Cuvette Separator Spiral Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for separating cuvettes in bulk form are not simple, robust, or cost-efficient, and require significant space, making them unsuitable for long-term maintenance and efficient sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus comprising a rotatable reservoir and separator with spiral arrangements that transport and separate cuvettes using a combination of rotation and gravity, ensuring only one orientation is possible for cuvette alignment, thus facilitating efficient and cost-effective processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing apparatuses for separating cuvettes are used, then cuvettes can be separated, but the apparatus is complex, requires significant space, and is not cost-efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into two independent functional modules: a reservoir for receiving bulk cuvettes and a separator for outputting separated cuvettes. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining separation reliability through specialized design of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical arms or conveyors to pick and place individual cuvettes, the invention inverts the approach by using a rotating spiral structure that passively guides and separates cuvettes through centrifugal force and geometric constraints, dramatically simplifying the mechanism.
2Area of stationary object
If existing separation apparatuses are used, then cuvettes can be separated, but they require significant constructional space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a linear or planar separation path to a three-dimensional rotating spiral path. Cuvettes move along a helical trajectory defined by the spiral, allowing separation to occur in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously, which compactly packs the separation process into a small footprint while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating spiral introduces curved, helical motion paths for cuvette transport and separation. This curvature allows the apparatus to utilize rotational dynamics and centrifugal effects, enabling compact design while achieving efficient separation through the continuous circular motion rather than linear progression.
3Ease of repair
If complex separation apparatuses are used, then cuvettes can be separated, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating spiral structure is designed to be self-cleaning and self-aligning. As cuvettes pass through the spiral, their own weight and the spiral geometry automatically guide them into correct orientation and position, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms, sensors, or adjustment devices that would require maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses simple, inexpensive components such as a basic rotating spiral and container structures that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The design avoids expensive precision mechanisms, electronic controls, and sophisticated sensors, opting instead for robust mechanical elements with long service lives and minimal maintenance requirements.
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 apparatus allows for reliable, cost-efficient, and space-saving separation of cuvettes, enabling efficient sample analysis by ensuring cuvettes are aligned and transported correctly, reducing maintenance needs and processing time.
Implementation Method 1
a reservoir spiral arranged in the reservoir space which can be rotated around a rotational axis as given by a central spiral axis and a separator spiral arranged in the separator space which can be rotated around a rotational axis as given by a central spiral axis, the separator spiral comprising plural spiral turns extending to the outlet of the separator and being adapted to transport cuvettes to the outlet by rotating the separator spiral
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating cuvettes supplied in bulk form, which comprises a reservoir provided with an inlet for supplying cuvettes in bulk form to a reservoir space, a separator provided with an outlet for outputting separated cuvettes from a separator space communicating with the reservoir space, a reservoir spiral contained in the reservoir space, adapted to transport cuvettes to the separator space by rotating the reservoir spiral, a separator spiral contained in the separator space, adapted to transport cuvettes to the outlet by rotating the separator spiral, wherein adjacent turns of the separator spiral have an inter-distance dimensioned such that a cuvette can be hold in a holding position in which projections projecting outwards from a body for receiving liquid rest on adjacent turns, with the body dipping into a spiral groove between the adjacent turns. It further relates to a system for analyzing comprising such apparatus and a corresponding process for separating cuvettes.