Distributor Head with Independent Switching Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction pump distributor heads fail to ensure reliable and uniform suction across all channels, especially when vessels have varying fill levels, leading to premature emptying of low-filled vessels and potential overflow of higher-filled vessels.
Innovation Solution
The distributor head incorporates switching valves for each channel, adjustable hollow needles, and test chambers with viewing windows to detect air drawing, allowing for individual channel closure and ensuring even emptying, with optional automation and normally-open, underpressure-sensitive valves to prevent overflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common pump connection is used for all hollow needles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the suction uniformity across channels deteriorates when vessels have varying fill levels
Solution Approach 1:
The common pump connection is segmented into multiple independent suction channels, each with its own switching valve. This allows the system to maintain the simplicity of a common pump connection while enabling independent control of each channel to ensure uniform suction across all vessels regardless of fill level variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching valves are designed to automatically switch between open and closed states based on the suction status of each channel. When a vessel is emptied, the valve dynamically closes to prevent air intake, adapting the system behavior to the changing fill levels across different vessels.
2Reliability
If switching valves are added to each channel for individual control, then the suction uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching valves are designed as self-regulating components that automatically switch states based on the suction conditions in each channel. The underpressure-sensitive mechanism allows the valve to close when air is drawn into the channel, eliminating the need for external control systems and minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching valves utilize pneumatic principles with underpressure-sensitive mechanisms that automatically respond to pressure changes in each suction channel. This allows individual channel control through pressure-driven valve actuation rather than complex mechanical or electronic control systems.
3Device complexity
If the hollow needles are fixed at a single height, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to vessels of different heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow needles are made height-adjustable through a telescopic mechanism that allows each needle to be individually positioned. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the distributor head to adapt to vessels of different heights while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of standardized telescopic rod components.
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
This solution ensures all vessels are emptied evenly, preventing overflow and damage by allowing for precise control of suction levels and automation of the process, ensuring accurate and reliable pipetting volume determination.
Implementation Method 1
The line arrangement 14 connects a pump connection 16 to a plurality of hollow needles 18. The pump connection 16 is designed for liquid-tight connection of a pump station, by means of which negative pressure can be generated
Implementation Method 2
The negative pressure generated by the pump station is distributed to all suction channels, so that the liquid is sucked out of all pipetting vessels in parallel
Implementation Method 3
If air is drawn into the corresponding hollow needle, the switching valve can be switched to block the corresponding suction channel so that the negative pressure generated by the pump station is distributed only to the remaining open channels
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a distributor head for a suction pump, comprising a housing (12), a pump connection (16) for the application of a negative pressure, and a plurality of hollow needles (18) fixed to the housing (12), connected in a liquid-tight manner to the pump connection (16) and arranged parallel to and at a distance from one another. The invention is characterized in that the individual connecting paths (34) of the hollow needles (18) to the pump connection (16) each have an independently operable control valve (36).