10, respectively. in. For example, if the optimum temperature of the test environment when the detection platform detects a sample is room temperature (that is, the temperature with the most accurate test result), when the sensor 12 for sensing the temperature in the connection tube 10 senses When the temperature is lower than room temperature, the actuator 14' can heat the connecting tube 10 such that the temperature in the connecting tube 10 is substantially equal to room temperature. Thus, the actuators 14, 14' correspond to the environmental properties sensed by the sensor 12, but may be, but are not limited to, a heater, a vibrator, a pressurizer, an acid-base neutralization unit, a power supply unit, or a magnetic supply Unit to adjust the nature of the environment.

In this embodiment, the actuators 14, 14' can adjust the environmental properties according to the sensing signal 120. However, in practice, a processor can be connected between the sensor 12 and the actuators 14, 14' for The sensing signal 120 is received and the actuators 14, 14' are controlled according to the sensing signals to adjust the environmental properties.

In practice, the actuators 14, 14' can be coupled to the sensor 12 or can be independent of the sensor 12. For example, if the actuator 14 can ultrasonically vibrate the inner tube wall of the connecting tube 10 to remove particles adhering to the inner tube wall, the actuator 14 can sense the adhesion to the inner tube wall according to the sensor 12. The number of particles or the flow rate of the fluid determines whether or not ultrasonic vibration is performed. However, the actuator 14 may not directly pass the sensing signal 120 emitted by the sensor 12, but is directly controlled by the user to perform ultrasonic vibration.

In addition, in practice, the connection device 1 can perform reasonable environmental property control before detection, and the fluid, sample or reagent received by the connection device 1 from the functional unit can be adjusted before the control environment required for detection. Collected or Discharge without testing until the environmental properties required for the test have been met.

Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the steps of adjusting the detection environment by the connecting device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, in step S20, the sensor performs sensing of the environmental properties in the connecting device; in step S22, it is determined whether the environmental property conforms to the detecting environment; if the determination result in step S22 is YES, then in step S24 The fluid in the connecting device is transmitted to the detecting platform for detection; if the result of the determination in step S22 is no, in step S26, the environmental properties are adjusted and the fluid in the connecting device is discharged. After the step S26 is performed, the process returns to the step S20 to perform the sensing of the environmental properties again.

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a connecting device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the specific embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the connecting device 1 of the specific embodiment further includes a filtering unit 16. Filter unit 16 can be used to filter the fluid in connecting tube 10. In practice, various substances in the fluid can be filtered by different filtering units 16, for example, if the fluid provided by the functional unit contains the sample, the substance A and the substance B, and the detection platform can only allow the sample and the substance to be detected. If A is present, the filter unit 16 can be configured to filter the substance B and only allow the sample and substance A to reach the detection platform. Alternatively, the location of the filter unit 16 can be placed at other locations in the connector 10, such as the junction of the connector 10 and the functional unit, without being limited to the specific embodiments set forth in this specification.

In practice, the filter unit 16 is gradually clogged by accumulating the filter material, so that the fluid flow rate in the connecting tube 10 is slowed down. Therefore, whether the filter unit 16 needs to be replaced can be determined by the fluid flow rate sensed by the sensor 12. It should be noted that other units of the connecting device 1 of this embodiment are the same as the above-mentioned specific embodiments, and details are not described herein again.

Please refer to FIG. 4 , which illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. A schematic view of the connection device 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the difference between the specific embodiment and the above specific embodiment is that one of the sensors of the connecting device 1 of the present embodiment (indicated by the sensor 12' in FIG. 4) is set. The outer wall of the connecting tube is connected, and the connecting device 1 further includes a warning device 18 to couple the sensor 12'.

In this embodiment, the sensor 12' disposed on the outer wall of the connecting tube 10 can be used to sense the environmental properties of the outer wall of the connecting tube 10 and generate a driving signal 122, such as an optical signal or an electric signal caused by leakage of material inside the tube. The change. Thereby, the sensor 12' can sense whether the fluid or the sample in the connecting tube 10 leaks out of the connecting tube 10. In addition, the alerter 18 can issue an alarm based on the drive signal 122 generated by the sensor 12' to notify the user to perform maintenance or replacement of the connection device 1.

It should be noted that, in practice, the environmental properties sensed by the sensors 12 of the above specific embodiments may affect each other, and therefore, by the distribution of these mutually influential environmental properties, another environmental property may be derived. It is not necessary to install two different sensors 12 at the same time.

