Gripper Preload for Stable Mixing in Automated Analyzers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated analyzers face issues with uniform mixing of liquids in liquid containers due to brief contact interruptions between the coupling pin and coupling hole, leading to potential shocks and inadequate mixing, which can result in erroneous measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A method where the gripper or shaking device is displaced perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the coupling pin after insertion, generating a preload that intensifies the contact between the coupling pin and gripper, preventing the coupling pin from jumping out and ensuring a uniform mixing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling pin is inserted into the coupling hole for mixing liquids, then the mixing function is enabled, but brief contact interruptions occur causing shocks and inadequate mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is pre-displaced perpendicular to the coupling pin's axis of rotation before the mixing process begins. This preliminary displacement generates a preload force that ensures continuous contact between the coupling pin and coupling hole throughout the mixing operation, preventing contact interruptions and shocks.
2Reliability
If the gripper is displaced perpendicular to the coupling pin axis, then contact stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a dynamic pre-displacement step where the gripper is moved perpendicular to the coupling pin's rotation axis before mixing begins. This dynamic adjustment creates the necessary preload condition while maintaining the simplicity of the overall mixing mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention lies in the field of automated analyzers and relates to a method for mixing liquids in liquid containers. The arrangement for automated mixing comprises a shaking device and a gripper which is connected by way of a flexible connecting element to a transfer arm and which serves for receiving a liquid container. The coupling of gripper and shaking device is realized by way of an eccentrically movable coupling pin and a coupling hole provided for this purpose.