Analyzer Sample Transport Pumping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample transport devices in analyzers require additional pumps and drive units for rinsing and cleaning, leading to increased material, energy, and maintenance costs, as well as additional space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A sample transport device is designed with a moving device, such as a robot arm, that is coupled to both a sample receptacle and a pumping element. This configuration allows the kinetic energy of the moving device to be used for both sample handling and pumping operations, eliminating the need for separate pumping devices and drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional motor is provided to drive the pumping operation, then the pumping function is achieved, but the material costs, maintenance costs, and energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moving device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transport the sample receptacle and simultaneously drive the pumping element to perform pumping operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate motor dedicated solely to pumping, thereby reducing material costs, maintenance costs, and energy consumption while achieving the required pumping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sample transport function and the pumping drive function into a single moving device. By merging these two functions into one mechanical structure, the system avoids the complexity of having separate drive mechanisms, reducing both the number of components and the overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional motor is provided to drive the pumping operation, then the pumping function is achieved, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moving device serves dual purposes: sample transport and pumping drive. This eliminates the need for additional space that would be required to accommodate a separate motor and its associated infrastructure, such as electronics and cables.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the transport and pumping drive functions into one device, the patent reduces the overall spatial footprint of the system. The infrastructure required for a separate motor (electronics, cables, mounting space) is eliminated, thereby minimizing space requirements.
3Reliability
If a separate pumping device is used, then the pumping operation is reliable, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moving device utilizes its own kinetic energy and mechanical motion to drive the pumping element. Instead of requiring an external energy source dedicated to pumping, the system uses the motion already present in the sample transport mechanism, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable pumping operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving device performs both sample transport and pumping drive functions, eliminating the need for a separate energy-consuming motor. This multi-functional approach reduces total energy consumption while ensuring the pumping operation remains reliable through the integrated mechanical drive.
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 integrated pumping mechanism reduces material, energy, and maintenance costs while minimizing space requirements, providing an efficient and cost-effective solution for sample transport and rinsing in analyzers.
Implementation Method 1
a pumping element (155) which is arranged to be moved by the moving device in order (simultaneously with the movement) to perform a pumping operation
Data Source
AI summary
A sample transport device for transporting a fluidic sample, in particular for an analyzer for analyzing the fluidic sample, includes a sample receptacle for receiving and/or dispensing the fluidic sample; a moving device, in particular a robot arm, for moving the sample receptacle, and a pumping element arranged to be moved by the moving device to perform and/or trigger a pumping operation.