Adjustable Rack Plate Changer for Chromatograph Autosampler
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing plate storage systems in autosamplers are limited by the fixed spacing of rack plates, which restricts the number of sample plates that can be stored due to varying sample plate heights, and accurate transportation is hindered by the need for precise identification of each rack plate position.
Innovation Solution
A plate changer with adjustable rack plates and optical sensors that detect the presence of sample plates on different supporters, allowing for flexible configuration and accurate identification of rack plate positions, enabling efficient storage and transportation of sample plates of varying heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spacing between rack plates is set to accommodate sample plates with maximum height, then all sample plate heights can be accommodated, but the number of sample plates storable in the plate storage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The plate storage system employs movable rack plates that can be dynamically repositioned along the vertical axis. This allows the spacing between rack plates to be adjusted according to the height of sample plates being stored, enabling optimal space utilization. When small-height sample plates are used, rack plates can be moved closer together to increase storage capacity, while maintaining the ability to accommodate larger plates when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of rack plates to optimize storage. By varying the vertical position of individual rack plates, the system adapts to different sample plate heights and maximizes the number of plates that can be stored in the available space.
2Quantity of substance
If a new rack plate is added to store more sample plates, then storage capacity increases, but accurate transportation cannot be performed unless the position of each rack plate is accurately identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical position identification methods with optical detection. Optical sensors are used to detect the presence and position of rack plates, providing accurate positional information without complex mechanical encoding systems. This allows the control system to reliably identify and transport sample plates from any rack plate position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through optical sensors that continuously monitor the position of rack plates. This feedback information is used by the control system to accurately track and manage the locations of all sample plates, ensuring reliable transportation even as rack plates are added or repositioned.
3Productivity
If the number of rack plates is made changeable to optimize storage, then storage efficiency improves, but the complexity of identifying and tracking rack plate positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical tracking mechanisms with optical sensing. Each rack plate position is monitored by optical sensors that provide straightforward detection signals, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling flexible rack plate configuration and easy position identification.
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 plate changer enhances storage efficiency and ensures reliable sample plate transportation by allowing flexible configuration of rack plates and accurate detection of their positions, improving the overall analysis operation in chromatographs.
Implementation Method 1
one or a plurality of rack plate detectors that are respectively provided corresponding to the one or plurality of plate supporters, detect whether the first rack plate is supported on each plate supporter
Data Source
AI summary
A plate changer includes a casing that stores a sample plate and one or a plurality of first rack plates that each support the sample plate. One or a plurality of plate supporters that respectively support the one or plurality of first rack plates at different heights are provided in the casing. Each first rack plate is configured to be supportable on and removable from any of the one or plurality of plate supporters. The plate changer further includes a detector that detects whether the first rack plate is supported on each plate supporter.