Piston-Based Dosing Element for Photometric Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photometric measurement systems face complexities in liquid handling and dosing, leading to inaccuracies and inefficiencies in mixing and measurement processes, particularly due to the need for manual handling and potential residue issues from membrane parts.
Innovation Solution
A test set comprising a mixing container with a dosing element featuring a movable closure piston that allows for precise dosing and mixing of liquids without membrane residues, where the piston is entirely within the cavity and actuated via pressure, ensuring accurate mixing ratios and measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If membrane-based dosing elements are used to separate reagent liquids, then the liquids can be stored separately and dosed on demand, but membrane parts remain as residues after dosing which contaminate the sample and reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the membrane component from the dosing element, replacing it with a piston-based sealing mechanism. This eliminates the source of contamination while maintaining the ability to store and dose reagent liquids automatically. The piston seals against the cavity wall directly, preventing any membrane residues from entering the mixed liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention discards the membrane material entirely in favor of a reusable piston component. The piston can be reset and reused for multiple dosing cycles, eliminating the need for disposable membrane parts and preventing contamination from membrane residues in subsequent measurements.
2Extent of automation
If complex liquid handling systems with multiple carousels and pipetting devices are used, then automated sample and reagent management is achieved, but the device complexity and potential for liquid contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the storage and dosing functions into a single integrated cartridge that contains both reagent liquids in separate cavities with integrated pistons. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate storage containers, transfer hoses, and pipetting devices, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining automated liquid handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing element is designed as a multi-functional unit that can store multiple reagent liquids, dose them in specific sequences, and mix them directly in the sample container. This universal design replaces multiple specialized components (storage containers, dosing devices, mixing apparatus) with a single versatile cartridge system.
3Device complexity
If manual handling and mixing of liquids is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but dosing precision and mixing accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing element is designed to perform its own dosing and mixing operations through integrated pistons that automatically dispense precise volumes of reagent liquids when actuated. The system serves itself by using the same cartridge that stores the reagents to also deliver and mix them, eliminating the need for external complex dosing equipment while maintaining high precision.
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 easier and more precise handling of liquids, eliminating external liquid management and ensuring accurate dosing and mixing, thereby improving the reliability and precision of photometric measurements.
Implementation Method 1
pressure being exerted on the second liquid by a closure piston which is arranged entirely in the cavity and can be slid into the cavity
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a mixing container (1) for a photometric measuring apparatus with a closing element (2) that can be removed from a filling hole (3) and a first liquid (5) which is located in the interior (4) of the mixing container (1). Said mixing container (1) is provided with a dosing element (8) which can be placed on the filling hole (3) of the mixing container (1) after removing the closing element (2) and adding a sample liquid, the dosing element (8) containing a second liquid (13) in a closed hollow space (9). The hollow space (9) in the dosing element (8) is closed by a movable plug (10) which is discharged into the interior of the mixing container (1) along with the second liquid (13) once the second liquid (13) has been impinged upon by pressure.