Integrated Balance Sample Changer for Automated Weighing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample changers require significant manual effort and mechanical complexity for weighing samples, leading to reduced precision and increased maintenance costs due to the need for external balances and fault-susceptible mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a balance or weighing module directly into the sample changer, allowing sample carriers to be conveyed onto the weighing surface through rotation or shifting of the sample rack, reducing the number of moving parts and enabling direct, precise weighing without the need for external balances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an external balance is used with manual operation, then weighing can be performed, but significant manual effort is required and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sample changer and balance into a single integrated system. The sample carrier is mechanically coupled to the balance pan, allowing automatic weighing without manual intervention. The drive mechanism rotates the sample rack to position carriers on the balance, and the balance pan is directly connected to the weighing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual operations.
2Extent of automation
If a gripper arm is used to convey vessels, then weighing can be automated, but the device becomes expensive and reliability decreases due to fault-susceptible mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gripper arm mechanism entirely from the system. Instead of using a separate conveying device, the sample carrier itself is designed to be directly positioned on the balance pan through rotation of the sample rack. This eliminates the fault-susceptible gripper arm while maintaining full automation through the rotational positioning mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If a platform with movable sample carriers is used, then weighing can be performed, but the mechanism becomes complex and requires high-precision positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sample rack into multiple positions that can be independently rotated into place. Each sample carrier position is simplified and can be brought to the weighing position through rotational movement of the entire rack, rather than requiring complex individual carrier positioning mechanisms. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Sample changer with a balance, with at least two sample carriers which can be delivered to the balance and which are located in a sample rack, the sample carrier being made and arranged in the sample rack relative to the balance such that the sample carrier can be conveyed onto a weighing surface of the balance by rotation and/or shifting of the sample rack and/or the balance. Preferably, the balance is integrated in the sample changer.