Rotating Plate Stopper for Auto-Sampler Plate Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In plate changers for liquid chromatographs, sample plates can fall when inserted too far into the storage due to the lack of effective stopping mechanisms, and existing stoppers interfere with the transport mechanism, hindering plate retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A plate changer with a rotating plate stopper that moves between interfering and non-interfering positions, using a vertical bar and elastic biasing, to prevent plate fall during insertion while allowing transport mechanism operation during retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stopper is provided at the backside of the plate storage to prevent sample plate dropping, then sample plate falling is prevented, but the stopper interferes with the transport mechanism when taking out the sample plate
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can shift between a first position that contacts the sample plate during insertion to prevent over-insertion and dropping, and a second position that recedes to allow the transport mechanism to grip and remove the sample plate without interference. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between preventing plate dropping and enabling easy retrieval.
2Manufacturing precision
If the stopper is positioned to prevent sample plate over-insertion, then sample plate insertion control is improved, but the transport mechanism cannot access the sample plate for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper transitions between two distinct positions: a first position during insertion that ensures precise sample plate placement by contacting the plate's end face, and a second position during removal that clears the transport path. This dynamic repositioning allows the system to maintain precise insertion control while enabling full adaptability for transport operations.
3Reliability
If a fixed stopper is used to stop the sample plate, then plate insertion is controlled, but the transport mechanism and sample plate interfere with the stopper
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a fixed stopper that creates interference, the invention employs a movable stopper that automatically repositions between operations. During insertion, the stopper is in the first position to provide reliable positioning by contacting the sample plate. During removal, it moves to the second position to eliminate interference with the transport mechanism, thereby reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper is positioned in advance at a predetermined location where it can contact the sample plate to prevent over-insertion. The stopper's ability to move to a second position preemptively prevents interference with the transport mechanism before the removal operation begins, avoiding conflicts between components.
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
Prevents sample plate falling during insertion without obstructing the transport mechanism's operation, ensuring safe and efficient handling of plates within the storage system.
Implementation Method 1
a plate stopper configured to be arranged at an interfering position where the plate stopper comes into contact with a transport window portion-side end face of the sample plate
Implementation Method 2
The rotating plate is configured to rotate within the horizontal plane to move the vertical bar between the interfering position and the non-interfering position
Data Source
AI summary
A plate changer is provided with a plate storage and a transport mechanism. The plate storage is provided with an installation window portion and a transport window portion arranged to face to each other. The plate storage is further provided with a plate stopper at the transport window portion. The plate stopper stops the sample plate by being arranged at an interfering position where the plate stopper comes into contact with a transport window portion-side end face of the sample plate when the sample plate inserted from the installation window portion has reached a predetermined position in the one direction. The the plate stopper is configured to be arranged at a non-interfering position where the plate stopper does not interfere with the transport mechanism and the sample plate when the sample plate on the plate installation stand is taken out from the transport window portion by the gripping portion.