Gravimetric Dilution Device Side-Edge Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional gravimetric dilution devices are ergonomically challenging and inefficient due to increased risk of splashing and contamination, especially when operating under controlled atmospheres, which hampers productivity in microbiological analysis.

Innovation Solution

The device features an injection axis directed towards the side edge of the container during liquid dispensing, allowing for faster distribution while minimizing splashing, and includes a movable injection system and a telescopic mast for ergonomic adjustments, along with a removable transport basket and injection pump to enhance usability and hygiene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the injection axis is directed towards the filling opening for fast liquid dispensing, then the dispensing speed increases, but the risk of splashing outside the container increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid dispensing speedVSAvoidsplashing risk
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The injection means are configured to direct the liquid flow towards a specific local area (the lateral edge) of the container rather than the filling opening. This localized injection approach allows the liquid to enter the container at an optimal location that minimizes splashing while maintaining dispensing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral edge of the container acts as an intermediary element that receives the liquid injection and channels it into the container interior. By injecting through or near the lateral edge rather than directly at the filling opening, the liquid flow is mediated to reduce splashing while still achieving fast dispensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the rack side wall surface area is increased to hold larger bags, then the bag volume capacity increases, but the handling difficulty increases for operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag volume capacityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The injection means are configured to be mobile in rotation relative to the support member, allowing the injection axis to be dynamically adjusted to always point towards the lateral edge of the container regardless of container size or orientation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to handle various bag volumes without increasing handling difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The injection system is designed with universal applicability through rotational mobility, allowing it to accommodate different container sizes and configurations. The same injection mechanism can serve multiple functions across different bag volumes by simply adjusting its rotational position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the dispensing speed is increased to reduce preparation time, then the productivity increases, but the liquid splashing outside the bag increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreparation productivityVSAvoidliquid spillage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By directing the liquid injection towards the lateral edge rather than the filling opening, the liquid flow is localized to enter the container at a position that naturally reduces splashing. This local injection strategy enables high dispensing speeds without the harmful spilling effects that would occur with traditional filling opening injection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4016046B1Device for gravimetric dilution of a sample with a predetermined amount of liquid and corresponding method
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 ALLIANCE BIO EXPERTISE
  • EP4016046B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4016046B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4016046B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A gravimetric dilution device (10) is proposed for a sample in a container (S) with a predetermined quantity of liquid. The device includes container reception means (30; 35) defining a volume suitable for receiving the container in an open position, and injection means (40) configured to inject the liquid into the container when the container is received by the reception means. The injection means have an injection axis. The injection means and the reception means are configured such that, during injection of the liquid into the container, the injection axis is directed towards a chosen lateral edge (S1; S2) of the container, so that the liquid is substantially poured onto the lateral edge of the container.