Flexible Element Decouples Shaking Motion in Liquid Mixing Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for mixing liquid samples in automated analyzers face issues with contamination, inconsistent mixing results, and mechanical complexity, particularly due to the risk of particle contamination from magnetic stirrers and variable vibration transmission in robotic systems.

Innovation Solution

A device with a flexible intermediate element that decouples the shaking motion from the transfer arm, ensuring that the movement is predominantly transmitted to the liquid container, reducing contamination risks and mechanical stress, and incorporating a Hall sensor for monitoring the mixing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a magnetic stirrer is used for mixing liquid samples, then mixing is achieved, but contamination risk increases due to particles adhering to the stirrer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing capabilityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the harmful magnetic stirrer component from the mixing system, replacing it with a vibration-based mixing mechanism that does not require direct contact with the liquid sample, thereby eliminating particle contamination while maintaining effective mixing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical magnetic stirrer system with a vibrational mixing system using an eccentric mechanism that generates oscillations to mix liquid samples without physical contact, substituting a contact-based mechanical mixing approach with a non-contact vibration-based approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a motor-driven gripper is used to mix liquid samples through vibration, then mixing is achieved, but vibration transmission to the robot station increases causing instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing capabilityVSAvoidrobot station stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a coupling device as an intermediary between the motor-driven eccentric mechanism and the cuvette holder, which selectively transmits useful vibrational mixing motions to the cuvette while isolating and preventing the transmission of destabilizing vibrations to the robot station structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the vibration transmission path by decoupling the mixing function from the transfer arm structure, creating an independent mixing module that can generate necessary vibrations for mixing without compromising the structural integrity and stability of the overall robot station

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the motor is moved with every transfer arm movement, then the transfer arm is repositioned, but device functionality is impaired due to unnecessary motor actuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer arm mobilityVSAvoiddevice functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a dynamic control system where the motor is selectively actuated only when mixing operations are required, rather than being continuously moved with every transfer arm positioning, allowing the system to adapt its operational state based on the specific task being performed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs periodic motor actuation synchronized with the mixing requirements, where the motor operates intermittently during transfer arm movements only when mixing is needed, rather than continuously, thereby maintaining transfer arm mobility while preventing functionality impairment from unnecessary motor activity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 comprehensive and reproducible mixing of liquid samples, minimizing contamination and mechanical interference, while allowing for optimal mobility and efficient handling of liquid containers within automated systems.

Implementation Method 1

A device with a flexible intermediate element that decouples the shaking motion from the transfer arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a Hall sensor for monitoring the mixing process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2308588B1Device for mixing a liquid sample

Publication Date: 2015.10.28 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS PRODS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a device and a method for mixing a liquid sample in an automated analyzer. The device comprises a stand arm (11), a holder (12) for a liquid container, a flexible intermediate element (13) arranged between the stand arm and the holder for the liquid container, a shaking device (14), and a coupling device (15) arranged on the holder for the liquid container, wherein a detachable connection between the shaking device (14) and the holder (12) for the liquid container can be established by means of the coupling device (15).