Motorized Latch Coupler for Automated Reagent Cartridge Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reagent magazine systems require manual intervention to establish and break physical connections between cartridges and receiving devices, which is inefficient and lacks remote control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A motorized latch assembly with an electric motor, eccentric cam, and latch plate that can be electronically controlled to remotely connect and disconnect reagent cartridges from a coupler, enabling automated and remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual intervention is used to establish and break physical connections between cartridges and receiving devices, then the system structure remains simple, but operational efficiency is low and remote control capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical connection system with an automated motorized latch assembly. The electric motor drives an eccentric cam mechanism that automatically opens and closes the latch plate, enabling remote control of cartridge connections without manual intervention. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with an electromechanical system directly addresses the contradiction by improving productivity while accepting controlled increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized latch assembly enables the system to perform connection and disconnection operations autonomously. The electric motor automatically actuates the eccentric cam and latch plate mechanism to establish or break physical connections between cartridges and receiving devices, eliminating the need for external manual service and thereby improving operational efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If a motorized latch assembly with electric motor and eccentric cam is implemented, then remote control capabilities are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical latch operation with an electromechanical system comprising an electric motor, gear train, and eccentric cam mechanism. This substitution enables remote control capability by converting manual mechanical actions into automated electromechanical operations, directly addressing the ease of operation improvement while acknowledging the inherent increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric cam mechanism introduces dynamic motion transformation, converting the rotational motion of the motor shaft into the reciprocating linear motion required for latch plate operation. This dynamic mechanism enables remote control functionality while consolidating multiple functions into a compact automated assembly, managing the complexity through functional integration.
3Ease of operation
If the latch plate moves a sufficient distance to permit disconnection, then the cartridge can be physically disconnected from the coupler, but the mechanical stress on the latch mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an electric motor with gear reduction to provide controlled mechanical advantage in the latch mechanism. The motor-driven eccentric cam system delivers sufficient force to move the latch plate through the required distance for cartridge disconnection while distributing mechanical stress through the geared transmission system, reducing peak loads on individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric cam mechanism dynamically transforms the motor's rotational motion into the linear displacement needed for latch plate operation. This dynamic transformation allows the latch plate to move through the sufficient distance required for cartridge disconnection while the cam's geometry controls the force application, optimizing the balance between displacement and mechanical stress.
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
Facilitates efficient and automated management of reagent cartridges, allowing for remote connection and disconnection, enhancing operational efficiency and convenience by eliminating the need for manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor; an eccentric cam attached via gears to a shaft of the motor
Implementation Method 2
an eccentric cam attached via gears to a shaft of the motor, the eccentric cam being rotated when the shaft of the motor rotates; when the eccentric cam is rotated so that the eccentric cam presses down upon the latch plate
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized latch assembly includes an electric motor, an eccentric cam attached via gears to a shaft of the motor and a latch plate configured to lock the reagent cartridge to the coupler. The eccentric cam is rotated when the shaft of the motor rotates. When the eccentric cam is rotated so that the eccentric cam presses down upon the latch plate, the latch plate moves a sufficient distance to permit the reagent cartridge to be disconnected from the coupler.