High efficiency micro solid powder dosing and transfer tool

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of high-efficiency micro solid powder quantitative metering and transfer tool, it is related to laboratory chemical research field, including: disposable sampling head, disposable sampling head includes outer tube and piston block, piston block is slidably sleeved in outer tube;One end of piston block is connected drive module, drive module is used to drive piston block to slide in outer tube, and the other end of piston block is formed between the outer tube away from drive module and the cavity for accommodating powder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laboratory chemical research, and more specifically, to a highly efficient tool for the quantitative measurement and transfer of trace amounts of solid powder. Background Technology

[0002] Chemical synthesis has wide applications in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, fine chemicals, materials, sensors, and aerospace. However, it remains a relatively dangerous and labor-intensive industry. Due to the large variety of chemicals involved in chemical synthesis, achieving automated synthesis first requires the automated quantitative transfer of numerous chemical reagents. While the automated handling of liquid reagents is relatively easy, the automated quantitative transfer of solid and semi-solid reagents presents significant challenges. Furthermore, chemical synthesis often involves highly toxic or water- and air-sensitive reagents, making their automated handling even more difficult; currently, there are no satisfactory solutions, either domestically or internationally.

[0003] Currently, automated weighing and transfer of powdered solid reagents both domestically and internationally mainly rely on the combined use of powder conveying devices and electronic balances. Among the mainstream solutions on the market, Mettler's automated weighing device is the most successful (other companies also have systems with similar principles). The principle is to pre-fill the solid powdered reagent into a feeding bottle, then invert the feeding bottle, and the powder is transferred to the target container through a metal screw device. The amount transferred is fed back by the balance and controls the operation of the metal screw drive device to achieve quantitative powder transfer.

[0004] While electronic analytical balances offer high accuracy under ideal conditions, high-precision weighing typically requires a very stable working environment and sufficient stabilization time. Different solid powder reagents often exhibit varying physical properties such as particle size, bulk density, and flow properties, making the transfer process extremely complex. Once the target weight is exceeded, it's difficult to reverse the flow, thus making accuracy control challenging. Furthermore, laboratory environments require ventilation, and airflow significantly impacts the balance's accuracy. Therefore, it's virtually impossible to handle highly toxic or water- and air-sensitive chemicals. Solid samples must be pre-loaded into specialized sample vials, and the expensive metal screw drive mechanism is difficult to clean, and its resistance to corrosive chemicals is questionable. Therefore, this system struggles to handle large quantities and types of samples, especially corrosive ones.

[0005] Typically, the quantitative transfer of liquid reagents using liquid workstations or manual pipettes is achieved through volumetric methods. Therefore, we also considered that the weighing and transfer of solid reagents could theoretically be done using volumetric methods. However, because solids are not as homogeneous and easily transferred as liquids, instruments primarily based on volumetric methods are relatively rare on the market. A representative product is the automated powder dispensing system from Zinsser Analytic. Its principle is to use a vacuum to draw in powder by volumetric means, and then use compressed air to blow the powder out. However, because this system uses a vacuum, the corresponding filter needs to be replaced or cleaned every time the sample is changed. Furthermore, the specialized structure and control methods for vacuum quantitative powder adsorption are extremely complex and difficult to operate, making practical use very complicated and its practicality low.

[0006] Existing gravimetric methods: While electronic analytical balances offer high accuracy under ideal conditions, weighing requires a certain stabilization time, the powder transfer process is complex, and exceeding the target weight makes reversal difficult, resulting in inconsistent accuracy. Furthermore, laboratory environments require ventilation, and airflow significantly impacts the balance's accuracy. Therefore, automated handling of highly toxic or water- and air-sensitive chemicals is nearly impossible. Solid samples must be pre-loaded into specialized sample vials, making it difficult to process large quantities of samples. Moreover, the metal screw drive mechanism is difficult to clean, expensive, and its resistance to corrosive chemicals is questionable.

