Displaceable Receptacle for Spectrometer Sample Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectrometers face challenges in rapidly and accurately processing multiple samples, especially liquid samples, due to difficulties in sample alignment and containment, which can lead to misalignment, spillage, and potential damage to the equipment, particularly in high-turnover medical and forensic applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular sample receptacle system comprising interconnectable components that allow easy loading and secure mounting of samples within the spectrometer, ensuring accurate alignment and minimizing manual intervention, with features like sliding or rotating mechanisms and a sealing material for secure containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a heavy frame is used to provide mechanical stability and minimize vibration, then the sample stability is improved, but the accessibility and ease of sample replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder is divided into a stationary base portion (attached to the heavy frame) and a movable receptacle portion. This segmentation allows the receptacle to be easily removed and replaced while the base remains fixed, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed with movable elements including sliding mechanisms and rotating components that enable dynamic adjustment and quick removal. The spring-loaded plunger and cam mechanism allow the receptacle to be easily ejected from the stationary base, facilitating rapid sample replacement while maintaining stability during analysis.
2Productivity
If the spectrometer is designed to accommodate a large turnover of samples, then the productivity is improved, but the alignment precision and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is pre-loaded with samples outside the spectrometer, and the holder is pre-positioned with alignment features. This preliminary preparation allows rapid insertion without compromising alignment precision, as the receptacle is designed to automatically align with the radiation path upon insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual alignment procedures are replaced with mechanical alignment features built into the receptacle and holder design. The interconnectable components include guiding surfaces and positioning mechanisms that automatically ensure correct alignment, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustment while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is used to position liquid samples, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability and risk of spillage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle serves as an intermediary container that receives liquid samples and contains them during transport and analysis. The sealing mechanism with spring-loaded plunger and cam actuation provides reliable closure, preventing spillage while allowing easy loading and unloading of various sample types.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle design includes self-aligning and self-contained features that reduce the need for careful manual positioning. The sealing mechanism automatically engages when the receptacle is properly inserted, and the displaceable cover with closure means provides automatic sealing, reducing reliance on operator skill while preventing spills.
4Ease of operation
If a detachable containment vessel is used, then the ease of sample loading is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is segmented into simple, discrete components: a stationary base, a movable receptacle, and a cover. Each component is designed for a specific function and can be manufactured independently using simple processes, reducing overall complexity while maintaining ease of loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed as a simple, potentially disposable component that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This approach reduces the need for complex, expensive, reusable containment vessels, as each receptacle can be produced cheaply and discarded after use, simplifying the overall system design.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for containing a sample for analysis by a spectrometer, comprising a sample receptacle unit with a well for containment of the sample, the well comprising a well inner wall and well floor, a floor aperture in the well floor, and comprising a first spectroscopy element, the first spectroscopy element spanning the opening of floor aperture, wherein the well further comprises a sealing material at the interface of the inner wall with the first spectroscopy element, wherein radiation is free to pass through the floor aperture to the first spectroscopy element.