Reagent Vessel Lid Opening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analysis devices face challenges in efficiently handling reagent vessels with screw-type closures, particularly in terms of precise opening and resealing, which leads to evaporation and contamination issues due to manual handling and complex production requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a carrier with a catch element and centering unit that securely locks and unscrews the lid, allowing for automatic opening and resealing of reagent vessels with screwable closures, using a snap-fit connection and rotational movement to simplify the process and reduce manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual handling of reagent vessels is used, then flexibility in handling different vessel types is maintained, but labor intensity increases and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent vessel lid is designed with an integrated opening mechanism where the lid itself contains the functional elements (protrusion, recess, thread) needed for automatic opening and closing. The lid serves both as a closure and as the actuating mechanism, eliminating the need for separate complex opening devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening mechanism is segmented into simple geometric features distributed on the lid surface: a protrusion for engagement, a recess for positioning, and a thread for sealing. These segmented features work together through simple linear and rotational movements to achieve automatic opening.
2Reliability
If screw-type closures are used on reagent vessels, then reliable sealing is achieved, but complex production requirements and precise positioning are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is pre-positioned on the vessel using a snap-fit connection between the protrusion and recess before the screwing operation. This preliminary positioning action ensures correct alignment is achieved automatically during the closing process, eliminating the need for high precision positioning during manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition from snap-fit connection to threaded engagement changes the interaction parameter from positional (snap-fit) to rotational (threading). This parameter change allows the system to achieve both easy positioning and reliable sealing without requiring high precision in both aspects simultaneously.
3Productivity
If automated pipetting with large tips is used for high throughput, then processing speed increases, but larger openings in lid are required which increase evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The lid design provides different qualities at different locations: the protrusion and recess areas allow for larger openings necessary for automated pipetting, while the threaded closure perimeter maintains tight sealing to prevent evaporation. This local differentiation of quality allows the system to accommodate high-throughput requirements without sacrificing sealing performance.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an analysis system which, by means of a reagent cartridge opening module, permits automatic opening of reagent vessels which are closed by screwing. The reagent cartridge opening module for this purpose has catch elements which can lock securely against rotation in correspondingly configured catch elements of a reagent vessel lid. In addition, the reagent cartridge opening module and the reagent vessel lid are connected via snap-in elements, so that transport of the reagent vessel lid perpendicular to the plane of the rotational movement is possible.