For example, referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a connecting device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, a sensing area is disposed on the inner wall of the connecting tube 10 for sensing the distribution of the pH value, wherein the sensing area includes a plurality of sensors 12, and each sensor 12 can sense the adjacent area. The pH value. In addition, an acid-base inlet 100 is provided in the front section of the connecting pipe 10, and the acid-base inlet 100 can inject an acid-base solution to maintain a stable pH in the fluid, thereby maintaining a desired detection environment.

When the acid lye enters the connecting tube 10 from the acid-base inlet 100, it will cause a pH distribution of the fluid originally in the connecting tube 10. Since the flow rate of the fluid in the center of the connecting pipe 10 is relatively fast and the flow velocity of the pipe near the connecting pipe 10 is slow, the pH value distribution in the fluid will be the same as the pH value curve in Fig. 5. 102. In practice, the distribution of the acid-base curve 102 sensed by the sensing region can be used to derive the fluid flow rate in the sensing region.

Please note that in this embodiment, in order to save the number of uses of the sensor 12, each of the sensors 12 can be arranged according to the estimated distribution of the same pH value as shown in FIG. In practice, the environmental properties of the fluid, specimen, or reagent can be simulated first, and then sensors of varying numbers and pitches can be set according to this distribution. Therefore, the number of sensors 12 and the set position can be determined according to the needs of the user or the designer, and are not limited to the specific embodiment.

In addition, the flow rate of the fluid can be estimated by other environmental property distributions in practice, and is not limited to the pH value of the specific embodiment. For example, if the heater is set to heat the fluid, the sensing region can also measure the temperature distribution of the heated fluid, and then calculate the fluid flow rate according to the temperature distribution curve.

Referring to Figure 6, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a detection system 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the detection system 3 of the present embodiment includes a functional unit 30, a connection device 32, and a detection platform 34. The connection device 32 can connect the functional unit 30 and the detection platform 34, and can transfer the fluid, sample or reagent provided by the functional unit 30 to the detection platform 34.

In this embodiment, the functional unit 30 can be a sample input unit for providing a sample to the detection platform 34 for detection. In addition, the functional unit 30 is configured to carry the sample in a fluid to facilitate the transmission of the sample to the detection. Platform 34. However, in practice, the functional unit 30 can be a reagent input unit or a waste collection unit to provide reagents to the detection platform 34 or to receive waste liquid generated by the detection completion from the detection platform 34.

Further, the connecting device 32 further includes a connecting tube 320, a sensor 322, and an actuator 324. The connecting tube 320 is connected to the functional unit 30 and detects The platform 34 is configured to transmit the sample provided by the functional unit 30 to the detection platform 34. The sensor 322 is disposed on the connecting tube 320 and can be used to sense the environmental properties in the connecting tube 320. Please note that in practice, these environmental properties may include the concentration of the sample, the concentration of the reagent, or the environmental properties of the pH, temperature, flow rate, electrical properties, or magnetic properties of the fluid carrying the sample and the reagent, and are not limited by this specification. Specific examples are listed. The sensor 322 can also generate a sensing signal 3220 based on the sensed environmental properties.

In this embodiment, the actuator 324 can be coupled to the sensor 322 and adjust the environmental properties according to the sensing signal 3220 generated by the sensor 322 to conform to the environment required for the detection platform 34 to perform detection. Similarly, in practice, the actuator 324 can also be disposed in the connecting tube 320 depending on the type of environmental properties to which it is adjusted, and is not limited to the specific embodiment.

Compared with the prior art, the connecting device of the present invention and the detecting system using the connecting device can improve the detection by adjusting the environmental properties in the connecting device by the sensor and the actuator to conform to the environment required for the detection. The accuracy. In addition, the connecting device can also self-sensing whether the connecting tube is in an abnormal operating state, such as fluid leakage or abnormal flow rate, thereby reminding the user to maintain or replace the components to maintain the detection accuracy.

The features and spirit of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover various modifications and equivalents within the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the scope of the patented scope of the invention should be construed as broadly construed in the

1, 32‧‧‧ connection device

10, 320‧‧‧ connection tube

12, 12', 322‧‧ ‧ sensors

120, 3220‧‧‧ Sense signal

122‧‧‧Drive signal

14, 14', 324‧‧ ‧ actuators

16‧‧‧Filter unit

18‧‧‧ Warning device

100‧‧‧ Acid and alkali inlet

102‧‧‧ and other pH curves

3‧‧‧Detection system

30‧‧‧ functional unit

34‧‧‧Testing platform

S20~S26‧‧‧ Process steps

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a connection device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a flow chart showing the steps of adjusting the detection environment by the connecting device according to an embodiment.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a connection device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a connection device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a connection device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a detection system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

