Hinged Reaction Vessel Lid for Automated Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated chemical analyzers face inefficiencies in opening and closing capped reaction vessels, which increases the time needed for pipetting due to complex mechanisms and risks contamination and mechanical damage.
Innovation Solution
A reaction vessel design featuring a circular lid with a hinge and guide ring system, combined with a rotational opening and closing apparatus using a guide piece with curved surfaces to facilitate automatic and secure sealing, allowing for efficient and contamination-free access to the vessel contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a sideways moving lid with a probe is used to open and close the reaction vessel, then the vessel can be automatically opened and closed, but the time needed for pipetting increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the lid sideways as in prior art, this invention inverts the approach by having the lid rotate vertically around a hinge axis. The lid transitions from a closed position (covering the opening) to an open position (rotated downward), eliminating the need for complex sideways movement mechanisms and reducing operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the lid movement function from the pipette transferring means. Rather than requiring the robotic arm to perform both pipetting and lid opening operations, the lid is equipped with its own independent hinge mechanism that operates automatically, separating these functions and reducing the time burden on the pipetting system.
2Extent of automation
If a complicated lid structure with sideways movement is used, then automatic opening is achieved, but the structure becomes rather complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The lid system is segmented into independent functional components: the lid body, the hinge mechanism, and the guide rod. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple geometry, avoiding the need for a complex integrated structure. The hinge provides rotation while the guide rod provides linear guidance, and together they achieve automatic opening without complicated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex sideways movement mechanism as in prior art, this invention inverts to a simple vertical rotation mechanism. The lid rotates around a fixed hinge axis, transforming a complex translational movement into a simple rotational motion that requires minimal structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If penetration of the cap is used to open the vessel, then access to contents is achieved, but mechanical damaging of the cap and contamination of the pipette needle occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is pre-equipped with a hinge mechanism that enables automatic rotation to an open position before pipetting occurs. This preliminary preparation of the opening mechanism eliminates the need for forceful penetration during the pipetting process, preventing mechanical damage to the cap and contamination of the needle.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary between the closed lid and the open position, providing a controlled, gentle opening motion. This intermediary mechanism replaces direct forceful penetration, allowing the lid to open smoothly without damaging the cap structure or introducing contaminants to the pipette needle.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for opening a reaction vessel (9), and the vessel (9)that has a body (14 -17) forming a volume for liquid, and a lid (19).In the method at least one reaction vessel (9) is placed on a transport vehicle (4) and the reaction vessel is positioned on the vehicle so that the vessel's rotation about its own axis is prevented. Then, the at least one reaction vessel is transferred on the vehicle (4) and a guide rod (26), attached to the lid (19) that is attached by a hinge (20) to the reaction vessel (9), is pushed by the movement of the vehicle (4) against a guide surface (27) that forces the lid (19) to turn on the hinge (20) so that the lid (19) is at least partially opened.