Sample Receiving Element with Segmented Base for Magnetic Stirring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic stirrers experience energy losses due to induced electric currents, such as eddy currents, which weaken the magnetic drive field, reducing efficiency and limiting the use of metal drive magnets.
Innovation Solution
A sample receiving element with a separation layer of higher specific electrical resistance than the base material, which interrupts induced electric currents, is integrated into the laboratory device, allowing for efficient use of drive energy and enabling the use of rare earth metal drive magnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a continuous base layer of aluminum or aluminum alloy is used for good heat transfer, then thermal conductivity is improved, but energy losses due to induced electric currents increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous base layer is divided into multiple segments by introducing a separation layer with higher electrical resistance. This segmentation interrupts the paths of induced electric currents while preserving the thermal conductivity of the aluminum segments, thereby reducing energy losses without compromising heat transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation layer is strategically positioned to have different electrical resistance properties than the base layer. The base layer maintains high electrical conductivity for thermal transfer, while the separation layer introduces high electrical resistance specifically to interrupt eddy currents, creating local quality differences that resolve the contradiction between heat transfer and energy loss.
2Strength
If a continuous base layer is used, then structural integrity is improved, but induced electric currents are enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The base layer is segmented into multiple sections by the separation layer, which interrupts the continuous path for electric currents. This segmentation reduces the magnitude of induced eddy currents while the segments remain structurally connected through the separation layer, maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample receiving element is constructed as a composite structure combining the aluminum base layer with a separation layer of different electrical and thermal properties. This composite design allows the aluminum to provide structural strength and thermal conductivity, while the separation layer provides electrical resistance to minimize induced currents.
3Temperature
If aluminum or aluminum alloy is used for the heating plate, then thermal conductivity is improved, but electrical conductivity increases leading to higher energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The aluminum base layer is divided into electrically isolated segments by the separation layer. This allows the aluminum to maintain its superior thermal conductivity for efficient heating, while the segmentation interrupts the electrical conductivity paths that would otherwise allow large eddy currents to form and cause energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation layer creates local quality differences in electrical conductivity within the overall structure. The aluminum regions maintain high electrical conductivity for thermal transfer efficiency, while the separation layer regions provide high electrical resistance to prevent energy losses from induced currents.
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 effectively reduces energy losses by minimizing induced currents, enhancing the efficiency of the magnetic drive and allowing for the use of rare earth metal drive magnets, thereby improving the overall performance of the laboratory device.
Implementation Method 1
the separation layer is formed of a separation layer material which has a greater specific electrical resistance than the at least one base material of the base layer
Implementation Method 2
during operation generates a changing magnetic field, which in turn sets a magnetic stirring bar provided in the sample receiving container in a stirring motion
Implementation Method 3
these eddy currents 21′ in turn generate a magnetic field which counteracts the magnetic field generating them
Implementation Method 4
a magnetic drive is arranged below the heating plate, which during operation generates a changing magnetic field
Implementation Method 5
which in turn sets a magnetic stirring bar provided in the sample receiving container in a stirring motion
Data Source
AI summary
A sample receiving element for use in or with a laboratory device (1), wherein the sample receiving element (3) is configured to receive a sample to be treated by the laboratory device (1) and is penetrated by a magnetic field (20) during operation of the laboratory device, and wherein the sample receiving element (3) is configured to effect, at least in sections, an interruption of an electric current (21) induced by changes in the magnetic field that penetrates the sample receiving element (3).