An automated dilution cassette for a sample
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522537631.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-28
Smart Images

Figure CN224893892U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of analytical chemistry and rapid on-site detection technology, and more specifically, to an automatic sample dilution kit. Background Technology
[0002] When staff visit companies to conduct on-site sampling and testing, they often need to quickly and accurately dilute the collected samples. Currently, this operation mostly relies on manual use of pipettes and graduated cylinders, which is cumbersome and difficult to guarantee accuracy. Although some portable dilution devices attempt to replace manual labor, their mixing units are not designed with the special characteristics of mobile use in mind. When the equipment is carried, transported, or operated on an unstable platform, the inevitable shaking will severely disrupt the fluid stability within the mixing chamber, causing traditional stirring methods to fail, creating mixing dead zones, and resulting in sample homogeneity that cannot meet testing requirements. This core deficiency makes existing portable devices unreliable in field environments, limiting on-site testing efficiency and the accuracy of results. Utility Model Content
[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an automatic mixing box for sample dilution, so as to solve the core problems of uneven mixing and inflexible dispensing function in on-site sample dilution in the prior art.
[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0005] An automated sample dilution dispensing kit, characterized in that it comprises:
[0006] Box body (10);
[0007] The sample chamber (20) and the dilution chamber (30) are arranged side by side on the upper part of the box body (10). The top of the sample chamber has an opening and is equipped with an openable cover plate (22, 32). A sealing ring (23, 33) is provided between the cover plate (22, 32) and the opening of the chamber.
[0008] The mixing chamber (40) is located below the sample chamber (20) and the dilution chamber (30). The inner wall and corners of the chamber are rounded, and the bottom is a funnel-shaped structure that converges to the outlet.
[0009] The stirring mechanism (50) includes a first stirring motor (51) and a second stirring motor (52) horizontally arranged on opposite side walls of the mixing chamber (40), and the output shafts of the first stirring motor (51) and the second stirring motor (52) extend horizontally into the mixing chamber (40);
[0010] The liquid circuit system (60) includes a first flow valve (61) located at the outlet of the sample chamber (20), a second flow valve (62) located at the outlet of the dilution chamber (30), and a multi-channel branch pipe (71) located below the mixing chamber (40) and directly connected to its outlet. Each outlet branch of the multi-channel branch pipe (71) is equipped with an independent flow control valve (73).
[0011] The intelligent control system (90) is integrated in the housing (10) and is electrically connected to the first flow valve (61), the second flow valve (62), the first stirring motor (51), the second stirring motor (52), and each flow control valve (73).
[0012] Furthermore, the liquid circuit system (60) also includes a transfer pump (65), the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the mixing chamber (40), and its outlet is connected to a multi-channel branch pipe (71).
[0013] Furthermore, a first liquid level sensor (21) and a second liquid level sensor (31) for monitoring the liquid volume in the sample chamber (20) and the dilution chamber (30) are respectively provided. The first liquid level sensor (21) and the second liquid level sensor (31) are electrically connected to the intelligent control system (90).
[0014] Furthermore, the first stirring motor (51) and the second stirring motor (52) are driven by the intelligent control system (90) and configured to rotate in opposite directions with different rotation speeds, so that a counterclockwise or clockwise vortex is formed in the mixing chamber (40).
[0015] Furthermore, the front of the box (10) is provided with an outwardly protruding control panel (91), and the outlet branches of the multi-channel branch pipe (71) are arranged below the control panel (91).
[0016] Furthermore, below the control panel (91), a container detection sensor (81) is provided at the position of each outlet branch pipe, and the container detection sensor (81) is electrically connected to the intelligent control system (90).
[0017] Furthermore, the mixing chamber (40) is also connected to a cleaning inlet (41) that is connected to an external water source, and the intelligent control system (90) has a built-in cleaning mode for controlling the cleaning process.
[0018] Furthermore, the multi-channel branch pipe (71) has three outlet branches.
