Dual Waste Container Transfer for Continuous Instrument Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require suspension of instrument operation to empty or replace liquid waste containers, disrupting throughput.
Innovation Solution
A system with a first liquid container connected to a vacuum pump and a second container fluidly connected to a liquid transfer pump, allowing seamless transfer of waste without interrupting instrument operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single liquid waste collection container is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to suspension of instrument operation when the container must be emptied or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The waste management system is segmented into multiple functional containers: a primary waste collection container for accumulating waste liquids and a secondary transfer container for holding waste during transfer operations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain continuous operation by switching between containers, thereby improving instrument throughput without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer pump is introduced as an intermediary device between the primary waste collection container and the secondary transfer container. This intermediary mechanism enables automated waste transfer operations, eliminating the need for manual intervention and allowing continuous instrument operation while managing waste efficiently
2Loss of time
If the liquid waste collection container is emptied manually by removal, then the device complexity is minimized, but the loss of time increases due to operational suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a secondary transfer container ready and positioned. When the primary waste collection container reaches capacity, the system can immediately begin transferring waste to the pre-positioned secondary container without suspending instrument operation, thereby reducing operational suspension time
Solution Approach 2:
The waste management system performs self-service through automated transfer pump operation. The system monitors waste volume in the primary container and automatically initiates transfer operations to the secondary container, eliminating the need for manual removal and emptying operations, thus reducing time loss while managing system 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
Enables continuous operation of instruments by transferring waste liquid from one container to another without interruption, maintaining throughput.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump to which the first liquid container is connected to draw liquid into the first liquid container from the liquid source
Implementation Method 2
a pressure differential source to which the first liquid container is connected to draw liquid into the first liquid container from the liquid source
Implementation Method 3
a liquid transfer pump fluidly connected to the first liquid container... the liquid transfer pump is configured to be selectively activated to transfer liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a method for managing liquid waste, the method comprising: a) receiving liquid from a liquid source into a first liquid container; b) monitoring the amount of liquid in the first liquid container; c) connecting a second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump that is connected to the first liquid container by lowering a first connector fitting of the second liquid container into connective engagement with a second connector fitting coupled to an outlet of the liquid transfer pump; d) after the amount of liquid received into the first liquid container reaches a predefined level, as determined in step b), transferring liquid from the first liquid container into the second liquid container with the liquid transfer pump; and e) removing liquid transferred to the second liquid container during step d).