Autosampler Cover Removal and Probe Positioning Without Metal Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanized sampling systems in laboratories face issues with metal particle contamination and sample evaporation due to mechanical wear and exposure to harsh chemicals, leading to inaccurate analytic measurements and potential loss of sample integrity.

Innovation Solution

An autosampler system with a chemically-inert design and magnetic coupling mechanism to prevent metal particle release, combined with a sample cap remover and probe support arm to handle samples in closed containers, ensuring accurate and reliable sample analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If traditional mechanical sampling systems are used, then sample handling automation is achieved, but metal particle contamination occurs due to mechanical wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample handling automationVSAvoidmetal particle contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical drive systems with magnetic coupling mechanisms. The magnetic shuttle uses magnetic fields instead of mechanical contact to transmit motion, eliminating metal-on-metal wear and particle generation while maintaining automated sample handling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic shuttle acts as an intermediary between the drive mechanism and the sampling components. It transfers motion through magnetic coupling without direct mechanical contact, serving as a mediator that prevents metal particle contamination while enabling automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If sample containers are left open for sampling, then sample access is enabled, but sample evaporation occurs leading to loss of sample integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample accessVSAvoidsample evaporation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by positioning the probe and preparing the sampling mechanism before opening the container cap. The probe is pre-positioned and the sampling sequence is pre-programmed, allowing rapid sampling immediately after cap removal, minimizing the time the sample is exposed and reducing evaporation loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system rushes through the sampling process by quickly removing the cap, performing the sample extraction, and replacing the cap in a continuous rapid sequence. This minimizes the duration of sample exposure to air, preventing evaporation while maintaining ease of operation through automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Productivity

If mechanical sampling systems operate in harsh chemical environments, then sampling capability is maintained, but metal particle release increases due to corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling capabilityVSAvoidmetal particle release

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system replaces mechanical transmission components that would be susceptible to chemical corrosion. By using magnetic fields for force transmission and chemically-inert materials for components in contact with samples, the system maintains sampling capability while eliminating metal particle release from corrosion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a chemically-inert environment by using materials resistant to harsh chemicals and isolating the sampling process from corrosive conditions. The magnetic shuttle and sampling components are designed to withstand chemical exposure without degrading, preventing corrosion-induced metal particle release

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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

Prevents metal contamination and evaporation, maintaining sample integrity by using chemically-inert materials and magnetic shuttles, while ensuring precise sample handling and analysis accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

outer shuttle magnetically coupled with an inner shuttle configured to support a sample probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250327828A1Autosampler system with automated sample container cover removal and sample probe positioning

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 ELEMENTAL SCI

AI summary

Systems and methods are described for integrated sample container cover removal and sample probe positioning. In an example implementation, an autosampler system includes, but is not limited to, a z-axis support rotatable about a z-axis of an autosampler deck; a sample probe support structure coupled to the z-axis support, the sample probe support structure configured to hold a sample probe to withdraw a fluid-containing sample held within a sample container supported by the autosampler deck; and a sample cap remover coupled to the z-axis support in an orientation that is rotationally offset from the z-axis support with respect to the sample probe support structure, the sample cap remover configured to lift a cap from the sample container to provide access to an interior of the sample container by the sample probe supported by the sample probe support structure.