Rotating Carousel Thermal Insulation for Liquid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated liquid analysis devices lack the capability to independently temperature-control reaction vessels and mixtures, which often require different temperatures than reagents and samples, while also needing to conserve space for efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a concentrically arranged reagent/sample carousel and reaction vessel carousel separated by a heat-insulating layer, allowing for independent temperature control of reaction vessels and efficient use of space, using materials with low thermal conductivity and specific design features to minimize heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If reagent and sample containers are arranged concentrically with reaction vessels in the same carousel, then space is saved, but heat transfer between reagents/samples and reaction mixtures occurs causing temperature instability
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel is segmented into multiple independent levels: a first level for reagent containers, a second level for sample containers, and a third level for reaction vessels. This vertical segmentation separates thermally sensitive materials from heat-generating reactions while maintaining a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-plane radial arrangement to a multi-level vertical arrangement. By utilizing the vertical dimension (z-axis) instead of only radial space, the design achieves both space efficiency and thermal isolation through natural vertical separation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If reagents and samples are stored at optimal temperatures, then stability is maintained, but reaction vessels need different temperatures for reactions to proceed
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is segmented into independent zones: refrigeration for reagents and samples on upper levels, and heating for reaction vessels on the lower level. Each zone can be controlled independently to maintain optimal conditions for different materials simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different thermal environments are created in different spatial locations within the carousel. The upper levels provide cold storage conditions for stable reagent and sample storage, while the lower level provides heated conditions optimal for chemical reactions, allowing each material type to experience its ideal temperature regime.
3Productivity
If reaction vessels are placed close to reagent containers for efficient mixing, then pipetting efficiency improves, but heat from reactions affects reagent stability
Solution Approach 1:
The design uses vertical stacking to achieve close proximity for efficient pipetting while maintaining thermal isolation. The pipetting arm moves vertically between levels rather than horizontally across heat zones, allowing rapid access to both cold reagents and hot reaction vessels without cross-contamination of thermal environments.
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 the space-saving arrangement of multiple reagent, sample, and reaction vessels, ensuring that reagents and samples are kept at optimal temperatures while allowing for efficient mixing and analysis of reaction mixtures, reducing heat exchange risks and maintaining accessibility for pipetting needles.
Implementation Method 1
between the reagent and/or sample carousel and the reaction vessel carousel a heat-insulating layer is provided
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for automatically analyzing liquids, comprising a carousel for liquid containers, wherein the carousel comprises a reagent and/or sample carousel that rotates about a central axis of rotation, wherein on the reagent/sample carousel level the reagent/sample carousel comprises reagent and/or sample slots for holding reagent and/or sample containers. In order to provide a device for automatically analyzing liquids, wherein the liquid can be withdrawn from a plurality of reagent containers and/or from a plurality of sample containers and can be mixed together in reaction vessels, wherein the reaction vessels and the reaction mixtures contained therein can be tempered differently from the reagents and/or samples, the invention proposes that the carousel also comprises a reaction vessel carousel for holding reaction vessels, wherein a thermally insulating layer is provided between the reagent and/or sample carousel and the reaction vessel carousel.