Adjustable Carriage Holder for Chromatography Columns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping devices for laboratory equipment, such as burettes and chromatography columns, face limitations in securely holding heavier objects due to the limited torque force transmitted by set screws, and they often require complex mechanisms for adjustable and secure vertical positioning.
Innovation Solution
A carriage apparatus with a clip-type holder that allows for quick engagement and disengagement of cylindrical apparatus, featuring upper and lower support plates with indentations for radial grasping, retractable torsion spring clamp members, and a locking mechanism with a lever system that enables secure vertical positioning and rotation on a shaft, while allowing adjustable placement along the shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a set screw is used to secure the carriage to the shaft, then the apparatus can be held in a fixed vertical position, but the torque force transmitted is limited and cannot securely hold heavier objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the set screw mechanism with a friction-based clamp system. The clamp applies radial pressure to the shaft through a friction interface, substituting the threaded mechanical engagement with a friction-based mechanical connection that can transmit higher torque forces for securing heavy chromatography columns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection system by introducing a clamp with adjustable friction pressure. Instead of relying on the limited torque capacity of a set screw, the clamp allows continuous adjustment of the normal force at the friction interface, thereby controlling the friction force to securely hold heavier objects.
2Reliability
If a friction-based clamp system is used to increase torque transmission, then heavier objects can be securely held, but the clamp may impede axial rotation of the carriage on the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to apply friction pressure locally at specific contact points on the shaft, rather than uniformly along the entire interface. This localized friction application secures the carriage against vertical movement and heavy loads while leaving other areas free to accommodate axial rotation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp system is designed with adjustable and releasable characteristics, allowing the friction pressure to be dynamically controlled. The clamp can be tightened to prevent slippage under load, and released or loosened to permit axial rotation, providing dynamic adaptability between secure holding and rotational freedom.
3Device complexity
If conventional clamping devices are used, then simple structures can be employed, but complex mechanisms are required for adjustable and secure vertical positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed as a multi-functional device that combines vertical positioning adjustment, secure locking, and rotational freedom into a single mechanism. By making the clamp itself adjustable in its position along the shaft and adjustable in its clamping force, the device achieves both structural simplicity and adaptability for various positioning requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides secure and adjustable support for multiple cylindrical apparatuses, including chromatography columns, enabling efficient operation in Simulated Moving Bed Chromatography (SMBC) by ensuring stable vertical positioning and easy adjustment, while preventing slippage under weight-bearing loads without impeding axial rotation.
Implementation Method 1
retractable torsion spring clamp members
Implementation Method 2
torsion spring clamp members
Implementation Method 3
preventing slippage under weight-bearing loads
Data Source
AI summary
A carriage holder for support of an apparatus includes identical upper and lower support plates having on their outer edge a number of indentations corresponding to the number of apparatus to be supported, said indentations providing aligned radial horizontal grasping surfaces on one side of said apparatus. The carriage holder also includes a series of vertical spring pivot pins joining said upper and lower support plates, adjacent to each said indentation, each such pin bearing a torsion spring loaded retractable clamp member to provide grasping surfaces in retracted position opposite to the grasping surfaces of said indentations. The carriage holder also includes an unobstructed aperture in each of said aligned support plates for mounting said carriage holder on a shaft. The carriage holder further includes a locking mechanism to hold said carriage in a fixed position on the shaft.