[0019] This invention employs a mixing chamber structure with a rounded transition, completely eliminating mixing dead zones and ensuring sample homogeneity. A horizontally opposed differential stirring mechanism creates interference-resistant three-dimensional turbulence within the chamber, enabling the equipment to maintain efficient mixing even in turbulent environments. Integrated multi-channel branch pipes and independent flow control valves achieve precise quantitative distribution of the mixed liquid. These features collectively ensure that the equipment can reliably and stably perform precise dilution and dispensing operations in the field.
[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:
[0022] Figure 1 This is a half-sectional schematic diagram of the overall structure of the embodiment of this application;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional diagram of section line AA;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of section line BB;
[0025] Figure 4 This is a top view of the connection between the delivery pump (65) and the multi-channel branch pipe (71) in an embodiment of this application.
[0026] Explanation of key component symbols:
[0027] Box (10)
[0028] Sample chamber (20), first liquid level sensor (21), sample chamber cover (22), sample chamber sealing ring (23).
[0029] Dilution chamber (30), second liquid level sensor (31), dilution chamber cover (32), dilution chamber sealing ring (33).
[0030] Mixing chamber (40), cleaning inlet (41)
[0031] Stirring mechanism (50), first stirring motor (51), second stirring motor (52).
[0032] Hydraulic system (60), first flow valve (61), second flow valve (62), transfer pump (65).
[0033] Multi-channel branch pipe (71), flow control valve (73).
[0034] Container detection sensor (81)
[0035] Intelligent control system (90), control panel (91). Detailed Implementation
[0036] The embodiments of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout.
[0037] Furthermore, the embodiments of this application described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the embodiments of this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.
[0038] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the first feature "above" or "below" the second feature may be in direct contact or indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, the first feature "above," "on top of," or "over" the second feature may be directly above or diagonally above, or may simply indicate that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature; the first feature "below," "below," or "beneath" the second feature may be directly below or diagonally below, or may simply indicate that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0039] Please see Figures 1 to 4 The core design concept of the portable automatic sample dilution box of this embodiment is to provide an integrated, portable, and ready-to-use automated dilution solution. The box body (10) adopts a sturdy and lightweight cuboid box structure, and the top is equipped with an openable cover (not fully shown in the figure), realizing the convenience of "open the cover and use, close the cover and leave".
[0040] Please see Figure 1 Inside the housing (10), a sample chamber (20) and a dilution chamber (30) are arranged side by side on the upper layer. The volume of the sample chamber (20) is usually smaller than that of the dilution chamber (30). Both chambers have openings at the top, which facilitates the direct injection of the original sample solution and diluent (such as pure water, buffer solution, etc.). A sealing ring (23) is embedded in the inner side of the cover plate (22, 32). When the cover plate is closed, the sealing ring forms an interference fit with the edge of the chamber opening, providing a reliable seal and ensuring that the liquid will not leak when the device is moved or tilted.
[0041] A first liquid level sensor (21) and a second liquid level sensor (31) are fixedly installed in the sample chamber (20) and the dilution chamber (30), respectively. These liquid level sensors (e.g., ultrasonic or capacitive sensors) are used to monitor the remaining liquid in each chamber in real time and transmit the signal to the intelligent control system (90) to provide liquid level prompts to the user and to issue an alarm when the liquid level is insufficient.
[0042] The outlet of the sample chamber (20) is connected to the first flow valve (61) via a pipeline. The outlet of the dilution chamber (30) is connected to the second flow valve (62) via a pipeline. The first flow valve (61) and the second flow valve (62) are key components of this invention. They are integrated valve bodies with electrically controlled on / off and built-in flow metering functions, such as high-precision electromagnetic flow valves. The intelligent control system (90) controls the opening and closing of the flow valves by sending commands to them, and simultaneously receives the instantaneous flow and cumulative flow data fed back by the flow valves in real time, thereby forming a closed-loop control system to achieve precise measurement and control of the volume of sample and diluent injected into the mixing chamber (40).
