Handheld single-hole bead separator
By designing a handheld single-hole bead dispenser, the problem of microbead jamming in existing technologies is solved through the cooperation of moving and separating components, enabling smooth distribution and dispensing of microbeads, and making it suitable for single-hole containers.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GENTIDES BIOTECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing single-bead separators are prone to microbeads getting stuck at the discharge port under gravity, resulting in uneven bead output and easy jamming. They are not suitable for single-hole containers such as centrifuge tubes, micro-reaction tubes, and irregularly shaped vessels.
A handheld single-hole bead separator was designed, comprising a bead storage unit, a bead distribution unit, and a bead dispensing unit. Through the cooperation of the moving component and the separating component, the microbeads can be released in a controlled manner, avoiding jamming.
It enables the smooth flow of microbeads, avoids jamming issues, is suitable for single-hole containers, is easy to operate, and is small in size and easy to carry.
Smart Images
Figure CN224222005U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bead separator technology, and in particular to a handheld single-hole bead separator. Background Technology
[0002] Microbeads of various materials are widely used in the biological field. For example, during DNA extraction, steel beads are often added for grinding to achieve efficient sample disruption. In existing technologies, steel bead dispensers adapted for 96-well reaction plates have been developed to meet the demands of high-throughput experiments, enabling precise simultaneous dispensing of one steel bead to each of the 96 wells in a single operation. However, in practical applications, there is a widespread need to add microbeads to containers such as centrifuge tubes, micro-reaction tubes, and irregularly shaped dishes. These containers only have one dispensing hole, making existing 96-well bead dispensers unsuitable.
[0003] To address the aforementioned technical issues, Chinese utility model patent CN218962831U discloses a "grinding bead separator," which enables controllable release of the number of grinding beads through a set distribution device. However, in this prior art, the microbeads stored in the bead storage box fall simultaneously under the influence of gravity, easily resulting in many microbeads crowding at the bead discharge port, causing uneven bead discharge and jamming problems. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of this, this utility model designs a handheld single-hole bead separator to solve the technical problem that the existing single-bead separators do not smoothly distribute beads and are prone to jamming.
[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] This utility model provides a handheld single-hole bead separator, comprising:
[0007] A bead storage unit has a bead storage cavity, a temporary storage channel, and a first bead outlet hole connecting the bead storage cavity and the temporary storage channel;
[0008] The dispensing unit includes a moving component and a separating component. One end of the separating component is disposed in the bead storage cavity and located above the first bead outlet hole, and the other end is fixedly connected to the moving component.
[0009] The bead-discharging unit has a placement groove, and the moving component is slidably disposed in the placement groove. Under the action of an external force, the moving component can move in the placement groove so that the separating component can move in the bead storage cavity, thereby enabling the separating component to block or open the first bead-discharging hole.
[0010] In some embodiments, the bead-ejecting unit further forms a bead-ejecting channel, and the placement groove has a second bead-ejecting hole, the second bead-ejecting hole connecting the placement groove and the bead-ejecting channel;
[0011] The moving component forms a transfer channel, and the moving component can move in the placement slot under the action of external force so that the two ends of the transfer channel are respectively staggered and connected to the temporary storage channel and the bead outlet channel.
[0012] In some embodiments, the temporary storage channel, the transfer channel, and the bead outlet channel have the same diameter and are all adapted to the diameter of the microspheres.
[0013] In some embodiments, the bead storage unit includes a cylindrical body, inside which a funnel-shaped bead storage cavity is formed, and a first bead outlet is located at the small-diameter end of the bead storage cavity, and the first bead outlet extends away from the bead storage cavity to form the temporary storage channel.
[0014] In some embodiments, one side wall of the bead storage cavity has an opening for the passage of the separator assembly.
[0015] In some embodiments, the bead storage unit further includes a cap, wherein a first snap-fit portion is formed at the end of the cylinder away from the first bead outlet, and the cap is formed with a second snap-fit portion adapted to the first snap-fit portion.
[0016] In some embodiments, the moving component includes a push plate and a limiting plate, the push plate forming the transfer channel, and the two limiting plates being fixed to both sides of the push plate respectively;
[0017] The placement groove includes a first groove and a second groove. The first groove is located in the center of the bead-ejecting unit and one end extends through the edge of the bead-ejecting unit. The two second grooves are respectively located on both sides of the first groove. The second bead-ejecting hole is located in the middle of the first groove. The push plate is located in the first groove and one end is located outside the bead-ejecting unit. The two limiting plates are respectively located in the two second grooves.
[0018] In some embodiments, the movable component further includes one or two elastic elements, wherein one of the second grooves is provided with the elastic element, or both of the second grooves are provided with the elastic element.
