Pneumatic Shuttle Assembly for NMR Spectrometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NMR spectrometers face challenges in rapidly and precisely moving NMR sample containers between two spatially separated magnetic fields of different strengths for relaxometry and 2F-NMR measurements without causing mechanical shocks, vibrations, heat input, or contamination, while also requiring a compact and space-saving design that can be integrated into standard laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
A shuttle assembly with a piston design that uses compressed air and a cable pull system to move the sample container within a guide tube, featuring a guidance sleeve for precise alignment and a plug to limit the sample volume, allowing for rapid and precise movement between magnetic fields while maintaining a low filling factor and minimizing mechanical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a shuttle assembly is used to move the NMR sample container between magnetic fields, then the measurement speed and productivity are improved, but mechanical shocks and vibrations may occur during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating shock-absorbing elements and damping mechanisms in the shuttle assembly design. The pneumatic pressurizing arrangement uses controlled gas pressure to accelerate and decelerate the shuttle, preventing mechanical shocks. The guidance system includes features to minimize vibrations during rapid movement between magnetic fields, ensuring sample integrity while maintaining high measurement speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatics by employing a pneumatic pressurizing arrangement to drive the shuttle assembly. Compressed gas is used to accelerate the shuttle containing the NMR sample container along the guide tube, enabling rapid positioning between magnetic fields without mechanical contact that would cause shocks and vibrations. This non-contact propulsion method maintains measurement quality while achieving high productivity.
2Device complexity
If a compact shuttle assembly design is used, then the device complexity and space requirements are reduced, but the precision and reliability of sample positioning may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the shuttle assembly containing the NMR sample container within a guide tube, which itself is positioned within the bore of coaxial magnet systems. This nested configuration achieves a compact overall design that fits within standard laboratory NMR spectrometer spaces while maintaining precise positioning capabilities through the guided movement of the shuttle along the tube axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a pneumatic drive mechanism. Instead of using motors, gears, or mechanical actuators that would increase device complexity, the system uses controlled gas pressure to move the shuttle assembly. This substitution maintains positioning precision while reducing mechanical complexity and space requirements, as the pneumatic system can be integrated into the existing NMR spectrometer structure.
3Productivity
If rapid movement of the sample container is achieved, then the productivity is improved, but heat input to the sample may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic propulsion to move the shuttle assembly containing the NMR sample container. The pneumatic pressurizing arrangement applies controlled gas pressure to accelerate the shuttle, enabling rapid movement between magnetic fields without direct mechanical contact. This method achieves high productivity while minimizing heat input to the sample, as the gas pressure can be precisely controlled and the system operates without friction-based mechanical drives that would generate heat.
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 fast and precise movement of the NMR sample container between magnetic fields in less than 100ms, maintaining measurement quality and ensuring a compact, space-saving design that integrates well with existing NMR spectrometers, reducing mechanical interference and heat input.
Implementation Method 1
piston design for enabling movement along the common axis of the coaxial magnet systems under the influence of gas pressure generated by a pneumatic pressurizing arrangement
Implementation Method 2
a plug positioned in the sample container for limiting the liquid NMR sample volume in the sample container to the active volume area of the magnet systems
Data Source
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AI summary
A shuttle assembly (14) adapted for operation in a transfer device for shuttling an NMR sample container (12) between at least two coaxially arranged NMR magnet systems (11'; 11") of an NMR spectrometer (10), the transfer device comprising a guide tube (13) configured to be positioned in a central bore of the coaxial magnet systems, the shuttle assembly being arranged inside the guide tube for securely holding and shuttling the NMR sample container and a drive system such that the shuttle assembly can travel inside the guide tube between the coaxial magnet systems, wherein the sample container is mounted to the shuttle assembly in an operational state of the spectrometer, is characterized in that the shuttle assembly comprises a piston design being moveable along the common axis of the coaxial magnet systems under the influence of gas pressure generated by a pneumatic pressurizing arrangement being part of the transfer device. This compact mechanism can easily be integrated into an NMR spectrometer and is able to move the sample container precisely within milliseconds at high speed without negatively affecting the measurement by shocks, vibrations, heat input or contamination by foreign objects.