[0007] Existing volumetric methods require replacing or cleaning the corresponding sampling head, filter, etc., each time the sample is changed, making them very complicated to use and less practical. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated or semi-automated tool for the quantitative measurement and transfer of trace solid powders based on the volumetric method. This tool is simple in structure, reliable in performance, and easy to operate. It can also be used in conjunction with mass measurement tools such as analytical balances to improve accuracy. The use of a low-cost, disposable sampling head completely solves the problem of cross-contamination during the transfer of multiple samples. Furthermore, its highly lightweight design allows for use in relatively small, enclosed environments such as glove boxes, and it solves the problem of handling toxic and highly water / oxygen-sensitive reagents.

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention are implemented as follows:

[0010] In one aspect of this invention, a high-efficiency tool for quantitative measurement and transfer of trace solid powder is provided, comprising: a disposable sampling head, the disposable sampling head including an outer tube and a piston block, the piston block being slidably fitted inside the outer tube; one end of the piston block being connected to a drive module, the drive module being used to drive the piston block to slide inside the outer tube, and the other end of the piston block away from the drive module forming a cavity with the outer tube for accommodating powder.

[0011] In some embodiments, the disposable sampling head is made by plastic injection molding.

[0012] In some embodiments, the volume of the cavity is adjustable.

[0013] In some embodiments, the drive module includes a push rod with a vacuum channel formed inside; the bottom of the piston block is made of a porous material.

[0014] In some embodiments, the porous material comprises a porous plastic sheet.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bottom of the piston block is sealed, and the piston block is made of a conductive material; the drive module includes a push rod, which is a metal push rod, and the push rod is connected to an electrostatic generator.

[0016] In some embodiments, the conductive material includes conductive plastic.

[0017] In some embodiments, the bottom of the piston block is sealed, and the piston block is made of ordinary non-conductive plastic.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, a high-efficiency quantitative measuring and transfer tool for trace solid powder is provided, comprising: a disposable sampling head, the disposable sampling head including an outer tube and a push rod, the push rod being slidably sleeved within the outer tube; one end of the push rod being connected to a driving module, the driving module being used to drive the push rod to slide within the outer tube, and the other end of the push rod away from the driving module forming a cavity with the outer tube for accommodating powder.

[0019] In some embodiments, the drive module includes both electric drive and manual drive. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the disposable sampling head of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second embodiment of the disposable sampling head of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the disposable sampling head of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the disposable sampling head of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric powder capacity control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the manual mechanical capacity control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0029] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] 1. Sampling head design

[0035] like Figure 1 This invention uses a disposable sampling head, which can be manufactured using plastic injection molding, resulting in low production costs. The sampling head design is similar to a disposable syringe, consisting of an outer tube 1 and a piston block 2, with the piston block 2 and outer tube 1 in close contact. The method of use is to first insert the mechanical push rod 3 into the piston block 2, and then insert the mechanical push rod 3 with the piston block 2 installed into the outer tube 1. This forms a syringe-like structure. The mechanical push rod 3 with the piston block 2 installed can be considered a piston; adjusting the piston position sets the capacity of the powder sampling device. Our piston block 2 and push rod 3 can be designed in various ways for different powders.

[0036] A porous plastic sheet 21 can be installed at the front end of the piston block 2, which is then used in conjunction with the push rod 3 with a vacuum channel 31. Vacuum-assisted powder transfer into the sampling head is achieved. This configuration is suitable for inorganic powders with high solid density.

[0037] Example 2

[0038] like Figure 2 This embodiment and Figure 1 The difference in Embodiment 1 is that the front end of the piston block 2 is solid, but the piston block 2 is made of conductive plastic. The corresponding metal push rod 3 is connected to an electrostatic generator, which uses electrostatic assistance to transfer the powder into the sampling head. This design is suitable for organic powders with low solid density.

[0039] Example 3

[0040] like Figure 3 This embodiment and Figure 1 The difference in Embodiment 1 is that the front end of the piston block 2 is solid, but the piston block 2 is made of ordinary non-conductive plastic, and the push rod 3 does not need to be connected to an electrostatic generator. The sampling head is transferred by the aggregation formed by the van der Waals forces between powder particles. This design is suitable for powders with high viscosity and fine powder.

