Platform Rocker Angular Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current platform rockers in laboratories lack the ability to adjust rocking parameters dynamically or in response to signals, requiring manual labor for reagent handling and using complex plumbing with pumps and valves, which limits their efficiency in applications like blot and gel staining and hybridization processes.
Innovation Solution
An advanced platform rocker with electronically controlled angular position as a function of time, capable of varying tilt angles and speeds, and incorporating automated fluid handling without pumps or valves, using a stepper motor and electronic circuit to control the rocking motion and reagent dispensing through gravity-fed reagent tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a constant speed motor is used to drive the platform rocker, then the device is simple and reliable, but it cannot adjust rocking parameters dynamically or in response to signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the constant speed motor with a stepper motor that can dynamically adjust its rotational speed and position. The stepper motor receives pulse signals that control the platform's rocking parameters in real-time, enabling adaptive control while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a microprocessor-based control system that can receive signals from external devices or sensors and adjust the rocking parameters accordingly. The system monitors and responds to various conditions, enabling closed-loop control for optimized performance.
2Productivity
If manual labor is used for adding and removing reagents and wash buffers, then the device complexity is low, but productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a gravity-fed reagent delivery system where reagents are automatically dispensed into the platform wells based on the platform's rocking motion. The system uses the natural gravitational flow and the mechanical motion of the platform itself to achieve reagent distribution without requiring external pumps or complex fluid handling mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If a flat bottomed tray is used for staining, then the device is simple, but large volumes of reagents are required to ensure complete coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by using convex-bottomed trays instead of flat bottomed trays. The curved bottom surface allows the liquid reagents to pool and spread more effectively across the blot or gel surface during rocking, ensuring complete coverage with smaller reagent volumes. The spherical curvature optimizes fluid distribution patterns.
4Productivity
If complex plumbing with pumps and valves is used for automated reagent handling, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex plumbing system (pumps, valves, tubing) by replacing it with a simplified gravity-fed delivery mechanism. The reagent bottles are positioned to allow gravitational flow directly onto the platform, and the rocking motion itself distributes the reagents, removing the need for complex fluid control infrastructure while maintaining automation.
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 precise and automated mixing and manipulation of liquids, reducing reagent volumes, and simplifying processes like blot and gel staining and hybridization by allowing customizable rocking routines and eliminating the need for manual labor and complex plumbing.
Implementation Method 1
This entails a sophisticated platform rocker, whereby the angular position of the platform can be accurately controlled as a function of time
Implementation Method 2
The advanced platform rocker described here can also rock at extremely low rocking speeds for specialized applications
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes an advanced laboratory platform rocker. An electronic circuit controls the rotation of the shaft of a motor. The shaft is coupled to the platform, such that the angular position of the platform is controllable, as a function of time, enabling non-periodic and non-steady motion. The rotation of the platform can be used to perform other functions, such as initiating the dispensing of liquid into a tray on the platform, and dispersing of liquid from a tray on the platform.