Baffled Reagent Containers for Rotational Bubble Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated diagnostic analyzers face challenges in mitigating bubble formation in liquid reagents due to rotational forces, which can lead to inaccurate analysis and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of containers with baffles, specifically c-shaped baffles extending from the bottom walls and spaced apart from the sidewalls and top walls, that guide the liquid into crowns during rotation, minimizing bubble formation and enabling quick settling upon deceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the carousel rotates to move reagent containers, then the analyzer can access different reagents, but rotational forces cause bubbles to form in the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
A baffle is introduced as an intermediary element between the liquid reagent and the rotational forces. The baffle extends from the bottom wall toward the top wall and is positioned to intercept the liquid's motion during carousel rotation, thereby mediating the interaction between the rotating container and the liquid contents to prevent bubble formation
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle changes the flow parameters of the liquid during rotation by creating a controlled flow path. By adjusting the baffle's height and position, the liquid's motion characteristics are modified to reduce turbulence and prevent bubble formation while still allowing the container to rotate for reagent access
2Productivity
If the carousel accelerates and decelerates frequently, then the analyzer can quickly access different reagents, but this increases bubble formation in the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle is pre-positioned in the container before rotation begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the carousel accelerates or decelerates, the baffle is already in place to guide the liquid and prevent bubble formation, rather than attempting to correct the problem after bubbles have formed
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle modifies the liquid's flow parameters during acceleration and deceleration phases by creating a controlled flow path that reduces turbulence. The baffle's specific dimensions and position are optimized to handle the dynamic conditions of frequent carousel acceleration and deceleration without causing bubble formation
3Productivity
If bubbles form in the reagent liquid, then the analyzer operates continuously, but measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle serves as a mediator that protects the liquid reagent from rotational forces, thereby protecting the measurement accuracy from degradation. By preventing bubble formation, the baffle ensures that liquid level measurements remain accurate while the analyzer maintains continuous operation and high throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harm of carousel rotation (which causes bubbles) into a benefit by using the baffle to guide the liquid flow in a controlled manner. The rotational motion that would normally create harmful bubbles is instead harnessed to move the liquid along the baffle's surface, preventing bubble formation and ensuring accurate measurements
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 effectively reduces bubble formation and allows for accurate liquid level measurements, increasing the load capacity and throughput of diagnostic analyzers while maintaining a compact size.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation, acceleration and/or deceleration imparts forces on the contents of the containers, which may agitate the contents of the containers
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to mitigate bubble formation in a liquid are disclosed. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a bottom wall, a first baffle cantilevered from the bottom wall, and a second baffle cantilevered from the bottom wall. The first baffle is spaced apart from the second baffle, and the first baffle and the second baffle are positioned radially relative to an axis of rotation of the apparatus.