[0019] In some embodiments, the partition assembly includes a partition and a connecting plate, one end of the connecting plate is fixed to the side of the push plate near the limiting plate, the other end of the connecting plate is fixedly connected to the partition, and the end of the partition away from the connecting plate passes through the opening.
[0020] In some embodiments, the bead dispensing unit includes a bead dispensing plate and a bead dispensing channel. The top of the bead dispensing plate is detachably connected to the bead storage unit and has the placement groove. The second bead dispensing port is located in the middle of the placement groove, and the second bead dispensing port extends on the bead dispensing plate away from the placement groove to form the bead dispensing channel.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model mainly include:
[0022] The handheld single-hole bead separator provided by this utility model includes a moving component and a separating component in its dispensing unit. One end of the separating component is disposed in the bead storage cavity of the bead storage unit and is located above the first bead outlet hole. Thus, pulling the moving component can drive the separating component to reciprocate in the bead storage cavity, so that the first bead outlet hole is blocked or opened by the separating component, thereby realizing the separation of the microbeads in the temporary storage channel from the microbeads stored in the bead storage cavity. This ensures that the microbeads in the temporary storage channel flow out smoothly without being affected by other microbeads, and avoids the problem of bead jamming. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the handheld single-hole bead separator described in this utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cylindrical body described in this utility model;
[0025] Figure 3 This is another structural schematic diagram of the cylindrical body described in this utility model;
[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cylindrical cover described in this utility model;
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution unit described in this utility model;
[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bead-emitting unit described in this utility model;
[0029] Figure 7 This is another structural schematic diagram of the bead-emitting unit described in this utility model;
[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the bead separator described in this utility model.
[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0032] 100. Bead storage unit; 110. Cylinder body; 111. Bead storage cavity; 111a. First bead outlet hole; 111b. Opening; 112. Temporary storage channel; 113. First locking part; 120. Cylinder cover; 121. Second locking part.
[0033] 200, Distribution unit; 210, Moving component; 211, Push plate; 211a, Transfer channel; 212, Limiting plate; 213, Elastic element; 220, Separating component; 221, Partition plate; 222, Connecting plate.
[0034] 300, bead ejection unit; 310, bead ejection plate; 311, placement groove; 311a, second bead ejection hole; 320, bead ejection channel. Detailed Implementation
[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.
[0036] This utility model addresses the technical problem of uneven bead distribution and jamming in existing single-bead separators by providing a handheld single-hole pinball dispenser, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the handheld single-hole bead separator includes a bead storage unit 100, a distribution unit 200, and a bead dispensing unit 300.
[0037] The bead storage unit 100 comprises a bead storage cavity 111, a temporary storage channel 112, and a first bead outlet hole 111a, the first bead outlet hole 111a connecting the bead storage cavity 111 and the temporary storage channel 112; the distribution unit 200 includes a moving component 210 and a separating component 220, one end of the separating component 220 being disposed in the bead storage cavity 111 and above the first bead outlet hole 111a, and the other end of the separating component 220 being fixedly connected to the moving component 210; the bead outlet unit 300 comprises a placement groove 311, the moving component 210 being slidably disposed in the placement groove 311, such that the moving component 210 can slide in the placement groove 311 under the action of external force to drive the separating component 220 to move, so that the separating component 220 blocks or opens the first bead outlet hole 111a.
[0038] In the above technical solution, the distribution unit 200 further includes a moving component 210 and a separating component 220. The separating component 220 is disposed in the bead storage cavity 111 and located above the first bead outlet hole 111a. Under the action of external force, pulling the moving component 210 can drive the separating component 220 to reciprocate in the bead storage cavity 111, so that the first bead outlet hole 111a is blocked or opened by the separating component 220. This realizes the separation of the microbeads in the temporary storage channel 112 from the microbeads stored in the bead storage cavity 111, ensuring that the microbeads in the temporary storage channel 112 flow out smoothly without being affected by other microbeads, and avoiding the bead separator from getting stuck.
[0039] It is understood that in the above technical solution, one end of the temporary storage channel 112 is connected to the bead storage cavity 111 through the first bead outlet hole 111a, and the other end can be designed as an opening for bead outlet. Then, the microbeads that enter the temporary storage channel 112 from the bead storage cavity 111 can be directly discharged from the opening of the temporary storage channel 112. Alternatively, an opening can be designed in the moving component 210 for bead outlet. As the most preferred embodiment, the moving component 210 is located below the temporary storage channel 112. Furthermore, in order to better install the moving component 210, this embodiment provides a placement groove 311 below the moving component 210.
