Centrifugal Processing Unit Blocking Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal processing units for sample processing cartridges often create unwanted force vectors due to sliding and abutting mechanisms, which can complicate the directional movement of substances and introduce additional forces.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal processing unit with a rotor and blocking element that allows free pivoting motion of the cartridge about a pivot axis orthogonal to the rotor axis, featuring a blocking element that can engage and prevent pivoting, and a manipulator for precise handling and orientation of cartridges, reducing unwanted force vectors and enabling controlled movement of substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sliding and abutting mechanism is used to prevent cartridge rotation, then the cartridge is securely blocked, but additional unwanted force vectors are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is positioned in a vertical dimension above the accommodation rather than laterally adjacent to it. This vertical arrangement allows the blocking element to engage the cartridge from above, preventing rotation without creating lateral sliding and abutting forces that generate unwanted force vectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking function is extracted from the lateral sliding mechanism and implemented as a separate vertical blocking element. This separation allows the blocking action to occur independently without the harmful sliding and abutting interactions that previously generated unwanted force vectors.
2Reliability
If a blocking element is positioned close to the accommodation, then blocking action is effective, but the assembly becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element utilizes the vertical dimension above the accommodation rather than requiring lateral extension. This allows effective blocking without adding lateral mass to the rotating assembly, thereby avoiding increased weight.
3Reliability
If multiple blocking elements are distributed on the rotor, then blocking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single vertically positioned blocking element serves multiple functions: it blocks cartridge rotation, acts as a cover for the inserted cartridge, and provides a visible indicator of cartridge status. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate blocking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element combines several functions into a single component: blocking, covering, and indicating. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining or improving reliability.
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 solution prevents unwanted force vectors and allows for precise control over the movement of substances within the cartridges, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of substance handling and processing by ensuring that only intended cartridges are pivoted during rotation, thereby reducing the risk of contamination and human error.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rotor drive for rotating the at least one rotor about a respective rotor axis to create the centrifugal force
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal processing unit for directing the movement of substances within a sample processing cartridge has a rotor with an accommodation for receiving the sample processing cartridge, the accommodation only allowing a free pivoting motion of the cartridge about a respective pivot axis, wherein each pivot axis is orthogonal to the rotor axis and to a respective force vector of a centrifugal force, a rotor drive to create the centrifugal force, a blocking element, allowing the free pivoting motion of the cartridge in a release position and preventing the free pivoting motion in a blocking position, wherein the blocking element is arranged on the rotor spaced apart above the accommodation is disclosed.