Evaporation-Limiting Insert With Segmented Openings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analytical procedures face challenges due to evaporation of liquid contents from containers, leading to increased concentration of components and inaccurate liquid level sensing, especially when mixing is involved.
Innovation Solution
An evaporation-limiting insert for liquid-holding containers is designed with a body having a tubular lumen, multiple first openings below the midpoint, and larger second openings above the midpoint, along with a chamfer and resilient tabs for secure fit and reduced film formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If hollow inserts are placed within containers to limit evaporation, then evaporation is reduced, but vacuum formation occurs due to film formation over openings
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is divided into multiple openings of different sizes distributed throughout the structure. The smaller openings allow controlled air passage to prevent vacuum formation while the overall insert structure maintains evaporation limitation. This segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of both evaporation reduction and vacuum prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the insert have different opening sizes and distributions. The insert contains both small openings (to limit evaporation) and larger openings (to prevent vacuum formation). This local variation in opening characteristics allows the single insert structure to address multiple competing requirements.
2Ease of operation
If openings are provided in the insert to facilitate mixing, then mixing is improved, but evaporation increases due to larger exposed surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing function is achieved through multiple small openings distributed throughout the insert rather than a few large openings. This segmentation provides sufficient mixing capability while minimizing the total exposed surface area, thereby limiting evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert has non-uniform opening distribution with different opening sizes at different locations. Openings are strategically positioned to facilitate mixing where needed while minimizing exposed surface area in regions where evaporation control is critical.
3Ease of operation
If the container is left open to access liquid contents, then accessibility is improved, but evaporation occurs leading to increased concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The insert acts as an intermediary structure placed within the open container. It provides a physical barrier that limits the exposed surface area of the liquid while still allowing the container to remain open for accessibility. The insert mediates between the need for open access and the need to prevent evaporation.
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 insert effectively limits evaporation, prevents vacuum formation, and ensures accurate liquid level sensing, while allowing for adequate mixing and dispersion of components within the liquid.
Implementation Method 1
Leaving a container in an open state, however, leads to the evaporation of some portion of the liquid contents
Implementation Method 2
The surface tension of the film can be great enough that liquid level differences inside and outside of the insert fail to create a pressure differential that will break the film
Data Source
AI summary
An insert for a liquid-holding container includes a body comprising a wall, open first and second ends, and a lumen extending from the open first end to the open second end. A plurality of first openings are formed in the wall, each of the first openings defining an area, and one or more second openings are formed in the wall, each of the one or more second openings defining an area that is greater than the area defined by any of the first openings. The first openings are arranged in a first row of at least three first openings in axial alignment and a second row of at least three first openings in axial alignment. At least one of the one or more second openings is situated closer to the first end than any of the first openings, and each of the first and second openings is sized to permit the passage of a liquid.