Rock Sample Centrifuge Support Structure for Stable Unbalanced Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifuges require precise balancing to maintain level rotation, which is time-consuming and can lead to imbalances and wobbling, affecting separation accuracy and increasing maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A centrifuge design incorporating a support member with a fixed and rotatable component that stabilizes the sample housing, allowing samples to be placed anywhere without needing prior balancing, ensuring stable rotation and reducing the risk of wobbling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional centrifuge designs are used without a support member, then the structure is simpler, but the centrifuge requires precise balancing which is time-consuming and can lead to imbalances and wobbling
Solution Approach 1:
A support member with a fixed member and rotatable member is introduced as an intermediary component between the sample housing and the centrifuge chamber. The fixed member attaches to the inner wall surface while the rotatable member attaches to the sample housing, allowing the sample housing to rotate freely without requiring precise balancing. This intermediary structure mediates between the sample housing and the centrifuge chamber, eliminating the need for manual balancing operations.
2Ease of operation
If samples are placed without prior balancing, then the ease of operation improves, but the risk of imbalances and wobbling increases in traditional centrifuges
Solution Approach 1:
The support member structure enables the centrifuge to self-balance during operation. The rotatable member rotates with the sample housing while the fixed member remains stationary, automatically accommodating any imbalance in sample placement. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to perform balancing operations before sample placement, allowing samples to be placed anywhere in the chamber without compromising rotation stability.
3Measurement precision
If precise balancing is required, then the separation accuracy is maintained, but the time consumption and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support member structure performs the balancing action preliminarily and automatically. By designing the fixed member to attach to the inner wall surface and the rotatable member to attach to the sample housing, the system pre-establishes a balanced rotation mechanism that automatically compensates for any sample placement imbalances. This preliminary structural arrangement eliminates the need for time-consuming balancing operations before each sample placement.
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 support member ensures balanced rotation, enhances separation precision, reduces noise and vibration, and minimizes the risk of instrument damage, leading to safer and more reliable centrifuge operations.
Implementation Method 1
The centrifuge includes a body having a chamber, an axle, and a motive element. The chamber has a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation and defines an inward-facing inner wall surface. The axle extends into the chamber from an exterior position and is rotatable about the axis of rotation.
Implementation Method 2
A centrifuge is configured to rotate one or more samples about an axis of rotation at an angular velocity to apply a centrifugal force to each of the one or more samples. Accordingly, constituents of each of the one or more samples separate based on density.
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifuge and methods are disclosed. The centrifuge may include a body having a chamber, an axle, and a motive element. The chamber has a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation and defines an inward-facing inner wall surface. The axle extends into the chamber from an exterior position and is rotatable about the axis of rotation. The motive element is configured to rotate the axle. The centrifuge may further include a support member that includes a fixed member and a rotatable member. The fixed member is fixed to the inward-facing inner wall surface. The rotatable member is fixed to the axle within the chamber and rotatable relative to the fixed member about the axis of rotation. The centrifuge may still further include a sample housing disposed on the rotatable member. The sample housing includes a sample portion and a fluid portion.