Magnetic Drive Sample Table for Sterilizable Constant-Temperature Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional constant-temperature equipment with automatic conveying functions face issues due to mechanical and electrical components being affected by temperature and humidity, leading to frequent troubles, reliability concerns, and challenges in sterilization, especially with ultraviolet and dry sterilization methods, which can damage components and compromise the integrity of the environment within the temperature-controlled chamber.
Innovation Solution
The equipment features a temperature-controlled chamber with a sample table driven by magnets, allowing for non-contact movement and easy removal, enabling dry-heat sterilization at high temperatures, and a conveyance system that minimizes atmospheric interference, ensuring reliable operation and maintenance without interrupting culturing or testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If mechanical and electrical components are installed in the temperature-controlled chamber for automatic conveying, then automation function is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to frequent troubles from temperature and humidity effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all mechanical and electrical components from the temperature-controlled chamber interior, extracting only the necessary magnetic driving elements that can operate remotely. The sample table is driven by magnets positioned outside the chamber, eliminating components that would be affected by temperature and humidity while maintaining automatic conveying functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based conveying mechanisms with a magnetic field-based driving system. Magnets positioned outside the chamber generate magnetic fields that drive the sample table without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear and electrical component failures while maintaining automation.
2Reliability
If dry sterilization is performed at high temperature (150-180°C), then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to component damage requiring protective measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all heat-sensitive electrical and mechanical components from the sterilization zone, leaving only the sample table and containers that can withstand high temperature. This allows complete dry sterilization at 150-180°C without protecting sensitive components, simplifying the sterilization process while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designates the sample table and containers as disposable or replaceable components that can be easily replaced if damaged, rather than investing in complex protective measures for permanent components. This approach prioritizes sterilization effectiveness over component preservation.
3Reliability
If the temperature-controlled chamber has a small opening for automatic conveyance, then atmosphere isolation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the sample table can be completely removed from the chamber, allowing containers to be accessed and exchanged outside the sealed environment. This maintains atmosphere isolation during operation while providing easy access for loading and unloading samples without repeatedly opening the chamber door.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary preparation of samples outside the temperature-controlled chamber, allowing containers to be pre-loaded and ready for immediate placement inside. This reduces the frequency and duration of chamber openings, maintaining atmosphere isolation while improving operational efficiency.
4Reliability
If ultraviolet sterilization is applied, then sterilization function is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to shadow areas requiring multiple applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultraviolet sterilization with dry heat sterilization at high temperature (150-180°C). This substitution eliminates the shadow problem inherent in UV sterilization, as heat uniformly penetrates all areas including shadow zones, achieving complete sterilization more efficiently without requiring multiple applications from various directions.
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
This design allows for efficient and reliable culturing and testing by preventing mechanical and electrical structure breakdowns, facilitating easy sterilization, and maintaining a stable environment, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
means for generating shifting magnetic field with the magnets implemented on the housing unit
Implementation Method 2
the magnets magnetically combine with the driven magnets
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is constant-temperature equipment wherein maintenance is facilitated with least failure, and highly reliable culturing and testing can be carried out. Mechanical and electrical structure are eliminated from the inside of a temperature-controlled chamber (15) by using a non-contact magnetic means as a drive transmission means for a sample table (5) and a sample table drive means (6), thus reducing failure and enhancing maintainability. In addition, a conveyance means (11) is provided with a pass box to minimize replacement of atmosphere during conveying. The sample table drive means (6) and the conveyance means (11) can be attached removably to the temperature-controlled chamber (15) to permit sterilization at high temperature.