Sample Feeder Carrier Plate Rotation Gravity Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample feeders often have complex constructions that are prone to malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A sample feeder comprising a base apparatus with a dispensing device and an activation apparatus, and a carrier apparatus with sample receptacles and a closure apparatus, where the activation apparatus controls the carrier and closure apparatus to move samples from selected receptacles to the dispensing device using rotational and linear movement mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex mechanisms are used for sample selection and transfer, then sample feeding capability is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample feeder is divided into two separable parts: a base apparatus and a carrier apparatus. The carrier apparatus can be removed and replaced independently, allowing simple refilling of samples without complex mechanisms. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient sample feeding through modular design rather than complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample receptacles are designed to utilize gravity for automatic sample discharge. When a receptacle is opened, the sample automatically falls out due to gravitational force without requiring additional actuators or complex transfer mechanisms. This self-service approach improves sample feeding capability while minimizing device complexity.
2Productivity
If complex mechanisms are used for sample selection and transfer, then sample feeding capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to more components
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses gravity as a natural force to automatically discharge samples from receptacles. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical transfer mechanisms, reducing the number of moving parts and potential failure points. The self-service nature of gravity-driven sample discharge improves reliability while maintaining feeding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier apparatus is designed as a separate, removable component that can be easily detached and replaced. This extraction of the sample storage function from the base apparatus reduces the complexity and potential failure points of the main system, improving overall reliability while maintaining efficient sample feeding through simple carrier replacement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If closure apparatus is used to prevent sample discharge, then sample retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure apparatus utilizes the natural tendency of samples to remain in closed receptacles under gravity. By simply closing the receptacle opening, the system passively retains samples without requiring active locking mechanisms or complex seals. This self-service approach improves sample retention while minimizing closure mechanism complexity.
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 solution enables simple and reliable sample feeding with minimal components, utilizing gravity to facilitate sample selection and transfer, thus reducing the risk of malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
The activation apparatus effects that each sample falls from the carrier apparatus out of its sample receptacle by the force of gravity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample feeder for dispensing samples includes a base apparatus, an dispensing device, and an activation apparatus. A carrier apparatus includes a carrier plate, a plurality of sample receptacles in the form of traversing passageways, and a platelike closure apparatus. The activation apparatus includes a rotational movement apparatus and a linear movement apparatus. The rotational movement apparatus rotates the carrier plate about an axis, relative to which the closure apparatus is embodied movably. The closure apparatus in a first position relative to the axis closes an end of each sample receptacle and in a second position relative to the axis opens the end of exactly one sample receptacle. The linear movement apparatus moves the closure apparatus between the first and the second position. An analyzer includes a sample feeder according to the present disclosure.