Passive Closure System for Reagent Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current closure systems for reaction vessels in automatic analyzers require complex and costly mechanisms for automated opening and closing, lacking a simple and inexpensive solution that allows for efficient sealing and reagent/sample access.
Innovation Solution
A closure system featuring a movably fastened cover with a restoring element that automatically resets between open and closed positions, utilizing a cam and torsion bar spring mechanism for passive actuation, allowing for easy and cost-effective construction and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex active control mechanisms are used for automated opening and closing, then automation reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system employs a restoring element (spring mechanism) that automatically returns the cover to the closed position without requiring external actuation. The system serves itself by using the cover's own movement to trigger the restoring force, eliminating the need for complex motors, sensors, or control systems while maintaining reliable automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active control to open the cover, the system uses passive mechanical energy storage (compressed spring) to automatically close it. The inversion lies in using the restoring force to perform the closing action naturally, while opening requires only minimal external input to release the stored energy.
2Device complexity
If passive mechanical components are used for cover movement, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The restoring element automatically positions the cover in the closed state through its elastic restoring force, eliminating the need for precise external positioning mechanisms. The system self-corrects any positioning deviations through the spring's natural tendency to return to its equilibrium position.
Solution Approach 2:
The restoring element stores mechanical energy in advance during cover opening, which is then released to ensure precise and consistent closing action. This pre-stored energy compensates for variations in opening force or speed, ensuring reliable positioning without requiring precise control during the closing phase.
3Ease of operation
If the cover is held in open position actively, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires no active energy input to maintain the cover in either open or closed position. The restoring element only exerts force when the cover is in transition or not fully positioned, and becomes passive once the cover reaches its terminal positions, eliminating continuous energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The restoring element activates periodically only during the brief transition phases of opening or closing, rather than continuously. Once the cover reaches its desired position, the system enters a passive state with minimal energy requirement, achieving periodic rather than continuous energy consumption.
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 easy and automated opening and closing of reaction vessel receptacles, reducing the need for active control mechanisms and simplifying the actuation process, while maintaining a secure seal and allowing for flexible operation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more restoring elements (26), in particular torsion bar springs
Implementation Method 2
The restoring element is designed in such a way that it exerts a restoring force in the direction of the open position or the closed position depending on the position of the cover
Implementation Method 3
a cam (24) which is arranged on the shaft (20) in such a way that it exerts a vertical force on the restoring element (26) in the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The system (1) has a lid (16) secured movably about an axis on a retainer element (18), where the lid closes an opening (6) of a holder (2) in a closed position and opens the opening of the holder in an open position. A restoring element (26) exerts restoring force along direction of the closed position or the open position depending on the position of the lid, where the axis about which the lid is movable is in a form of a shaft to which the lid is connected. A cam is arranged on the shaft such that the cam exerts a vertical force on the restoring element in the closed position. The restoring element is designed as a flexural beam spring. The angle is 90 degrees. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a retaining device (2) an automatic analysis apparatus.