A micro nectar collecting device with multi-specification capillary

By using a multi-specification capillary tube and a modular design, the micro nectar collection device solves the problems of inconvenience, pollution, and poor adaptability in existing technologies, and achieves efficient, clean, and convenient nectar collection.

CN224327955UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-05ZHEJIANG ACADEMY OF AGRICULTURE SCIENCES

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHEJIANG ACADEMY OF AGRICULTURE SCIENCES
Filing Date
2025-07-21
Publication Date
2026-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing nectar collection methods are inconvenient to operate, have low collection efficiency, are prone to sample contamination, lack adaptability to nectars of different viscosities, lack transparency of state information, and are cumbersome to clean and replace containers.

Method used

A miniature nectar collection device with capillary tubes of various specifications was designed. It adopts a composite collection method that integrates capillary adsorption and electric suction. Combined with a modular and detachable structure and status display function, it can realize rapid switching of capillary tube specifications, adjustment of suction force, and convenient replacement of containers.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient, clean, and convenient collection of nectar, avoids sample contamination, improves operational convenience and adaptability, and ensures the independence and purity of the collection process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a miniature nectar collection device with multi-specification capillary, which comprises: multi-specification collection modules, power control modules and detachable nectar collection modules connected vertically in sequence; the power control module comprises: a power pump and a control assembly, the power pump is used to deliver the nectar collected by the collection module to the collection module, and the control assembly is used to regulate the working state of the device; the detachable nectar collection module is used to collect the nectar delivered by the power pump; the multi-specification collection module comprises: a hollow rotating drum, a plurality of sliding blocks and a plurality of multi-specification capillary tubes, one end of the rotating drum is movably connected to the power control module; the inner wall of the rotating drum is fixed with a capillary tube mounting rack, the plurality of multi-specification capillary tubes are vertically mounted on the capillary tube mounting rack, one end of the plurality of sliding blocks is connected to the capillary tubes one by one, the lateral wall of the rotating drum is provided with a sliding groove for the sliding blocks to slide in the vertical direction, and the other end of the sliding blocks is mounted in the sliding groove. The device realizes efficient, clean, portable and adjustable collection of nectar.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological sample collection equipment technology, specifically to a miniature nectar collection device with capillaries of various sizes. This device is particularly suitable for convenient and efficient collection of trace nectar samples in scenarios such as plant ecology research and insect pollination behavior research. Background Technology

[0002] In fields such as plant ecology and insect pollination behavior research, nectar collection is a crucial foundational task. Currently used traditional nectar collection methods, such as manual aspiration using glass capillaries or micro-syringes, suffer from inconvenience, low collection efficiency, and susceptibility to sample contamination. Furthermore, existing electric collection devices are often limited in function, lacking adaptability to different nectar viscosities (e.g., suction force adjustment), and provide little intuitive access to device status information (e.g., battery level, current configuration). Container cleaning and replacement are also cumbersome. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a miniature nectar collection device with a rational structural design, convenient operation, effective sample contamination prevention, portability, flexible adjustment of collection parameters, and status display functionality. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a miniature nectar collection device with multi-specification capillary tubes. This device employs a combined collection method integrating capillary adsorption and electric suction, featuring a modular, detachable structure and a rapid switching mechanism for multi-specification capillary tubes. It also incorporates status display and suction force adjustment functions. This aims to address the technical deficiencies of existing technologies, such as sample contamination, cumbersome and inconvenient operation, poor adaptability, opaque status information, and inconvenient container replacement and cleaning, thereby achieving efficient, clean, portable, and adjustable nectar collection.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A miniature nectar collection device with multi-specification capillary tubes includes: a multi-specification collection module, a power control module, and a detachable nectar collection module connected vertically in sequence.

[0006] The power control module includes a power pump and a control component. The power pump is used to transport the nectar collected by the collection module to the collection module, and the control component is used to regulate the working state of the device.

