Sequential Liquid Injection via Pinion-Rack Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) face challenges in accurately and sequentially pipetting samples and reagents, leading to potential contamination and inaccurate analysis due to operator dependence.
Innovation Solution
A driving device that provides a sequential driving force to inject multiple liquids accurately, minimizing operator intervention, and a liquid injection device incorporating this driving device to ensure precise and sequential injection of different liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pipetting by operator is used, then flexibility in handling complex samples is maintained, but accuracy and reliability of pipetting deteriorates due to operator skill level variations
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation where the system automatically performs sequential pipetting of multiple liquids without requiring operator skill or intervention. The automated mechanism ensures consistent accuracy regardless of operator capability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and automation extent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pipetting with an automated mechanical injection system using a rotation shaft, pinions, and racks mechanism. This substitution eliminates operator skill dependency while maintaining precise control over liquid injection sequences and volumes.
2Reliability
If sequential pipetting by operator is performed, then flexibility in sample handling is maintained, but contamination risk increases due to operator mistake
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the pipetting process into distinct sequential steps, with each liquid injected in a separate, controlled phase. The segmented architecture of multiple pinions and racks corresponds to different liquids, ensuring that each injection is isolated and controlled, preventing cross-contamination while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system incorporates inherent feedback mechanisms where the rotation shaft position and gear engagement automatically control the injection sequence. This feedback ensures that liquids are injected in the correct order without operator intervention, eliminating human error while maintaining a manageable mechanical structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated sequential injection is implemented, then pipetting accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation shaft and gear mechanism serve multiple functions: they control the sequential engagement of different pinion-rack pairs, regulate injection timing, and manage liquid flow control. This multi-functionality achieves high injection precision across multiple liquids while avoiding the need for separate complex control systems for each injection task.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic engagement of pinions and racks with the rotation shaft, where the mechanical interaction automatically adjusts injection timing and precision. The dynamic mechanical coupling provides inherent precision control without requiring complex electronic controls or additional actuators, managing device complexity through clever mechanical design.
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
The solution enables accurate and sequential injection of liquids, reducing operator error and contamination, while also being eco-friendly and portable due to its operation without external power.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation driving unit may include a spiral spring; a driving gear coupled to a rotation shaft of the spiral spring
Data Source
AI summary
A driving device and a liquid injection device including the same are disclosed. A driving device according to an aspect may include a frame; a rotation shaft rotatably supported by the frame; a rotation driving unit configured to rotate the rotation shaft; a plurality of pinions configured to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the rotation shaft and respectively coupled to the rotation shaft; and a plurality of racks configured to be engaged with the plurality of pinions, respectively and configured to move forward in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rotation shaft, wherein when the rotation shaft rotates, the engagement of the plurality of pinions and the plurality of racks that respectively correspond to each other is sequentially performed.