Perforated Field Plate Sample Holder for Analytical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical devices for elementary analysis, such as those described in EP 1 586 895 A1, face limitations in flexibility and efficiency when inserting samples, particularly in ensuring precise alignment and prioritization of samples for analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder with a perforated field plate that is movable on a base with an ejection opening, allowing for flexible positioning and ejection of samples using a drive system, enabling the use of a grid pattern with variable hole fields and automated sample handling to simplify and enhance the sample insertion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotating wheel with holes arranged on the circumference is used as a sample holder, then samples can be successively brought over the ejection opening, but the flexibility and efficiency of sample insertion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static rotating wheel to a dynamic perforated field plate that can be moved in multiple directions (X and Y axes) and tilted. This dynamic positioning system allows flexible targeting of specific holes to the ejection opening, enabling efficient sample selection and insertion while maintaining adaptability for different sample arrangements.
2Productivity
If holes are arranged in a predetermined grid pattern on the perforated field plate, then sample alignment is simplified, but the ability to prioritize and selectively eject specific samples is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fixed grid pattern structure with dynamic positioning capabilities. The perforated field plate maintains a predetermined grid arrangement of holes for organized sample placement, while the drive system enables selective movement of specific holes to the ejection opening. This allows both efficient batch processing and selective prioritization of individual samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the perforated field plate into multiple independently addressable hole positions within the grid pattern. Each hole can be individually targeted and ejected through the ejection opening, allowing selective sample prioritization while maintaining the overall grid structure for systematic sample organization and high-throughput analysis.
3Manufacturing precision
If the ejection opening diameter is made equivalent to the hole diameter, then precise alignment is achieved, but the complexity of positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning system with drive mechanisms that control the movement of the perforated field plate in X and Y directions, along with tilting capability. This multi-degree-of-freedom dynamic system achieves precise alignment between selected holes and the ejection opening, with the added benefit of automated control that manages the inherent complexity through systematic actuation.
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 enhances the flexibility and efficiency of sample insertion, allowing for precise targeting and prioritization of samples, reducing the complexity of sample alignment and improving the overall analytical process by enabling automated data processing and minimizing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a reactor for catalytic combustion of a sample
Implementation Method 2
a reduction reactor provided downstream of the reactor
Implementation Method 3
an adsorber provided downstream of the reduction reactor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an analytical device for the elementary analysis, which is improved with regard to the feeding of samples, with a sample holder, a line for oxygen and inert gas, a reactor for catalytic combustion of a sample, a reduction reactor that is provided downstream of the reactor, an adsorber that is provided downstream of the reduction reactor, a detector that is provided downstream of the absorber and a logic unit for processing of the data transmitted by the detector, wherein the sample holder includes a perforated field plate that can be moved by means of a drive on a base that is equipped with an ejection opening to eject one of the samples.