[0040] Specifically, in one embodiment, the moving component 210 forms a transfer channel 211a, and correspondingly, the bead dispensing unit also forms a bead dispensing channel 320. The placement groove 311 has a second bead dispensing hole 311a, which connects the placement groove 311 and the bead dispensing channel 320. Under the action of external force, the moving component 210 can move in the placement groove 311 so that the two ends of the transfer channel 211a are respectively alternately connected to the temporary storage channel 112 and the bead dispensing channel 320.
[0041] The microbeads flowing out of the temporary storage channel 112 first enter the transfer channel 211a. Then, through the action of external force, the moving component 210 moves in the placement groove 311, thereby causing the transfer channel 211a to move with the microbeads until it is aligned with the second outlet hole 311a, that is, connected to the outlet channel 320. Then the microbeads flow from the transfer channel 211a to the outlet channel 320 and are distributed, completing one distribution process of microbeads.
[0042] It is understood that the materials of the microspheres described in this utility model include, but are not limited to, steel balls, glass balls, plastic balls and ceramic balls; the uses of the microspheres also include, but are not limited to, grinding, crushing, adsorption, separation, stirring, carrier and delivery.
[0043] In one embodiment, the temporary storage channel 112, the transfer channel 211a, and the bead outlet channel 320 have the same diameter and are all adapted to the diameter of the microbeads. In practical applications, the diameters of the temporary storage channel 112, the transfer channel 211a, and the bead outlet channel 320 can be adaptively modified according to the diameter of the microbeads, and the number of microbeads allocated each time can be achieved by adjusting the length of the temporary storage channel 112 and the transfer channel 211a.
[0044] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2-3 As shown, the bead storage unit 100 includes a cylindrical body 110, which has a cylindrical structure and a funnel-shaped bead storage cavity 111 inside. The first bead outlet hole 111a is located at the small-diameter end of the bead storage cavity 111. The first bead outlet hole 111a extends away from the bead storage cavity 111 to form the temporary storage channel 112. An opening 111b for passing through the separator component 220 is also provided on one side wall of the bead storage cavity 111.
[0045] In this embodiment, the bead storage cavity 111 of the cylinder 110 is used to store a certain number of microbeads, and the microbeads are discharged into the temporary storage channel 112 through the first bead outlet hole 111a.
[0046] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the bead storage unit 100 also includes a cylinder cover 120. The cylinder body 110 has a first locking part 113 formed at the end away from the first bead outlet hole 111a. The cylinder cover 120 has a second locking part 121 adapted to the first locking part 113. The cylinder body 110 and the cylinder cover 120 are locked together by the cooperation of the first locking part 113 and the second locking part 121, and then locked by bolts.
[0047] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the moving component 210 includes a push plate 211, a limiting plate 212 and an elastic element 213. The push plate 211 forms the transfer channel 211a, and the two limiting plates 212 are respectively fixed to both sides of the push plate 211.
[0048] Accordingly, the placement groove 311 includes a first groove and a second groove. The first groove is located in the center of the bead-ejecting unit 300 and one end extends through the edge of the bead-ejecting unit 300. The two second grooves are respectively located on both sides of the first groove. The second bead-ejecting hole 311a is located in the middle of the first groove. The push plate 211 is located in the first groove and one end is located outside the bead-ejecting unit 300. The two limiting plates 212 are respectively located on both sides of the push plate 211. The two ends of the two elastic members 213 are respectively connected to the inner walls of the limiting plates 212 and the second groove.
[0049] In one embodiment, the partition component 220 includes a partition 221 and a connecting plate 222. One end of the connecting plate 222 is fixed to the side of the push plate 211 near the limiting plate 212, and the other end of the connecting plate 222 is fixedly connected to the partition 221. The end of the partition 221 away from the connecting plate 222 is disposed through the opening 111b.
[0050] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the bead dispensing unit 300 includes a bead dispensing plate 310 and a bead dispensing channel 320. The top of the bead dispensing plate 310 is detachably connected to the bead storage unit 100 and has the placement groove 311. The second bead dispensing port 311a is opened in the middle of the placement groove 311. The second bead dispensing port 311a extends on the bead dispensing plate 310 in a direction away from the placement groove 311 to form the bead dispensing channel 320.
[0051] In one embodiment, the bead-ejecting disc 310 and the bead-ejecting channel 320 are integrally formed.
[0052] like Figure 8 As shown, taking the distribution of a single microbead as an example, the working process of the handheld single-hole bead separator provided by this utility model is as follows:
[0053] In the initial state, without pressing the push plate 211, the temporary storage channel 112 is aligned and connected with the transfer channel 211a, while the transfer channel 211a and the bead outlet channel 320 are misaligned. At this time, the partition 221 is in a state where the first bead outlet hole 111a is not blocked. The first microbead enters the temporary storage channel 112 from the first bead outlet hole 111a and then enters the transfer channel 211a. The second microbead enters the temporary storage channel 112 from the first bead outlet hole 111a.
