Deformable Centrifuge Bucket Insert for Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugation processes in automated systems often result in insufficient or blurred phase separation, leading to reduced usable sample volume, difficulties in automated detection, and instability of separation media, due to tilted or blurred separation interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A bucket insert for centrifuges that can be configured to orient elongated sample vessels in a tilted or substantially parallel orientation, allowing for alignment with the centrifugal force vector, and is partially deformable to switch between these orientations, thereby improving phase separation and interface localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sample vessels are oriented in a tilted orientation during centrifugation, then the separation interface becomes blurred or tilted, but the alignment with centrifugal force vector is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket insert is designed to be deformable, allowing it to change its shape and the orientation of sample vessels dynamically. During loading, the insert maintains a first configuration with substantially parallel sample vessel orientation for easy automated handling. During centrifugation, it deforms to a second configuration with tilted orientation that aligns sample vessels with the centrifugal force vector, improving phase separation sharpness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the orientation parameter of sample vessels by deforming the bucket insert. The insert transitions between two distinct geometric configurations, altering the angle and orientation of receptacles relative to the centrifugal force vector, thereby optimizing separation interface sharpness while maintaining ease of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the bucket insert is made deformable to switch orientations, then the separation interface sharpness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket insert incorporates flexible or deformable walls that allow the structure to change shape between loading and centrifugation modes. This flexibility enables the transition from a parallel configuration to a tilted configuration without requiring complex mechanical actuators or multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is designed with dynamic deformability, allowing it to adapt its geometry based on operational requirements. The deformable structure enables simple transition between configurations through physical deformation rather than complex mechanical systems.
3Ease of operation
If sample vessels are oriented in substantially parallel fashion, then automated loading is simplified, but the phase separation becomes insufficient or blurred
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket insert dynamically changes its configuration: in the first configuration, sample vessels are oriented substantially parallel to each other, simplifying automated loading; in the second configuration, the insert deforms to tilt the vessels, aligning them with the centrifugal force vector to improve phase separation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is pre-configured in a first state with substantially parallel sample vessel orientation that facilitates easy automated loading. Before centrifugation begins, the insert deforms to the second configuration with tilted orientation, preparing the optimal alignment with the centrifugal force vector for high-quality phase separation.
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
Enhances the sharpness of the separation interface, enables more precise volume determination, and increases the stability of separated samples by maintaining the alignment of sample vessels with the centrifugal force, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of sample processing in automated systems.
Implementation Method 1
by the centrifuging process, a phase separation and/or a separation of media having different densities takes place
Data Source
AI summary
A bucket insert for use in a centrifuge is disclosed. The bucket insert comprises an insert body, the insert body comprising a plurality of elongated receptacles for receiving elongated sample vessels. The bucket insert is configured for orienting the elongated sample vessels in a tilted orientation. In the tilted orientation, at least some of the elongated sample vessels are oriented in a non-parallel fashion.