Detachable Diffuse Reflectance Sample Spinner with Magnetic Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
In diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, sample spinners face challenges with light scattering due to sample texture, leading to reduced measurement precision and contamination issues from spilled material, which complicates cleaning and affects measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A detachable sample spinner with a magnetically coupled transmission system, sealed motor unit, and wireless power reception, featuring a washable design with easy cleaning features and magnetic locating mechanisms to prevent material trapping, along with indicators for maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small illuminated region is used, then light collection efficiency is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to spatial variation in inhomogeneous samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotating turntable to dynamically move the sample relative to the fixed optical beam. This dynamic motion allows the system to achieve both goals: the beam remains small for efficient light collection, while the rotation ensures the beam samples multiple locations across an inhomogeneous sample, improving measurement precision through spatial averaging.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional annular turntable with peripheral beam incidence is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to material spillage contaminating the optical window and spinner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the turntable into a central platform area and a peripheral rim area. The optical beam is positioned to illuminate only the central platform, while the peripheral rim acts as a containment boundary. This segmentation prevents spilled material from reaching the optical window, maintaining measurement reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The raised peripheral rim acts as an intermediary barrier between the sample container and the optical window. It intercepts and contains spilled material, preventing direct contact with the optical components. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by protecting the optical system while maintaining the simple annular turntable design.
3Reliability
If a sealed motor unit with magnetically coupled transmission is used, then reliability is improved by preventing contamination, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical transmission (which would require shafts penetrating the sealed housing) with magnetic field-based transmission. The motor drives a magnetically coupled transmission mechanism that transfers rotational motion through the sealed housing wall without physical penetration, maintaining reliability while using well-established magnetic coupling technology.
4Ease of operation
If detachable components are used for easy cleaning, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turntable assembly is segmented into detachable components including the central platform, peripheral rim, and sample container. These segments can be easily separated for cleaning and reassembled, providing ease of maintenance while using simple modular design principles that do not significantly increase overall device complexity.
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 measurement precision by minimizing light scattering and contamination, facilitates easy cleaning, and ensures reliable operation with reduced mechanical complexity and improved hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The spinner may comprise magnetically coupled transmission means for transferring drive from the motor to the turntable
Data Source
AI summary
A detachable diffuse reflectance spectroscopy sample spinner (2) for use with a spectrometer (1) in diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The sample spinner (2) comprises a sample receiving turntable (23) mounted for rotation and a motor unit (5) comprising a motor for rotatingly driving the turntable (23). The spinner (2) can comprise wireless electrical power receiver means (54) for receiving electrical power wirelessly for powering the motor (5).