[0043] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The mixing chamber (40) is located directly below the sample chamber (20) and the dilution chamber (30), and is connected to the outlet of the first flow valve (61) and the second flow valve (62) respectively via pipelines. The design of the mixing chamber (40) has two significant features: First, its inner wall surface and all inner corners adopt a smooth arc transition structure, without any right-angle dead corners. This design makes the liquid flow very smoothly during mixing and completely eliminates the hidden dangers of liquid residue and uneven mixing. Second, its bottom is designed as a funnel shape, and the bottom of this funnel-shaped structure is the liquid outlet. All liquids eventually converge at this outlet, which is conducive to the emptying after mixing.
[0044] The stirring mechanism (50) is the core component ensuring uniform mixing. It includes a first stirring motor (51) and a second stirring motor (52) horizontally mounted on the left and right side walls of the mixing chamber (40). The output shafts of the two motors extend horizontally into the mixing chamber (40), and stirring blades are installed at the ends of the shafts. The rotation areas of the two sets of blades overlap and intersect in the central part of the chamber. The intelligent control system (90) implements differential frequency conversion control for the two stirring motors.
[0045] In the core mixing stage, the control system drives the first stirring motor (51) and the second stirring motor (52) to rotate in opposite directions, and usually sets different speeds, for example, the first stirring motor (51) runs at 2500 rpm and the second stirring motor (52) runs at 1800 rpm. This operating strategy causes the two horizontally rotating streams to collide and shear against each other intensely in the central region of the mixing chamber (40), forming an extremely complex and efficient three-dimensional turbulence.
[0046] During the drainage phase, the control system adjusts its strategy: the first stirring motor (51) stops running, and the second stirring motor (52) switches to a low-speed mode (e.g., 300 rpm). The gentle fluid dynamics generated by the motor help to guide the liquid smoothly to the outlet at the bottom of the funnel, assisting gravity in emptying the liquid and minimizing residue.
[0047] The bottom outlet of the mixing chamber (40) is directly connected to the inlet of the multi-channel branch pipe (71). In this embodiment, the branch pipe (71) is designed with three outlet branches. Each outlet branch is equipped with an independent flow control valve (73). This flow control valve (73) is similar in function to the first and second flow valves (61, 62) mentioned above, and has precise on / off control and flow metering capabilities. However, its accuracy and range may be more suitable for distributing the mixed liquid. It extends the precise quantitative control function from the inlet end to the outlet distribution end.
[0048] Please combine 1 and Figure 4 As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the liquid system (60) can also optionally be equipped with a transfer pump (65). The transfer pump (65) can be installed between the outlet of the mixing chamber (40) and the inlet of the multi-channel branch pipe (71). When the transfer pump (65) is not activated, the system operates in "gravity drainage mode", relying on the gravity of the liquid to flow into the branch pipe (71). When encountering high-viscosity liquids, requiring faster drainage speeds, or needing to transport the liquid to containers at higher positions, the "pressure drainage mode" can be activated, and the intelligent control system (90) starts the transfer pump (65) to provide positive pressure for drainage, ensuring smooth and thorough drainage.
[0049] The front of the housing (10) features a control panel (91) that protrudes outward at approximately 45 degrees. This control panel (91) integrates a touch screen, function buttons, and status indicator lights, forming a user-friendly human-machine interface. The three outlet branches of the multi-channel branch pipe (71) are neatly arranged in the lower area of the control panel (91), facilitating the placement of containers by the user. Directly below each outlet branch pipe, a container detection sensor (81), such as an infrared photoelectric sensor, is also embedded in the panel. Only when the sensor detects that a container has been placed in place will it transmit the signal to the intelligent control system (90), at which point the system will allow the corresponding flow control valve (73) to be opened for drainage, effectively preventing liquid leakage caused by misoperation.
[0050] The intelligent control system (90) is based on a microprocessor (MCU) and integrated inside the housing (10). It is responsible for receiving signals from the first liquid level sensor (21), the second liquid level sensor (31), the first flow valve (61), the second flow valve (62), each flow control valve (73), and the container detection sensor (81). Based on the parameters set by the user through the control panel (91) (such as dilution ratio, total volume, number of output portions, etc.), it coordinates and controls the operation of the first flow valve (61), the second flow valve (62), the first stirring motor (51), the second stirring motor (52), each flow control valve (73), and the optional delivery pump (65) to complete the entire dilution and dispensing process automatically.