[0041] Example 4

[0042] like Figure 4 This embodiment and Figure 1 The difference in Embodiment 1 is that there is no piston block design, only the outer tube 1 is retained. In this case, the push rod 3 directly replaces the function of the piston block. This simplifies the system design and reduces the system cost. The outer tube 1 is discarded after use, but the push rod 3 must be cleaned after each use.

[0043] Furthermore, a powder capacity control system can be added. In this embodiment, the sampling head is designed as a syringe-like structure, and the mechanical push rod with the piston block can be regarded as a piston. Adjusting the position of the piston can set the capacity of the cavity of the powder sampling device. The position or capacity control of the piston can be controlled electrically or manually by a mechanical structure.

[0044] like Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a powder capacity control system. The push rod is connected to a linear motion push rod motor via a coupling. The outer tube is fixed by inserting it into an outer tube fixing seat. The push rod is inserted into the aforementioned sampling head. The motor's movement creates a cavity of a certain volume for powder transfer. The push rod is a hollow metal structure, allowing it to be connected to a vacuum system or an electrostatic generator to assist in powder transfer.

[0045] like Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of manual mechanical control for powder volume. The push rod is connected to a linearly movable screw structure with a mechanical counter (gear-based counting). The outer tube is inserted into an outer tube fixing seat for fixation. The push rod is inserted into the aforementioned sampling head. By adjusting the screw knob of the mechanical counter, the push rod can be moved, creating a cavity of a certain volume for powder transfer. This manual structure does not use a vacuum or electrostatic generator, resulting in lower costs; it utilizes only the inherent viscosity of the powder for transfer.

[0046] The following is one way of using the high-efficiency micro-solid powder quantitative measurement and transfer tool provided in this embodiment.

[0047] 1. First, insert the push rod into the piston block, and then insert the mechanical push rod with the piston block installed into the outer tube.

[0048] 2. Use the electric or mechanical method described above to pull the piston block with a push rod to create a cavity of a certain volume.

[0049] 3. Insert the sampling head into the solid powder. Repeat the insertion operation until the powder fills the cavity and reaches a relatively constant powder density. If the powder has poor viscosity or is too fluid, a vacuum or electrostatic sampling head can be used to enhance the interaction between the powder and the sampling head.

[0050] 4. Remove the sampling head and push the push rod to eject the powder.

[0051] 5. The sampling head pops up, completing the operation.

[0052] The technical solution of this embodiment has the following technical effects: it can simultaneously achieve automated (high throughput) or semi-automated (high flexibility) operation; it can be used in conjunction with quality measurement tools such as analytical balances to improve accuracy; it uses a low-cost disposable sampling head to completely solve the problem of cross-contamination in the transfer of multiple samples; and it is designed to be highly lightweight so that it can be used in small, enclosed environments such as glove boxes, solving the problem of handling toxic and highly water / oxygen sensitive reagents.

[0053] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-efficiency tool for quantitatively measuring and transferring trace amounts of solid powder, characterized in that, include: A disposable sampling head, comprising an outer tube and a piston block, wherein the piston block is slidably fitted inside the outer tube; One end of the piston block is connected to the drive module, which is used to drive the piston block to slide inside the outer tube. The other end of the piston block away from the drive module forms a cavity with the outer tube for accommodating powder. The drive module includes a push rod, and the capacity of the powder sampling device can be set by adjusting the position of the push rod and the piston block. The piston block has a solid front end and is made of conductive plastic. The push rod is made of metal and is connected to an electrostatic generator. The powder is transferred into the disposable sampling head using the assistance of electrostatics.

2. The high-efficiency quantitative measuring and transfer tool for trace solid powders according to claim 1, characterized in that, The disposable sampling head is made of plastic injection molding.

3. The high-efficiency quantitative measuring and transfer tool for trace solid powders according to claim 1, characterized in that, The volume of the cavity is adjustable.

4. The high-efficiency quantitative measuring and transfer tool for trace solid powders according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive module includes both electric drive and manual drive types.

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