Agitating Device With Cam-Driven Reciprocating Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample agitating devices require a large drive force and size due to the need for vigorous agitation of sample containers, which complicates the design and operation of sample analyzers.
Innovation Solution
An agitating device with a horizontally-supported shaft, rotatable container holder, and an agitation drive unit that includes a contact member and drive source for reciprocating motion, allowing for efficient agitation of blood samples within sample containers while maintaining a compact apparatus design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a rotation drive cylinder is provided integratedly with the hand to provide rotational drive for agitation, then the hand can be rotated to agitate the sample container, but a large drive force is required which enlarges the size of the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rotation drive cylinder mechanism with a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into reciprocating motion. The cam mechanism includes a cam member rotated by a small drive source and a follower that converts this rotation into up-and-down reciprocating motion of the hand, eliminating the need for a large drive force while maintaining effective agitation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic motion characteristics by using reciprocating motion instead of continuous rotation. The hand moves up and down in a reciprocating manner driven by the cam mechanism, creating effective agitation through periodic motion rather than constant rotation, which reduces the required drive force and apparatus size
2Productivity
If a large drive source is used to obtain large drive force for hand rotation, then vigorous agitation can be achieved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic reciprocating motion of the hand through the cam mechanism. The cam member rotates continuously but converts this motion into periodic up-and-down movement of the hand, creating effective agitation through repeated cycles rather than continuous force application. This periodic action maintains productivity while using a smaller drive source
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating motion generated by the cam mechanism creates vibrational agitation of the sample container. The rapid back-and-forth movement of the hand produces mechanical vibration that effectively mixes the sample, achieving vigorous agitation效果 without requiring large drive force from the motor
Data Source
AI summary
An agitating device for agitating a blood sample in a sample container is disclosed. The agitating device includes a base comprising a horizontally-supported shaft, a container holder including a first hand and a second hand, the first hand having a first hole at one end and a first hold portion at other end, the second hand having a second hole at one end and a second hold portion at other end, the first and second holes through which the shaft is inserted, the first and second hands being rotatable relative to the shaft and the first and second hold portions faced each other, and an agitation drive unit including a contact member for contacting the container holder and a drive source for reciprocating the contact member contacting the container holder between a lower position and an upper position.