Analysis Chip Transport Using Screw Shafts for Precise Stopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport mechanisms for analysis chips in micro-total analysis systems (uTAS) face challenges in stably transporting and accurately stopping flat-bottomed analysis chips at specific processing units due to their unique shape and the need for space-saving designs.
Innovation Solution
A transport mechanism using a pair of screw shafts with helical protrusions and engagement ribs, combined with a positioning mechanism and processor control, to stabilize and accurately position analysis chips at multiple stop positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a belt conveyor is used to transport analysis chips, then the chips can be stably transported, but the structure requires space for rotating the transport belt and driving mechanism on the back surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional belt conveyor mechanical system with a screw shaft transport system. The screw shaft rotates within a housing, and the analysis chip is transported along the rotational path of the screw shaft, eliminating the need for a separate rotating belt and back surface driving mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport mechanism is nested within the housing structure. The screw shaft is disposed inside the housing, and the chip holder is positioned on the screw shaft, creating a compact nested arrangement that saves space compared to external belt conveyor structures.
2Area of stationary object
If a screw shaft transport device is used to save space, then the structure is compact, but it is difficult to accurately stop the analysis chip at specific stop positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a chip holder as an intermediary component between the screw shaft and the analysis chip. The chip holder engages with the screw shaft for transport and provides a platform with stop positions that can be accurately positioned and stopped at, solving the positioning accuracy problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport system is segmented into distinct functional components: the screw shaft for transport, the chip holder for positioning, and the housing for containment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the chip holder providing precise stop positions while the screw shaft handles the transport function.
3Shape
If the analysis chip is transported on a flat bottom surface, then the chip structure is simple, but it is difficult to engage with traditional cylindrical transport mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric engagement features: the screw shaft has a rotational symmetry that works with the chip holder's asymmetric positioning capabilities. The chip holder has a specific orientation with stop positions that correspond to asymmetric features on the analysis chip, enabling precise engagement and positioning despite the chip's simple flat structure.
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
Enables stable and precise transport and positioning of analysis chips, allowing for efficient processing at multiple stations while minimizing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of screw shafts disposed parallel to each other along the transport direction, each of which has a shaft body and a helical protrusion helically formed on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft body, and the pair of screw shafts propels the analysis chip in the transport direction by rotating about their respective axes while the helical protrusion are engaged with the engagement ribs
Data Source
AI summary
A transport mechanism transports an analysis chip including a body part and a pair of engagement ribs in a transport direction orthogonal to the width direction, the transport mechanism including: a pair of screw shafts disposed parallel to each other along the transport direction, each of which has a shaft body and a helical protrusion helically formed on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft body, and propels the analysis chip in the transport direction by rotating about their axes while the helical protrusions are engaged with the engagement ribs; a transport table that extends along the transport direction and has a plurality of stop positions where the analysis chip is stopped; and a processor that controls rotation of the screw shafts to control movement of the analysis chip between the plurality of stop positions and stopping of the analysis chip at the plurality of stop positions.