[0007] The detachable nectar collection module is used to collect the nectar delivered by the power pump;

[0008] The multi-specification acquisition module includes: a hollow rotating drum, several sliders, and several multi-specification capillary tubes. One end of the rotating drum is movably connected to the power control module. A capillary tube mounting frame is fixed on the inner wall of the rotating drum. Several multi-specification capillary tubes are vertically installed on the capillary tube mounting frame. One end of several sliders is connected to a capillary tube in a one-to-one correspondence. A sliding groove is opened on the side wall of the rotating drum for the sliders to slide in the vertical direction. The other end of the sliders is installed in the sliding groove. By rotating the rotating drum, the desired specification of capillary tube is selected to be aligned with the input pipe of the power pump. By sliding the sliders, the selected specification of capillary tube is connected to or disconnected from the input pipe of the power pump.

[0009] Furthermore, the end of the capillary tube is provided with a second adapter that connects to the power pump, so that the end of the capillary tube is of a uniform size, which facilitates connection with the input pipe of the power pump.

[0010] Furthermore, the power control module also includes: a housing, wherein one end of the rotating drum is movably connected to the power control module, specifically, one end of the housing and one end of the rotating drum are respectively provided with a slot and a retaining ring, which are engaged to allow the rotating drum to rotate; the outer wall of the rotating drum is provided with calibration lines corresponding one-to-one with the position of the capillary tube; the outer wall of the housing is provided with a second calibration line corresponding to the position of the input pipe of the power pump; by rotating the calibration line corresponding to the capillary tube of the required specification to align with the second calibration line, the alignment of the capillary tube and the input pipe can be achieved.

[0011] Furthermore, the detachable nectar collection module includes: a container body and a sealing cap; wherein the bottom surface of the container body has an opening and is connected to a first adapter for communicating with the output pipe of the power pump, and the bottom surface of the container is threadedly connected to the end of the outer shell; the container body is threadedly connected to the sealing cap.

[0012] Furthermore, the container body is made of either transparent plastic or glass.

[0013] Furthermore, the control components include: a battery, a control switch, a speed regulator, and a display screen. The battery is fixed in the housing and is used to power the device. The control switch is used to control the start and stop of the device. The speed regulator is used to adjust the suction force of the power pump. The display screen is used to display the current battery level, the currently selected capillary tube specification, and the current operating status of the power pump.

[0014] Furthermore, the power pump is a diaphragm pump with a flow rate range of 0.3-0.8 L / min.

[0015] Furthermore, the slider is fixed with a first baffle and a second baffle, which are respectively in close contact with the inner wall and outer wall of the rotating cylinder, ensuring that the slider can be positioned at any position within the groove.

[0016] Beneficial effects:

[0017] Ensuring sample quality: The multi-specification capillary design allows for quick switching, making it easy to select the most suitable capillary based on nectar characteristics (such as viscosity and flower type); the detachable collection container design allows for quick replacement of the container when collecting different types of nectar or when the container needs thorough cleaning, minimizing sample contamination and cross-contamination caused by residues and ensuring the independence and purity of each sample collection.

[0018] Highly portable: The device is shaped like a pen, small in size, and easy to carry, making it suitable for researchers to use in various scenarios, such as in the field.

[0019] Easy to operate: The collection operation can be completed with one hand. The liquid pump can be started by controlling the switch, which can quickly and efficiently collect nectar, reducing the difficulty of operation and improving the collection efficiency.

