Refractometer Cover Unit Segmentation for Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available refractometers face challenges in thorough cleaning due to their design, which can lead to contamination from old sample residues when used for different substances, necessitating an improved cover unit for easy and quick cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A refractometer with a detachable cover unit featuring a base plate with a recess, a hinge-connected lid, and a replaceable lid insert that allows for easy removal and cleaning, along with sealing elements and various configurations for sample conditioning, temperature control, and pressure adjustment, enabling thorough cleaning and versatile sample handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the cover unit is firmly connected to the housing, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover unit is divided into separate components: a base plate, a lid, and a replaceable lid insert. This segmentation allows the lid insert to be removed for thorough cleaning while the base plate remains connected to the housing, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid insert is extracted as a separate, removable component from the cover unit. This extraction enables the insert to be easily removed for cleaning and replacement, while the base plate maintains its connection to the housing for structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If the measuring cell is accessible only when the cover unit is removed, then the cleaning access is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid insert is nested within the lid, and the lid is hinged to the base plate. This nested structure allows the insert to be accessed and removed without removing the entire cover unit from the housing, improving cleaning access while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover unit is segmented into a base plate, lid, and lid insert, allowing hierarchical access: the insert can be removed from the lid, and the lid can be opened from the base plate, providing cleaning access without full disassembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the same refractometer is used for different sample substances, then the versatility is improved, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid insert is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that can be discarded after use. This eliminates contamination risk when switching between different sample substances, as each insert can be dedicated to a specific sample type without worrying about cross-contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid insert can be discarded after use or thoroughly cleaned and sterilized for reuse. This approach allows the refractometer to be used for different sample substances without contamination, as each insert can be dedicated to a specific sample type or properly sanitized between uses.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The refractometer has a housing (1), a measurement cell (8) arranged in the housing, and a lid unit (2) including a base plate (3) and a cutout (7) for allowing access to the measurement cell. A lid (4) covers the measurement cell. A pair of hinge parts (9, 10) hingedly connects the lid to the base plate. A lid insert (11) is replaceably arranged in the lid. A connecting element e.g. snap-on connection, detachably connects the lid unit to the housing by connecting the housing to the base plate. The hinge parts are coupled to each other, so that the lid is separated from the base plate.