Sample Carrier Centrifuge Horizontal Platform Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample carrier centrifuges face challenges in quickly processing multiple samples while maintaining the reliability and quality of test results, as they often require a prolonged time interval between sample preparation and centrifugation, and the force of gravity can negatively impact the orientation of sample carriers before centrifugation.
Innovation Solution
A sample carrier centrifuge with a horizontally oriented platform and rotation axis, allowing for quicker sample processing by ensuring that sample channels are aligned with the centrifugal force direction from the start, and incorporating features like a rotation position sensor and oil layer for improved handling and automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sample carrier is oriented vertically under gravity before centrifugation, then the sample carrier can be easily loaded and positioned, but the sample channel longitudinal axis becomes misaligned with the centrifugal force direction, reducing centrifugation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The sample carrier is pre-oriented in the holding section with its sample channel longitudinal axis already aligned parallel to the rotation axis, so that when the centrifugation begins, the sample carrier is immediately in the correct orientation for efficient centrifugal separation, eliminating the need for reorientation during the process
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the orientation dimension by rotating the sample carrier 90 degrees relative to the gravity direction during loading, so that the sample channel longitudinal axis becomes parallel to the rotation axis instead of perpendicular, thereby aligning it with the centrifugal force direction during rotation
2Productivity
If multiple sample carriers are centrifuged simultaneously to increase throughput, then productivity improves, but the time interval between sample preparation and centrifugation must be prolonged to maintain balance and operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sample carriers are pre-loaded and pre-oriented in the holding section before centrifugation begins, allowing them to be centrifuged simultaneously without requiring sequential loading or reorientation, thus maintaining short time intervals while processing multiple samples
Solution Approach 2:
The holding section is designed with an asymmetric configuration relative to the rotation axis, allowing sample carriers to be positioned at different radial distances and angular positions, which enables flexible arrangement of multiple sample carriers to maintain balance while processing different numbers of samples simultaneously
3Force
If the sample carrier plane is positioned far from the rotation axis to increase centrifugal force, then centrifugation effectiveness improves, but the sample carrier dimensions and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the local position of the sample carrier plane within the receptacle, positioning it at a specific radial distance from the rotation axis that provides sufficient centrifugal force while maintaining compact dimensions, rather than maximizing the distance
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 design enables rapid and reliable centrifugation of multiple samples with enhanced centrifugal force efficiency, reducing the time between sample preparation and result evaluation, and minimizing the impact of gravity on sample orientation, thus improving test reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a test substance introduced at one longitudinal end of a sample channel of a sample carrier can be driven into the sample carriers along the sample channel longitudinal axis with the aid of the centrifugal force exerted during the centrifuging process
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sample carrier centrifuge for a sample carrier (24) that has at least one sample channel (26) extending along an essentially central sample channel longitudinal axis (P), having a sample carrier receptacle (14), which can be rotated around a rotation axis (R) and has a holding section (38) into which the sample carrier (24) can be inserted in a loading procedure when the sample carrier receptacle (14) is not rotating, in which section the sample carrier (24) is held in the loaded state of the sample carrier receptacle (14), and from which section the sample carrier (24) can be removed in an unloading procedure, which is characterized in that a platform (22) of the sample carrier centrifuge (10), which is embodied for supporting the sample carrier centrifuge (10) in accordance with its designated use, is oriented parallel to the rotation axis (R).