[0020] Intelligent and intuitive operation: The display shows the battery level and the current capillary size in real time, giving users a clear understanding of the device's status and preventing collection failures due to insufficient power or incorrect capillary selection. The speed controller provides precise suction control to adapt to different nectar characteristics. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall device structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-specification acquisition module and a power control module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a detachable nectar collection module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall device (including capillary tube) in operation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] The components are as follows: 1. Capillary tube; 2. Input pipe; 3. Miniature diaphragm pump; 4. Output pipe; 5. Control switch; 6. Rechargeable battery; 7. Container body; 8. Speed ​​controller; 9. Display screen; 10. Outer shell; 11. Rotary drum; 12. Slide groove; 13. Slider; 14. First baffle; 15. Second baffle; 16. Sealing cap; 17. External threaded ring for connecting to the sealing cap; 18. First adapter; 19. Fixing bracket; 20. Second adapter; 21. Slot; 22. Snap ring; 23. External thread for connecting to the outer shell; 24. Internal threaded groove; 25. Mounting position; 26. Second calibration line; 27. Calibration line; 28. Capillary tube mounting bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described and illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. The embodiments described are merely examples of the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the invention. The technical features of each embodiment of the present invention can be combined accordingly, provided that there is no conflict between them.

[0028] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, a miniature nectar collection device with multi-specification capillary tubes includes: a multi-specification collection module, a power control module, and a detachable nectar collection module connected vertically in sequence.

[0029] The power control module includes a power pump and a control component. The power pump is used to transport the nectar collected by the collection module to the collection module, and the control component is used to regulate the working state of the device.

[0030] The detachable nectar collection module is used to collect the nectar delivered by the power pump;

[0031] The multi-specification acquisition module includes: a hollow rotating drum 11, several sliders 13, and several multi-specification capillary tubes 1. One end of the rotating drum 11 is movably connected to the power control module. A capillary tube mounting frame is fixed on the inner wall of the rotating drum 11. Several multi-specification capillary tubes are vertically installed on the capillary tube mounting frame 28. One end of several sliders 13 is connected to a capillary tube 1 in a one-to-one correspondence. The side wall of the rotating drum 11 has a groove 12 for the sliders 1 to slide in the vertical direction. The other end of the sliders 13 is installed through the groove 12. By rotating the rotating drum 11, the desired specification of capillary tube 1 is selected to be aligned with the input pipe 2 of the power pump. By sliding the sliders 13, the selected specification of capillary tube 1 is connected to or disconnected from the input pipe 2 of the power pump.

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a miniature nectar collection device with multi-specification capillaries is designed with a pen-shaped structure, an axial length of approximately 15 cm, and a maximum radial diameter of approximately 3 cm. The device comprises the following three main functional modules from front to back.

[0034] like Figure 1 and 2As shown, the multi-specification acquisition module has a rotary capillary mounting bracket 11 at the front end of the device. The rotation of the rotary tube 11 is achieved through a slot 21 and a retaining ring 22. The inner wall of the rotary tube is provided with a capillary mounting bracket 28, which is specifically an annular plate. Five mounting positions 25 are evenly opened around the annular plate 11. Each mounting position 25 fixes a glass capillary tube 1. The inner diameter of each capillary tube is different (e.g., 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 mm). The end of each capillary tube is provided with a second adapter 20 that matches the input pipe 2. By rotating the rotating drum 11, the calibration line 27 of the target specification capillary is aligned with the second calibration line 26 of the outer casing 10. Then, the capillary can be raised or lowered by moving the slider 13 in the slide groove 12 on the side of the rotating drum 11 up and down. The slider 13 is fixed with a first baffle 14 and a second baffle 15 that are respectively in close contact with the inner and outer walls of the rotating drum 11, ensuring that the slider can be positioned at any position within the slide groove 12. When the slider 13 slides to the target position, the friction between the first baffle 14 and the second baffle 15 and the rotating drum wall can resist gravity, allowing the slider to be stably suspended at any height within the slide groove 12. The second adapter 20 at the end of the target capillary is then inserted into the input pipe 2.

