Dual-Mode Sample Holder Mechanism Using One-Way Clutch Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently generating orbital motion for sample mixing and rotary motion for sample separation, particularly in creating a dual-mode system that can seamlessly switch between these modes for fluidic samples.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism featuring a gear element drivable in two directions, coupled with a one-way clutch arrangement, allows for selective operation between orbital motion mode for mixing and rotary motion mode for separation, enabling efficient switching between shaking and centrifuging by reversing the drive direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single device is used to perform both orbital motion for mixing and rotary motion for centrifuging, then device complexity is reduced, but the mechanism requires a dual-mode switching system that increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by using a single drive unit that rotates in opposite directions to control two different motion modes. Instead of using two separate drive units (one for orbital motion, one for rotary motion), the system inverts the approach by having one drive unit whose rotation direction determines the operating mode: clockwise rotation produces orbital motion for mixing, while counterclockwise rotation produces rotary motion for centrifuging. This reduces device complexity while the directional control mechanism simplifies mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single sample holder mechanism that can perform multiple functions: orbital motion for sample mixing and rotary motion for sample separation. The gear element and one-way clutch arrangement enable the same mechanical components to serve dual purposes depending on the drive direction, eliminating the need for separate mixing and centrifuging devices and reducing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If a dual-mode system switches between orbital and rotary motion using a one-way clutch arrangement, then motion generation efficiency is improved, but the mechanism structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a one-way clutch arrangement as an intermediary mechanism between the drive unit and the sample holder. The one-way clutch acts as a mediator that automatically directs the drive torque to the appropriate motion generation path based on the drive direction. When the drive unit rotates clockwise, the one-way clutch engages to transmit torque for orbital motion; when rotated counterclockwise, it engages a different path for rotary motion. This intermediary mechanism enables efficient automatic mode switching without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mechanism adaptable to different operating conditions through the one-way clutch arrangement. The system dynamically switches between orbital and rotary motion modes based on the drive direction, allowing the same mechanical structure to optimize its configuration for the current operating mode. The gear element and one-way clutch create a dynamic system that automatically adjusts its torque transmission path without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If orbital motion is generated for sample mixing, then mixing efficiency is improved, but unbalanced mass during motion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the unbalanced mass problem by providing a support body that stabilizes the mechanism during orbital motion. The support body acts as a counterbalancing structure that absorbs and distributes the unbalanced forces generated by the orbital motion of the sample holder. This allows efficient orbital mixing to proceed while the support body mitigates the harmful vibrations and unbalanced loads that would otherwise occur during high-speed orbital rotation for sample mixing.
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 provides a compact, efficient, and safe dual-mode system that can gently mix samples using orbital motion and efficiently separate components through rotary motion, reducing the need for separate devices and enhancing operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way clutch arrangement being configured for selectively coupling the gear element with the orbital motion generator to transfer a driving force from the gear element to the orbital motion generator for generating the orbital motion when the gear element is driven in the first direction and to freewheel when the gear element is driven in the second direction
Implementation Method 2
The one-way clutch arrangement may be further configured for, in an alternative operation mode, selectively coupling the gear element with the rotary motion generator to transfer a driving force from the gear element to the rotary motion generator for generating the rotary motion when the gear element is driven in the second direction and to freewheel when the gear element is driven in the first direction
Implementation Method 3
an orbital motion generator configured for generating an orbital motion of the sample holder when being operated in the orbital motion mode
Implementation Method 4
a rotary motion generator configured for generating a rotary motion of the sample holder when being operated in the rotary motion mode
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for switching a sample holder (14, 40) accommodating a fluidic sample (38) between an orbital motion mode for sample mixing, particularly for shaking, and a rotary motion mode for sample separation, particularly for centrifuging, wherein the mechanism comprises a gear element (11) being drivable by a drive unit (42) to move selectively in a first direction (A) or in a second direction (B) being inverse to the first direction (A), an orbital motion generator (2 to 5) configured for generating an orbital motion of the sample holder (14, 40) when being operated in the orbital motion mode, a rotary motion generator (2, 4, 5) configured for generating a rotary motion of the sample holder (14, 40) when being operated in the rotary motion mode, and a one-way clutch arrangement (12, 13) configured for selectively coupling the gear element (11) with the orbital motion generator (2 to 5) to transfer a driving force from the gear element (11) to the orbital motion generator (2 to 5) for generating the orbital motion when the gear element (11) is driven in the first direction (A) and to freewheel when the gear element (11) is driven in the second direction (B) or coupling the gear element (11) with the rotary motion generator (2, 4, 5) to transfer a driving force from the gear element (11) to the rotary motion generator (2, 4, 5) for generating the rotary motion when the gear element (11) is driven in the second direction (B) and to freewheel when the gear element (11) is driven in the first direction (A).