Electric Field Cap Catcher for Lab Sample Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory sample handling systems face challenges in preventing uncontrolled spilling or splashing of sample residues when laboratory caps are removed and caught, leading to potential contamination of containers and other samples.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory apparatus comprising a cap waste disposal catcher and an electric field generator, where the generator attracts any sample residue released during cap removal to the catcher, reducing the risk of contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cap is removed and dropped to the catcher, then the decapping process is completed, but the cap may rotate chaotically and uncontrollably upon impact, leading to release of sample residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an electric field as a counteracting force to gravity. The electric field generator creates an upward electric force that counterbalances the gravitational force acting on the cap, preventing chaotic rotation and uncontrolled movement during the decapping process. This allows the cap to be transported reliably to the catcher without excessive rotational motion.
2Ease of operation
If the cap impacts the catcher surface, then the cap is caught and disposed of, but sample residue may be released or detached from the cap
Solution Approach 1:
The electric field continues to act on the cap during its descent and impact with the catcher, providing an upward force that counteracts the impact force. This reduces the severity of the impact and prevents sample residue from being detached or released during the catching process.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric field acts as a cushioning mechanism before the cap actually impacts the catcher. By maintaining the electric force throughout the descent, the system prepares for and mitigates the impact effect, reducing the harmful consequences of the collision between cap and catcher surface.
3Device complexity
If no electric field is applied, then the apparatus structure is simpler, but uncontrolled spilling or splashing of sample residue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a purely mechanical cap handling system with an electromechanical system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical structures to control cap movement and prevent spilling, an electric field is introduced to provide precise control over the cap's motion, effectively eliminating uncontrolled spilling and splashing of sample residue.
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
The apparatus effectively minimizes uncontrolled spilling and splashing of sample residues, thereby reducing contamination risks within the laboratory environment.
Implementation Method 1
The generator is designed to generate an electric field to, in particular electrically, attract a residue of the sample released by the cap to the catcher
Implementation Method 2
the cap may be dropped and/or fall down, in particular due to gravity, to the catcher
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a laboratory apparatus (1) for use in a laboratory sample handling system (100), wherein the apparatus (1) comprises: - a cap waste disposal catcher (2), wherein the catcher (2) is designed to catch a laboratory cap (150) removed from a laboratory sample container (151) containing a laboratory sample (152), and - an electric field generator (3), wherein the generator (3) is designed to generate an electric field (4) to attract a residue (153) of the sample (152) released by the cap (150) to the catcher (2).