[0035] Power Control Module: A miniature diaphragm pump 3 is installed in the middle of the device, with a flow rate range of 0.3-0.8 L / min, powered by a built-in rechargeable battery 6. The inlet of the miniature diaphragm pump 3 is connected to the multi-specification collection module via an input pipe 2. When the miniature diaphragm pump 3 starts, it generates a controllable negative pressure (suction) at the rear end of the capillary. This suction, in conjunction with capillary action, significantly accelerates the entry of nectar through the capillary into the device, improving collection speed and efficiency. The miniature diaphragm pump 3 is equipped with a control switch 5. The control switch 5 is located on the side of the main casing 10 of the device, allowing for easy one-handed operation to turn the miniature diaphragm pump 3 on or off. A speed controller 8 is also provided, connected to the miniature diaphragm pump 3 via a circuit. The user can adjust the working power of the miniature diaphragm pump 3 in real time via the speed controller 8, thereby precisely controlling the suction force to adapt to nectar with different viscosities or collection speed requirements. A display screen 9 is located on the side of the casing 10 in an easily observable position (near the control switch area), connected to the rechargeable battery 6 via a circuit. The display screen 9 is used to display key status information, including the current battery level, the selected capillary inner diameter specification, and the current working status of the diaphragm pump.

[0036] Detachable Nectar Collection Module: This module, located at the rear of the device, is an independent, well-sealed container, comprising a container body 7 and a sealing cap 16. The front end of the container body 7 has an external thread 23 for connection to the outer shell and a first adapter 18. The external thread 23 matches the internal thread groove 24 at the end of the power control module's outer shell, and the first adapter 18 matches the output pipe 4, enabling communication with the micro diaphragm pump 3. Its main function is to receive and store nectar samples delivered by the micro diaphragm pump 3. The container body 7 is made of transparent plastic, allowing users to visually observe the amount of nectar stored inside. The rear end of the container body 7 has an opening structure, and the sealing cap 16 is connected via an external thread 17. After collecting nectar of one type, or when the container needs cleaning, the entire detachable nectar collection module can be easily removed from the main body of the device. The container can be immediately replaced with another clean spare container for the next type of nectar collection. The disassembled container body 7 and sealing cap 16 can be thoroughly cleaned and dried in the laboratory to effectively prevent sample contamination and spoilage caused by residual nectar.

[0037] Example 2:

[0038] When using the miniature nectar collection device described in Example 1 to collect nectar, the specific operating steps are as follows:

[0039] Capillary Selection: Select a capillary with an appropriate inner diameter based on the nectar characteristics of the target flower and the required collection speed. First, move all sliders 13 downwards to the lower end of the groove 12, so that all capillary sizes extend from the front end of the device. Then, rotate the rotating cylinder 11 at the front end of the device to align the calibration line 27 of the target size capillary with the second calibration line 26 of the outer casing 10. Move the slider 13 of the target size capillary upwards to the middle of the groove 12. Figure 5 This allows the adapter 20 at the end of the target size capillary to be inserted into the input pipe 2, ensuring that the target size capillary extends from the bottom of the rotating drum. Then, the sliders of other capillary tubes are pushed upward to the upper part of the slide groove 12. The friction between the first baffle 14 and the second baffle 15 on the slider 13 and the wall of the rotating drum will keep the slider suspended, causing the remaining capillary tubes to retract into the device to avoid affecting nectar collection.

[0040] Container installation: Inspect and ensure that the first adapter 18 on the bottom surface of the container body 7 is clean and dry. Figure 1 and 2 Align the first adapter 18 at the front end of the container body 7 with the output pipe 4 on the fixing frame 19, rotate the container body 7 until it is tightened and fixed, forming a sealed connection between the output pipe 4 and the first adapter 18.

[0041] Parameter viewing and setting: Check the display screen 9 on the side of the device to confirm that the rechargeable battery 6 has sufficient power and that the displayed capillary specifications match the selected parameters. If needed, set the appropriate suction level for the micro diaphragm pump 3 using the speed controller 8 (e.g., increase the suction for viscous nectar).

[0042] Start the collection: Turn on the control switch 5 on the side of the device to start the micro diaphragm pump 3. Align the selected capillary tube 1 at the front of the device with the flower from which nectar needs to be collected (e.g., insert the corolla). Under the combined action of capillary action and the suction of the micro diaphragm pump 3, the nectar passes through the capillary tube 1 and the input pipe 2, and is then drawn into the diaphragm pump 3. Finally, the micro diaphragm pump 3 delivers the nectar through the output pipe 4 to the container 7, which is connected to it via the first adapter 18.

