Fraction Collector Magnetic Cassette Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fraction collectors face challenges in accurately positioning cassettes with various receptacle types, such as test tubes and micro titer plates, within the device without requiring additional user actions, while ensuring precise alignment to prevent spilling and accommodate different sizes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a magnetic positioning system that pulls cassettes against mechanical alignment means, utilizing magnets and mechanical positioning features like V grooves, to securely and accurately position cassettes on a tray, allowing for user-friendly alignment without additional actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical positioning means alone are used to position cassettes, then the structure is simple, but positioning accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical positioning means with magnetic positioning means into a unified positioning system. The mechanical means provide coarse positioning and structural support, while the magnetic means provide fine adjustment and precise alignment. This merging of two different positioning mechanisms resolves the contradiction by achieving high positioning accuracy without requiring an overly complex single-system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic positioning means act as an intermediary between the user's initial mechanical placement of the cassette and the final precise alignment position. The magnetic force subtly guides and adjusts the cassette position after mechanical insertion, serving as a mediator that achieves accurate positioning without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional alignment actions are required, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic positioning system enables self-alignment of the cassette. Once the user inserts the cassette into the tray, the magnetic positioning means automatically exert forces to guide the cassette into its correct position without requiring the user to perform additional alignment actions. The system serves itself by using magnetic attraction to achieve precise positioning autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic positioning means are pre-configured in the tray to create predetermined magnetic fields at specific locations. These preliminary magnetic configurations are designed to automatically guide and hold the cassette in the correct position as soon as it is inserted, eliminating the need for subsequent user adjustment actions.
3Reliability
If magnetic positioning is added to mechanical positioning, then positioning reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of positioning from purely mechanical contact forces to a combination of mechanical support and magnetic attraction forces. By introducing magnetic field parameters into the positioning system, the reliability of positioning is enhanced as the magnetic force provides continuous holding and alignment, compensating for any mechanical tolerances or variations.
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 precise and user-friendly alignment of cassettes, enabling accurate dispensing of liquid fractions into receptacles, enhancing the flexibility and reliability of the fraction collector by maintaining proper alignment without additional user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic arrangement is arranged to pull the cassette against mechanical positioning means of the fraction collector
Data Source
AI summary
A fraction collector where fractions of liquid are sequentially dispensed from a dispensing means into a plurality of receptacles arranged in a cassette in the fraction collector, by displacing the dispensing means relative to the receptacles, the receptacles being arranged at predefined positions with respect to the cassette and the cassette being arranged at a predetermined position with respect to the fraction collector, wherein the cassette is retained at the predefined position with respect to the fraction collector by a magnetic arrangement.