[0054] When the push plate 211 is pressed, it moves inward, and the transfer channel 211a changes from being connected to the temporary storage channel 112 in the initial state to being aligned and connected to the bead outlet channel 320. The first microbead then enters the bead outlet channel 320 from the transfer channel 211a and is discharged from the bead separator, completing the distribution. At the same time, since the transfer channel 211a and the temporary storage channel 112 are misaligned, the second microbead is still located in the temporary storage channel 112. The partition 221 moves inward under the action of the push plate 211, so that the partition 221 blocks the first bead outlet hole 111a, preventing the microbeads in the bead storage cavity 111 from entering the temporary storage channel 112.
[0055] After the push plate 211 is released, it returns to its initial state, and the transfer channel 211a is re-aligned and connected with the temporary storage channel 112. The second microbead enters the transfer channel 211a, and the push plate 211 opens without blocking the first bead outlet hole 111a. The microbead in the bead storage cavity 111 then automatically rolls into the temporary storage channel 112 to wait for the next allocation. This process is repeated to complete the allocation of all microbeads.
[0056] In summary, the handheld single-hole bead separator proposed in this utility model can achieve smooth and uninterrupted bead separation through the set separator component 220; moreover, this utility model is simple to operate, requiring only one hand to hold it, and the microbeads can be distributed by pressing with one finger; in addition, this utility model is small in size and easy to carry.
[0057] The specific embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A handheld single-hole bead separator, characterized in that, include: A bead storage unit has a bead storage cavity, a temporary storage channel, and a first bead outlet hole connecting the bead storage cavity and the temporary storage channel; The dispensing unit includes a moving component and a separating component. One end of the separating component is disposed in the bead storage cavity and located above the first bead outlet hole, and the other end is fixedly connected to the moving component. The bead-discharging unit has a placement groove, and the moving component is slidably disposed in the placement groove. Under the action of an external force, the moving component can move in the placement groove so that the separating component can move in the bead storage cavity, thereby enabling the separating component to block or open the first bead-discharging hole.
2. The handheld single-hole bead separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bead-ejecting unit also forms a bead-ejecting channel, and the placement groove has a second bead-ejecting hole, which connects the placement groove and the bead-ejecting channel; The moving component forms a transfer channel, and the moving component can move in the placement slot under the action of external force so that the two ends of the transfer channel are respectively staggered and connected to the temporary storage channel and the bead outlet channel.
3. The handheld single-hole bead separator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The temporary storage channel, the transfer channel, and the bead outlet channel have the same diameter and are all adapted to the diameter of the microspheres.
4. The handheld single-hole bead separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bead storage unit includes a cylindrical body, inside which a funnel-shaped bead storage cavity is formed. The first bead outlet is located at the small-diameter end of the bead storage cavity, and the first bead outlet extends away from the bead storage cavity to form the temporary storage channel.
5. The handheld single-hole bead separator according to claim 4, characterized in that, One side wall of the bead storage cavity has an opening for the passage of the separator assembly.
6. The handheld single-hole bead separator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bead storage unit also includes a cap, and a first snap-fit portion is formed at the end of the cylinder away from the first bead outlet, and a second snap-fit portion is formed on the cap to match the first snap-fit portion.
7. The handheld single-hole bead separator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The moving component includes a push plate and a limiting plate. The push plate forms the transfer channel, and the two limiting plates are respectively fixed to both sides of the push plate. The placement groove includes a first groove and a second groove. The first groove is located in the center of the bead-ejecting unit and one end extends through the edge of the bead-ejecting unit. The two second grooves are respectively located on both sides of the first groove. The second bead-ejecting hole is located in the middle of the first groove. The push plate is located in the first groove and one end is located outside the bead-ejecting unit. The two limiting plates are respectively located in the two second grooves.
8. The handheld single-hole bead separator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The moving component further includes one or two elastic elements, wherein one of the second grooves is provided with the elastic element, or both of the second grooves are provided with the elastic element.
9. The handheld single-hole bead separator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The partition assembly includes a partition and a connecting plate. One end of the connecting plate is fixed to the side of the push plate near the limiting plate, and the other end of the connecting plate is fixedly connected to the partition. The end of the partition away from the connecting plate passes through the opening.
10. The handheld single-hole bead separator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bead dispensing unit includes a bead dispensing plate and a bead dispensing channel. The top of the bead dispensing plate is detachably connected to the bead storage unit and has a placement groove. The second bead dispensing port is located in the middle of the placement groove. The second bead dispensing port extends on the bead dispensing plate away from the placement groove to form the bead dispensing channel.