Ionizer for Discharging Static on Sample Well Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for cutting off sample regions from a sample carrier face challenges with static electricity discharge, as humidified air can lead to condensation issues and ionized air blower intensity adjustments are difficult to control effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device with an ionizer producing an electrical field between the cutting unit and the sample well element, using ionized gas to discharge static electricity, minimizing challenges associated with humidified air and air flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If humidified air is used to discharge static electricity from the sample well element, then the static electricity discharge effectiveness is improved, but condensation of water on device structures occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ionized air as an intermediary substance to discharge static electricity. The ionizer generates positive and negative ions that neutralize static charge on the sample well element without requiring humidified air, thus avoiding condensation while maintaining discharge effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/blower-based humidified air system with an electrical ionization system. Instead of using a blower to force humidified air onto the sample well element, an ionizer electrically generates ions that automatically neutralize static charge, eliminating the condensation problem
2Reliability
If ionized air blower intensity is increased to improve static electricity neutralization, then the neutralization effectiveness is improved, but the air flow disturbs the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical blower system with an electrical ionization system. The ionizer generates ions that rise naturally through air currents without requiring forced air flow, thus neutralizing static electricity without disturbing the operational stability of the cutting and transfer process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ionized air particles as intermediaries to transfer charge neutralization function. These ions are generated in place and automatically diffuse to neutralize static charge on the sample well element without requiring high-velocity air flow that would disturb operations
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
Effectively neutralizes static electricity without undesirable condensation, ensuring efficient sample region cutting and transfer to sample wells, improving the handling of statically charged sample well elements.
Implementation Method 1
an ionizer for producing electrical field in response to being connected to voltage
Implementation Method 2
the ionizer is arranged to ionize gas, e.g. air, that is in contact with the sample well element so as to discharge static electricity from the sample well element with the aid of the ionized gas
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2
AI summary
A device for cutting off one or more sample regions from a sample carrier that contains impregnated sample material, e.g. blood, is described. The device comprises: a cutting unit (101) for cutting off the one or more sample regions from the sample carrier, a support element (102) for supporting a sample well element (117) so that a sample well of the sample well element is able to receive each sample region cut off from the sample carrier, and an ionizer (103) for ionizing gas, e.g. air, that is, when the sample well element has been placed to the support element, in contact with the sample well element so as to discharge possible static electricity from the sample well element with the aid of the ionized gas. Therefore, the adverse effect of static electricity that can be present in the sample well element can be reduced or eliminated.