Sample Container Positioning Mechanism for Automatic Analyzers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The automatic analyzing apparatus faces issues with sample containers floating due to friction between the probe and the sealing plug, leading to potential device stoppages and probe damage, especially during re-inspection processes, due to the complexity and increased costs of existing solutions that require additional mechanisms to prevent lifting.
Innovation Solution
A configuration involving a fixed plate with a hole shape for the probe and a spring mechanism to hold the sample container in place, combined with a push-down mechanism using rollers or slopes to prevent the container from floating and ensure accurate dispensing, addresses the issue by maintaining the sample container's position and preventing contact with internal apparatus components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanism for holding the sample container is provided separately from the probe elevating mechanism, then the sample container lifting issue is resolved, but the device structure becomes complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the probe elevating mechanism and the sample container holding mechanism into a single integrated structure. The probe pierces through the sealing plug while the sample container is held by the same mechanical structure that moves the probe, eliminating the need for a separate holding mechanism and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The probe elevating mechanism is designed to serve dual functions: both moving the probe vertically for piercing and holding the sample container in place during the piercing operation. This multi-functional design prevents sample container lifting while avoiding additional mechanical components
2Productivity
If the probe is pulled out from the rubber stopper after suctioning, then the sample can be discharged, but the sample container lifts up due to friction between the probe and rubber stopper
Solution Approach 1:
The probe elevating mechanism is integrated with the sample container holding function, so that when the probe is pulled out after suctioning, the holding structure prevents the sample container from lifting due to friction forces between the probe and rubber stopper
Solution Approach 2:
The sample container is held in place by the integrated mechanism before the probe is pulled out, preventing any potential lifting action that could occur during the probe extraction process
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
This solution effectively prevents sample container floating, ensuring high reliability of the automatic analyzing apparatus by maintaining accurate dispensing and avoiding device stoppages or probe damage, while simplifying the structure and reducing costs compared to previous solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism to hold the sample container in place
Implementation Method 2
when the probe lifts up after having suctioned the sample, the probe and the sample container lift up integrally due to friction between the probe and the rubber stopper of the sample container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An object is to push down, toward a rack, a sample container floated due to friction between a probe and a sealing plug such as a rubber stopper when pulling out the probe. An automatic analyzing apparatus is provided which includes a member 401 fixed at a predetermined level which presses down the sample container sealed with the sealing plug that is floated from the rack due to friction between the probe and the sealing plug when pulling out the probe from the sample container sealed with the sealing plug, and a mechanism 402 that pushes down, toward the rack, the sample container sealed with the floated sealing plug in which the sample container sealed with the floated sealing plug is transported by the transport line, and disposed on a path of the transport line until re-inspection is performed after pulling out the probe from the sample container sealed with the sealing plug.