Movable Shielding Rack for Micro-Plate Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-samplers for liquid chromatographic analyzers require multiple racks for different types of micro-plates, leading to increased complexity and costs due to the need for multiple recognition units.
Innovation Solution
A single type of rack with movable shielding components that can be positioned to detect different micro-plates using a limited number of sensors, allowing the control unit to recognize various micro-plates by adjusting the placement of light-shielding components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple racks with different recognition units are used for different micro-plate types, then accurate recognition of each micro-plate type is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single rack is designed with multiple light-shielding plates that can be selectively positioned to recognize different micro-plate types. The rack serves multiple functions by configuring different combinations of light-shielding plates, eliminating the need for separate racks for each micro-plate type while maintaining accurate recognition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-shielding plates are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be repositioned according to the specific micro-plate type being recognized. This dynamic configuration enables the same rack to adapt to different recognition requirements, reducing the overall number of racks needed in the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple recognition units are provided for different micro-plates, then each micro-plate type can be identified, but the number of components and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The recognition unit is designed with multiple light-shielding plates that can be selectively activated to identify different micro-plate types. This multi-functional design allows a single recognition unit to handle various micro-plate configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized recognition units.
Solution Approach 2:
The recognition unit is segmented into multiple independent light-shielding plates, each of which can be independently positioned or activated. This segmentation allows the recognition unit to differentiate between various micro-plate types by selecting specific combinations of light-shielding plates, providing versatility without requiring multiple complete recognition units.
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
Enables recognition of multiple micro-plate types using a single rack, reducing the need for multiple racks and recognition units, thereby simplifying the system and reducing costs while maintaining accurate identification.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light-shielding component (25) installed on the interior of the enclosure (24)
Data Source
AI summary
A rack is provided wherein the type of micro-plate that is placed on the rack can be determined even when using one type of rack. The rack includes a bottom piece on which micro-plate is placed; at least one shielding component for recognizing the type of micro-plate; and a recognition unit having an enclosure disposed with a shielding component. When the rack is housed in a housing unit of an analyzer main unit, the shielding component is movable with respect to the enclosure so that the shielding component is positioned either in a detection position where detectable by a sensor or in a non-detection position where undetectable by the sensor.