Fraction Collector Adjustable Tray Peg Channel Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fraction collectors face challenges in precisely and reliably aligning the dispensing head with collection vessels without adding complexity, cost, or fragility, particularly in adjusting for different vessel sizes and shapes, which can lead to spillage, damage, and increased maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A fraction collector with a vertically adjustable collection bed that can be adjusted without altering the legs of the device, allowing the dispensing head to remain stationary, using pegs, slots, or channels for precise alignment and locking, eliminating the need for a Z-axis on the dispensing head.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of the legs or Z-axis of the dispensing head is used to fit collection vessels of various sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and fragility increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various vessel sizesVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collection bed is made vertically adjustable through a dynamic mechanism involving the handle, channel, and locking peg system. The bed can be raised or lowered along the support leg by moving the handle to engage or disengage the locking peg at different positions on the channel, allowing adaptation to various vessel sizes without complex Z-axis mechanics on the dispensing head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the support leg with channel, the movable platform with handle, and the locking peg. This segmentation allows the adjustment function to be isolated to the collection bed assembly rather than requiring complex integration into the dispensing head, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of the legs is performed to accommodate different vessel sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of spillage and damage increases due to potential imbalance and misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various vessel sizesVSAvoidrisk of spillage and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking peg pre-establishes stable stopping positions on the channel at predetermined heights. When adjusting the collection bed, the operator moves the handle to engage the peg at the appropriate position before placing vessels, ensuring the bed is properly positioned and balanced in advance. This preliminary positioning action prevents misalignment and potential spillage during subsequent operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The collection bed adjustment mechanism is self-aligning through the channel and peg system. As the handle is moved along the channel, the bed automatically maintains proper alignment with the support leg structure. The locking peg self-locks the bed at the selected position without requiring additional balancing adjustments, reducing the risk of spillage and damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a Z-axis mechanism is added to the dispensing head for vertical adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various vessel sizesVSAvoidcomplexity of Z-axis mechanics

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the dispensing head vertically adjustable through a complex Z-axis mechanism, the invention inverts the approach by making the collection bed vertically adjustable. The support leg with channel and locking peg system allows the bed to be raised or lowered to meet the dispensing head at the correct height, achieving adaptability while keeping the dispensing head simple and stationary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical adjustment function is extracted from the dispensing head assembly and relocated to the collection bed assembly. By removing the need for Z-axis mechanics from the dispensing head and placing the adjustment mechanism in the bed support structure, the invention eliminates complex and costly components while maintaining the ability to accommodate various vessel sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8114281B2Fraction collector with adjustable tray

Publication Date: 2012.02.14 GILSON SAS

AI summary

A fraction collector comprising a movable tray is provided. The movable tray may be attached to the fraction collector support system in a variety of ways and adjusted without adjusting the parts of the fraction collector support system. The moveable tray may be stably attached to the fraction collector support system by either fixed or removable pegs, as well as by channels. In an exemplary embodiment, a mechanized lift is used to adjust the position of the movable tray.