Inclined NMR Sample Changer for Ergonomic Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ergonomically unfavorable sample loading and changing in NMR spectrometers, particularly in benchtop devices, due to the device's height and dimensions, leading to strenuous and uncomfortable operations for operators.
Innovation Solution
A sample changer with a two-part tandem rocker or cone carousel design, where the sample holder's axis of rotation is inclined between 30 and 60 degrees, allowing for easier sample access and handling, and featuring a funnel-shaped opening, electrically controlled blocking device, and pneumatic sample transfer to improve ergonomics and automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the NMR spectrometer is designed with a vertically oriented receiving opening for samples, then the measurement function is achieved, but the operator experiences ergonomic strain due to extended arm reach
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder is tilted at an angle of 30-60 degrees relative to the vertical axis, changing the dimensional orientation of sample insertion from a purely vertical path to an inclined path. This allows the operator to access samples at a more ergonomic height and angle while the sample holder mechanically bridges the gap to the vertical receiving opening, resolving the contradiction between measurement geometry and operator comfort
2Ease of operation
If the sample holder is tilted at an angle of 30-60 degrees for ergonomic loading, then operator comfort is improved, but the sample axis must be realigned to vertical for measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder is designed to be rotatable about its cylindrical axis, transforming from a static inclined structure to a dynamic element that can change orientation. This allows the sample holder to be tilted for ergonomic loading during sample insertion, then rotated to align the sample axis vertically for measurement, accommodating both ergonomic and measurement requirements through dynamic reconfiguration
3Productivity
If automatic sample changers are used to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sample changer is divided into multiple independent sample holders (at least two), each capable of holding and transferring samples independently. This segmentation allows automated or semi-automated operation where multiple samples can be loaded and transferred without requiring the operator to manually insert each sample individually, increasing throughput while keeping each individual sample holder relatively simple in design
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
Significantly improves ergonomics and handling ease for operators, prevents sample fluid loss and uneven measuring signals, and simplifies the measurement process by allowing automatic sample changing and gentle pneumatic transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the sample holder is mounted such that the cylindrical axis of the cylindrical sample holder of the sample changer is inclined at the loading position by an angle of inclination α between 30 and 60 degrees to the vertical, while, after a rotation, it runs vertically into the transfer position
Implementation Method 2
a positioning device is provided which transfers the NMR sample at the transfer position or after passing through it into the measuring position in the measuring volume with a vertically oriented sample axis of the NMR sample
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
An NMR spectrometer (1') comprising a magnet arrangement (2) with a vertically oriented upper receiving opening for receiving an NMR sample extending along a sample axis and a measuring volume (3) in which the elongated NMR sample is positioned in a measuring position with a vertically oriented sample axis during the performance of an NMR measurement, and with a sample changer (4') having at least one cylindrical sample holder (7', 7") for receiving the NMR sample at a loading position (5) and for transferring the NMR sample into the measuring volume at a transfer position (6), is characterized in that the sample holder for receiving the NMR sample is open upwards, that the cylindrical axis of the cylindrical sample holder of the sample changer is inclined at the loading position by an angle of inclination α between 30 and 60 degrees to the vertical, while it is vertical at the transfer position, and that a positioning device is provided.which transfers the NMR sample at the transfer position or after passing through it to the measurement position in the measurement volume with the sample axis of the NMR sample vertically aligned. This enables a more ergonomically efficient sample feed to the NMR spectrometer.