Autosampler Arm Mount Compression Nut for Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autosampler systems face calibration issues due to loose or tight mounting of the autosampler arm on the z-axis support, leading to mislabeling and errors in sample analysis, as the arm can swing or fail to move correctly, compromising the positional accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The autosampler arm is secured using a compression nut and threaded fittings that compress inwardly onto the carriage and z-axis mount, providing a stable and calibrated position through a combination of rotational and longitudinal locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the autosampler arm is loosely mounted on the z-axis support, then the mounting is easy to install and adjust, but the arm position becomes unstable and swings during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses a compression nut that allows adjustment of the compressive force applied to the carriage. By changing the parameter of compressive force, the system achieves both ease of installation (by loosening the nut) and operational stability (by tightening the nut to secure the arm position on the z-axis support)
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic adjustable mounting. The compression nut enables the operator to dynamically adjust the tightness of the mounting between installation mode (loose for easy placement) and operation mode (tight for stable positioning), resolving the contradiction between ease of mounting and position stability
2Reliability
If the autosampler arm is tightly mounted on the z-axis support, then the arm position stability is improved, but the mounting becomes difficult to install and adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: the carriage that contacts the z-axis support, the compression nut that applies force, and the threaded connection that provides mechanical advantage. This segmentation allows the tightening action to be concentrated in the nut rather than requiring forceful insertion of the entire assembly, making installation easier while maintaining stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the autosampler arm mounting allows movement, then the arm can be positioned and adjusted, but calibration errors occur due to positional drift
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows preliminary positioning of the arm during installation by loosening the compression nut, enabling the arm to be moved to the correct position. Once positioned, the nut is tightened to lock the arm in place, preventing further movement and ensuring calibration accuracy during operation. The preliminary adjustment action is separated from the operational state
4Measurement precision
If the autosampler arm is rigidly fixed, then positional accuracy is maintained, but the mounting structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses simple, inexpensive components: a standard carriage, a compression nut, and threaded fittings. Rather than using a complex rigid fixation mechanism with multiple precision components, the invention employs simple mechanical elements that can be easily manufactured and assembled, achieving rigid fixation through the compression principle rather than through structural complexity
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
This solution ensures precise and stable mounting of the autosampler arm, preventing mislabeling and errors by maintaining the arm's position relative to the z-axis support, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The autosampler arm is secured using a compression nut and threaded fittings that compress inwardly onto the carriage and z-axis mount
Implementation Method 2
The arm mount compressible section can define a set of compressible section threading and at least one compressible section slot. The compression nut can be affixed to the arm mount compressible section via the set of compressible section threading.
Data Source
AI summary
An autosampler system can include a z-axis mount, a carriage, an autosampler arm, and a compression nut. The carriage can be axially positioned on the z-axis mount. The autosampler arm can define an arm extension and an autosampler arm mount. The autosampler arm mount can define an arm mount aperture, an arm mount inner ledge, and an arm mount compressible section, the arm mount aperture configured to receive the z-axis mount and the carriage therethrough. The arm mount inner ledge can extend from an interior of the arm mount aperture, with the arm mount inner ledge configured to receive the z-axis mount therethrough and be supported on the carriage. The arm mount compressible section can define a set of compressible section threading and at least one compressible section slot. The compression nut can be affixed to the arm mount compressible section via the set of compressible section threading.