1‧‧‧Connecting device

10‧‧‧Connecting tube

12‧‧‧ Sensors

120‧‧‧Sense signal

14, 14' ‧ ‧ actuator

Claims (18)

A connecting device for a detecting system, the connecting device comprising: a connecting tube disposed on one detecting platform of the detecting system, configured to provide communication between the detecting platform and a functional unit, wherein the detecting platform is configured to detect a detector; the N sensors are disposed on the connecting tube for sensing an environmental property of the connecting tube and generating a sensing signal for the environmental property, wherein the N is a positive integer greater than 1; At least an actuator for adjusting the environmental property according to the sensing signals; wherein the N sensors are capable of sensing a sample property of the specimen in the connecting tube and generating the property about the specimen a sensing signal; wherein the actuator of the connecting device can adjust the nature of the sample according to the sensing signals; wherein when an acid-base solution enters the connecting tube, the acid and alkali of the fluid originally in the connecting tube The value distribution forms a plurality of pH curves such as a plurality of sensors, and the N sensors are respectively arranged at different sensing positions of the connecting tube according to the acid-base curve such as the plurality of strips. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the functional unit is a sample input unit, a reagent input unit or a waste liquid collecting unit. The connecting device of claim 1, wherein the N sensors are arranged on a wall of the connecting tube to form a sensing area, and the distance between the sensors can be adjusted according to requirements. The connecting device of claim 1, wherein the environmental property comprises one selected from the group consisting of pH, temperature, flow rate, electrical properties, and magnetic properties. The connecting device of claim 1, wherein the environmental property comprises a concentration of a reactant in the connecting tube. The connecting device of claim 5, wherein the reactant is a sample or a reagent. The connecting device of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a heater, a vibrator, a pressurizer, an acid-base neutralizing unit, a power supply unit, and a magnetic supply unit. One of the groups formed. The connecting device of claim 1, wherein one of the N sensors is disposed on an outer wall of the connecting tube for sensing whether the fluid in the connecting pipe leaks to the Connecting the outside of the tube, and the connecting device further comprises: a warning device coupled to the sensor on the outer wall of the connecting tube, wherein the sensor generates a driving signal when the fluid leaks outside the connecting tube, And the alerter issues an alarm based on the drive signal. The connecting device of claim 1, further comprising: a filtering unit disposed in the connecting tube for filtering the fluid in the connecting tube. A detection system comprising: a functional unit; a detection platform for detecting a sample; and a connection device comprising: a connection tube disposed on the detection platform for providing the detection platform and the functional unit Connected; N sensors are disposed on the connecting tube for respectively sensing an environmental property in the connecting pipe and generating one sensing about the environmental property a signal, N is a positive integer greater than 1, and at least an actuator for adjusting the environmental property according to the sensing signals; wherein the N sensors of the connecting device can sense the inspection in the connecting tube Detecting the nature of the sample and generating the sensing signal about the nature of the sample; wherein the actuator of the connecting device can adjust the nature of the sample according to the sensing signals; wherein when an acid lye enters the connection In the tube, the pH value distribution of the fluid originally flowing in the connecting tube forms a plurality of pH values, and the N sensors are respectively arranged according to the pH value of the plurality of connecting tubes in the connecting tube. Sensing position. The detection system of claim 10, wherein the functional unit is a sample input unit, a reagent input unit or a waste liquid collection unit. The detection system of claim 10, wherein the N sensors are arranged on a wall of the connecting tube to form a sensing area, and the distance between the sensors can be adjusted according to requirements. The detection system of claim 10, wherein the environmental property comprises one selected from the group consisting of pH, temperature, flow rate, electrical properties, and magnetic properties. The detection system of claim 10, wherein the environmental property comprises a concentration of a reactant in the connecting tube. The detection system of claim 14, wherein the reactant is a sample or a reagent. The detection system of claim 10, wherein the brake comprises a heater, a vibrator, a pressurizer, an acid-base neutralization unit, a power supply unit, and a magnetic supply unit. Among the groups One. The detection system of claim 10, wherein one of the N sensors is disposed on an outer wall of the connecting tube for sensing whether the fluid in the connecting tube leaks to the Connecting the outside of the tube, and the connecting device further comprises: a warning device coupled to the sensor on the outer wall of the connecting tube, wherein the sensor generates a driving signal when the fluid leaks outside the connecting tube, And the alerter issues an alarm based on the drive signal. The detection system of claim 10, further comprising: a filter unit disposed in the connection tube for filtering the fluid in the connection tube.