[0043] Observation and Stop: Observe through the transparent container 7. After collecting the required amount of nectar, turn off the control switch 5 to stop the micro diaphragm pump 3 from working.

[0044] Sample transfer: Unscrew the sealing cap 16 at the end of the removable nectar collection module and carefully pour the nectar from the container 7 into the marked collection tube (such as a centrifuge tube) for storage.

[0045] Container handling: Loosen and remove the container containing residual nectar. If you need to collect another type of nectar immediately, take a clean, dry spare container and attach it to the apparatus. The removed container can be thoroughly cleaned in the laboratory with a suitable solvent (such as deionized water or dilute alcohol) and dried for later use.

[0046] Cleaning steps after collection: a) Insert the used capillary tube into a container filled with cleaning solution (such as deionized water or dilute alcohol); b) Turn on control switch 5 and start diaphragm pump 3 to pump until the cleaning solution is free of impurities; c) Disassemble the used collection container 7 and clean it with cleaning solution.

Claims

1. A miniature nectar collection device with multi-specification capillaries, characterized in that, include: The multi-specification collection module, power control module, and detachable nectar collection module are connected vertically in sequence. The power control module includes a power pump and a control component. The power pump is used to transport the nectar collected by the collection module to the collection module, and the control component is used to regulate the working state of the device. The detachable nectar collection module is used to collect the nectar delivered by the power pump; The multi-specification acquisition module includes: a hollow rotating drum, several sliders, and several multi-specification capillary tubes. One end of the rotating drum is movably connected to the power control module. A capillary tube mounting frame is fixed to the inner wall of the rotating drum. Several multi-specification capillary tubes are vertically installed on the capillary tube mounting frame. One end of several sliders is connected to a capillary tube in a one-to-one correspondence. The side wall of the rotating drum has a groove for the sliders to slide vertically. The other end of the sliders is installed in the groove. By rotating the rotating drum, the desired specification of capillary tube is selected and aligned with the input pipe of the power pump. By sliding the sliders, the selected specification of capillary tube is connected to or disconnected from the input pipe of the power pump.

2. The data acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capillary tube is provided with a second adapter at its end for connection to the power pump, so that the end of the capillary tube is of a uniform size, which facilitates connection with the input pipe of the power pump.

3. The data acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power control module further includes a housing. One end of the rotating drum is movably connected to the power control module, specifically by having a slot and a ring respectively at one end of the housing and one end of the rotating drum. The two engage to allow the rotating drum to rotate. The outer wall of the rotating drum has calibration lines corresponding to the capillary tube positions. The outer wall of the housing has a second calibration line corresponding to the input pipe position of the power pump. By rotating the calibration line corresponding to the capillary tube of the required specification to align with the second calibration line, the capillary tube and the input pipe can be aligned.

4. The data acquisition device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The detachable nectar collection module includes: a container body and a sealing cap; wherein the bottom surface of the container body has an opening and is connected to a first adapter for communicating with the output pipe of the power pump, and the bottom surface of the container is threadedly connected to the end of the outer shell; the container body is threadedly connected to the sealing cap.

5. The data acquisition device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The container body is made of either transparent plastic or glass.

6. The data acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control components include: a battery, a control switch, a speed regulator, and a display screen. The battery is fixed in the housing and is used to power the device. The control switch is used to control the start and stop of the device. The speed regulator is used to adjust the suction force of the power pump. The display screen is used to display the current battery level, the currently selected capillary tube specification, and the current working status of the power pump.

7. The data acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power pump is a diaphragm pump with a flow rate range of 0.3-0.8 L / min.

8. The data acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slider is fixed with a first baffle and a second baffle, which are respectively in close contact with the inner wall and outer wall of the rotating cylinder, ensuring that the slider can be positioned at any position within the groove.