Modular Punching Means for Sample Cards
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing punching devices for sample cards, such as those used for DNA samples, face challenges in handling worn-out or contaminated punching tools and in easily switching between different sample sizes, requiring complex manipulations and lengthy interruptions for tool exchange.
Innovation Solution
A modular design for the punching means where the punch and lower tool are arranged on a separate structure that can be easily coupled and decoupled from the punching device, allowing for quick interchange and maintenance, with integrated suction and air supply systems to manage dust and electrostatic issues, enabling flexible adaptation to different sample sizes without interrupting operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the punching means is integrated into the punching device structure, then the device structure is compact and stable, but the punching tool cannot be easily removed or exchanged when worn out or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The punching means is segmented from the punching device structure into a separate, interchangeable module. This module includes the punch, lower tool, and associated components, allowing it to be removed and exchanged independently from the main device structure. The segmentation enables easy tool replacement while maintaining a compact integrated design when the module is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The punching means is designed as a dynamic, interchangeable module that can be coupled to and decoupled from the punching device structure. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different operational needs by replacing the punching module when tools are worn or contaminated, while maintaining structural stability during operation through secure coupling mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the punching means is designed as an interchangeable module, then the tool can be easily exchanged for different sample sizes, but the coupling and decoupling process requires precise alignment and connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The interchangeable punching module is designed with universal coupling features that allow it to be used with different sample card types and sizes. The module maintains standardized connection interfaces while accommodating variations in punching requirements, enabling a single module design to serve multiple sample processing applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism incorporates intermediary alignment features and connection elements that facilitate precise positioning of the punching module relative to the device structure. These intermediary components mediate between the module and fixed structure, ensuring accurate alignment during coupling while simplifying the overall connection process.
3Productivity
If the punching tool is used continuously without interruption, then productivity is maintained, but the punching tools become worn out or contaminated requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The interchangeable punching module allows for preliminary replacement of tools before significant wear or contamination occurs. By monitoring tool usage and proactively exchanging modules, the system maintains continuous productivity while preventing tool degradation that would compromise punching quality or sample integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The punching module design enables discarding of worn or contaminated tools while recovering and reusing the main device structure and functional components. The modular approach allows selective replacement of only the punching tools rather than the entire device, maintaining productivity while managing tool wear and contamination efficiently.
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 modular design simplifies the handling of punching tools, reduces downtime for maintenance, and allows for efficient adaptation to various sample sizes and types, ensuring continuous operation while preventing contamination and electrostatic adhesion issues.
Implementation Method 1
The punching device comprises a suction device by means of which dust particles produced during punching in the area of the lower tool can be sucked off
Implementation Method 2
The punching device comprises an air supply device for de-ionized air by means of which de-ionized air can be supplied into the area of the lower tool, in particular into the area of the outlet opening, so that a slight air flow is generated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a punching device for processing dried samples applied to a sample card, in particular liquids containing DNA, such as blood, saliva and the like, comprising at least one punching means (110) with a punch and a lower die, wherein the punch is movable between a resting position at a distance from the lower die and a punching position closer to the lower die. The punching means (110) has a receiving opening into which a sample card can be introduced by means of a movable gripping unit (300) of the punching device (10) and can be positioned in relation to the punching means (110), and a punching drive (14) which can be coupled or is coupled to the punch of the punching means (110) and which drives the punch between the resting position and the punching position. According to the invention, it is proposed that the punching means (110) has a structure which is separate from the punching device (10) and on which the punch and the lower die are arranged. The punching means (110) is configured in terms of its structure in such a way that it forms an exchangeable module that can be coupled to the punching device (10) and the punching drive (14). The invention also relates to a metering device (500) with said type of punching device (10) and also a punching means module (110).