[0051] In addition, the mixing chamber (40) is connected to a cleaning inlet (41) for connecting to an external water source. The intelligent control system (90) has a pre-set cleaning mode. The user can activate this mode when a dilution task is completed or before the sample needs to be changed. The system will automatically control the cleaning inlet (41) to inject clean water, and at the same time start the stirring mechanism (50) to run at high speed, forming a strong turbulent flow to flush the inner wall of the mixing chamber (40), the stirring shaft and the internal pipeline of the branch pipe (71). Thanks to the rounded transition chamber design, the cleaning liquid can cover the entire inner surface without dead angles. After rinsing, the system will control the opening of the designated flow control valve (73) to discharge the sewage with the assistance of gravity or the transfer pump (65), completing the self-cleaning and effectively preventing cross-contamination.
[0052] Through the aforementioned highly integrated and intelligent design, this utility model perfectly integrates functions such as precision measurement, efficient anti-interference mixing, flexible and accurate distribution, and convenient self-cleaning into a portable box, providing a stable, reliable, and efficient ultimate solution for sample pretreatment for rapid on-site testing.
[0053] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. An automatic sample dilution dispensing kit, characterized in that, include: Box body (10); The sample chamber (20) and the dilution chamber (30) are arranged side by side on the upper part of the box body (10). The top of the sample chamber has an opening and is equipped with an openable cover plate (22, 32). A sealing ring (23, 33) is provided between the cover plate (22, 32) and the opening of the chamber. The mixing chamber (40) is located below the sample chamber (20) and the dilution chamber (30). The inner wall and corners of the chamber are rounded, and the bottom is a funnel-shaped structure that converges to the outlet. The stirring mechanism (50) includes a first stirring motor (51) and a second stirring motor (52) horizontally arranged on opposite side walls of the mixing chamber (40), and the output shafts of the first stirring motor (51) and the second stirring motor (52) extend horizontally into the mixing chamber (40); The liquid circuit system (60) includes a first flow valve (61) located at the outlet of the sample chamber (20), a second flow valve (62) located at the outlet of the dilution chamber (30), and a multi-channel branch pipe (71) located below the mixing chamber (40) and directly connected to its outlet. Each outlet branch of the multi-channel branch pipe (71) is equipped with an independent flow control valve (73). The intelligent control system (90) is integrated in the housing (10) and is electrically connected to the first flow valve (61), the second flow valve (62), the first stirring motor (51), the second stirring motor (52), and each flow control valve (73).
2. The automatic dispensing box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid system (60) also includes a transfer pump (65), the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the mixing chamber (40), and its outlet is connected to the multi-channel branch pipe (71).
3. The automatic dispensing box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample chamber (20) and the dilution chamber (30) are respectively equipped with a first liquid level sensor (21) and a second liquid level sensor (31) for monitoring the liquid volume in the chamber. The first liquid level sensor (21) and the second liquid level sensor (31) are electrically connected to the intelligent control system (90).
4. The automatic dispensing box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first stirring motor (51) and the second stirring motor (52) are driven by the intelligent control system (90) and configured to rotate in opposite directions with different speeds, so that a counterclockwise or clockwise vortex is formed in the mixing chamber (40).
5. The automatic dispensing box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front of the box (10) is provided with an outwardly protruding control panel (91), and the outlet branches of the multi-channel branch pipe (71) are arranged below the control panel (91).
6. The automatic dispensing box according to claim 5, characterized in that: Below the control panel (91), a container detection sensor (81) is installed at the position of each outlet branch pipe. The container detection sensor (81) is electrically connected to the intelligent control system (90).
7. The automatic dispensing box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mixing chamber (40) is also connected to a cleaning inlet (41) that is connected to an external water source, and the intelligent control system (90) has a built-in cleaning mode for controlling the cleaning process.
8. The automatic dispensing box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-channel branch pipe (71) has three outlet branches.