Compliant Grid Contacts for Syringe Interface Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laboratory sample management systems face reliability issues due to intermittent insulation layers forming between syringe and grid contacts after repeated insertions and retractions, leading to unreliable electrical behavior, especially after 1,000 to 2,000 cycles.

Innovation Solution

A syringe and grid interface with compliant electrical contacts circumferentially spaced around the annulus, allowing continuous electrical contact and enabling reliable syringe insertions and retractions, along with a vertical grid design for flexible syringe placement and reduced risk of spurious communication signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a grid with conductive layers and insulating material is used for electrical contact, then electrical contact can be established, but after repeated insertions and retractions, insulation layers form between contacts leading to unreliable electrical behavior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidservice life of grid interface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the problematic insulating material layer that forms between the syringe and grid contacts during repeated insertions and retractions. By eliminating this insulating layer, the electrical contact reliability is maintained throughout the service life of the grid interface, preventing the intermittent insulation that causes unreliable electrical behavior after 1,000 to 2,000 cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the grid contacts by making them compliant rather than fixed. This compliance allows the contacts to maintain consistent electrical connection despite wear and deformation from repeated insertions and retractions, thereby extending the service life while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If syringe is frequently inserted and removed from grid, then sample management efficiency is improved, but electrical contact reliability deteriorates after repeated cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesyringe insertion rateVSAvoidelectrical contact stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent treats the electrical contact interface as a consumable component that can be easily replaced. The grid contacts are designed to be compliant and can withstand a limited number of insertions and retractions before needing replacement. This approach allows high productivity through frequent syringe changes while maintaining reliability by replacing the worn contacts rather than the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the grid contacts from fixed to compliant, allowing them to deform and maintain contact under repeated cycling. This compliance enables the system to handle frequent syringe insertions and removals while maintaining electrical contact stability throughout the operational life of the contacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If syringe is allowed to rotate freely in grid, then placement flexibility is improved, but risk of spurious communication signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesyringe placement flexibilityVSAvoidspurious communication signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (compliant contacts with specific geometric arrangement) between the syringe and grid that allows rotational movement while maintaining reliable electrical contact. The compliant nature of the contacts and their circumferential spacing act as a mediator that prevents spurious signals even when the syringe rotates freely within the grid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical contact parameter from fixed to compliant, allowing the contacts to adapt to syringe rotation. The compliance enables the electrical connection to be maintained at various angular positions, providing rotational flexibility while the specific geometric arrangement and spacing prevent spurious communication signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides reliable and continuous electrical contact, enabling large numbers of syringe insertions and retractions without shutting down the syringe, allowing for faster transport and reducing data corruption, while maintaining rotational and vertical flexibility for syringe placement.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of compliant, electrical grid contacts at the interior surface of the annulus for effecting electrical contact with a fixed or compliant syringe contact on the syringe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2171476B1Autonomous syringe and grid systems

Publication Date: 2011.05.18 PARKER HANNIFIN CORP

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AI summary

A syringe and grid interface (10) provides for improved wear and performance characteristics by providing compliant contacts on the grid. Also disclosed is a grid (1) design that can provide continuous electrical contact between the grid and a syringe as the syringe is moved axially relative to the grid.