Disconnectable Injection Needle for Parallel Robot Arm Tasks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid handling and proper operation of movable parts in sample separation devices, such as those used in high performance liquid chromatography, remain challenging due to inefficiencies in needle management and task coordination.
Innovation Solution
A sample injector system utilizing a robot arm to move an injection needle between a fluid container and a seat in the fluidic path, allowing for efficient aspiration and injection of fluids while the robot arm is free to perform other tasks, with mechanisms for secure disconnection and reconnection of the needle to enable parallel task handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the robot arm continuously holds and moves the injection needle between the fluid container and the seat, then the injection process can be completed, but the robot arm cannot perform other tasks during the injection time, reducing overall system productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the injection needle from the robot arm during the injection process. The needle is held by the seat while the robot arm is freed to perform other tasks. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple functions without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat acts as an intermediary that temporarily holds the injection needle during the injection process. The needle is transferred from the robot arm to the seat, which maintains the connection to the fluidic path while releasing the robot arm for other tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the injection needle is disconnected from the robot arm while in the seat, then the robot arm can perform other tasks, but additional mechanisms are needed for secure disconnection and reconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-acting mechanisms for needle retention and release. A spring-loaded retention element automatically engages with a retention protrusion on the needle when the robot arm applies downward force, and automatically releases when the force is removed, without requiring additional control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the injection needle is moved frequently between the fluid container and the seat, then sampling can be performed, but fluid handling challenges and operational complexities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static needle mounting to dynamic needle retention. The needle is temporarily mounted to the robot arm for movement, then transferred to the seat for injection, with automatic retention and release mechanisms adapting to each operational phase.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample injector (500) for injecting a fluid into a fluidic path, wherein the sample injector (500) comprises a robot arm (502) configured for moving an injection needle (506), when being connected to the robot arm (502), between a fluid container (510) containing the fluid and a seat (508) in fluid communication with the fluidic path, the injection needle (506) configured for aspirating the fluid from the fluid container (510), when the injection needle (506) has been moved to the fluid container (510), and for injecting aspirated fluid into the fluidic path, when the injection needle (506) is accommodated in the seat (508), and the seat (508) configured for accommodating the injection needle (506) and providing fluid communication with the fluidic path, wherein the robot arm (502) is configured for selectively disconnecting the injection needle (506) from the robot arm (502) when the injection needle (506) is accommodated in the seat (508), and wherein the robot arm (502) is configured for performing a further task while the injection needle (506) is disconnected from the robot arm (502).