Sample Tube Locking Assembly for Consistent Manifold Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems face difficulties in securely attaching sample tubes due to handling challenges, potential damage from rotation, and inconsistent sealing, leading to leaks or damage during testing.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly with a movable ramp block and lever mechanism that securely engages the sample tube assembly with the manifold using angled surfaces, providing haptic feedback and ensuring consistent force application to prevent damage and ensure proper sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sample tubes are attached by rotating threaded connectors (collet nuts), then the sample tube can be secured to the manifold, but friction during rotation can damage the sample tube, sealing mechanisms, or sealing members
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the sample tube or sealing members to achieve engagement, the patent inverts the approach by using a rotating cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear axial motion. This linear motion engages the sample tube with the manifold, eliminating direct rotational friction on the sealing surfaces while still achieving secure attachment.
2Ease of manufacture
If sample tubes are loaded by handling multiple loose parts with one hand, then the measurement system can be assembled, but the process becomes awkward and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple loose parts (sample tube, sealing members, and retention mechanism) into a pre-assembled sample tube assembly. This integration allows the user to load a single unified component rather than handling multiple separate parts, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining assembly functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members and retention mechanism are pre-installed on the sample tube before use, creating a pre-assembled unit. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to manually assemble multiple components during operation, reducing complexity and improving ease of loading.
3Reliability
If sample tubes are over or under rotated during loading, then the sealing members may be over or under compressed, but this causes inconsistent loading and potential sealing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a cam mechanism with defined engagement positions that provide mechanical feedback during the loading process. The cam's geometric profile ensures that the sample tube assembly is engaged to a precise, consistent position, eliminating over- or under-compression of sealing members and ensuring reliable sealing without requiring complex electronic control systems.
4Temperature
If sample tubes are held at high or low temperatures during testing, then the measurement can be performed, but the tubes become difficult to handle and may be dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retention mechanism with a retention member that acts as an intermediary between the user and the hot/cold sample tube. This mechanism securely holds the sample tube in place during loading and testing, allowing users to handle the assembly safely even when the sample tube is at extreme temperatures, thereby improving ease of operation without limiting the temperature range for testing.
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
Facilitates easy and secure attachment of sample tubes with reduced risk of damage and leaks, ensuring consistent sealing and prolonged component life by using linear motion to engage the sample tube assembly with the manifold.
Implementation Method 1
The ramp block can include surface features (e.g., including angled or ramped surfaces) configured to engage and move the sample tube assembly toward and into engagement with the sample manifold as the ramp block is moved between the plurality of positions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is, in one aspect, directed to a locking assembly for securing a sample tube assembly to a sample manifold of a measurement system. The locking assembly includes a ramp block having one or more slots defined therein and configured to at least partially receive a portion of the sample tube assembly. The ramp block also includes a plurality of surface features defined therealong and configured to engage and move the sample tube assembly toward and into engagement with the sample manifold. The ramp block further is movable between a plurality of positions including an open position for allowing the sample tube assembly to be received through the one or more slots or openings, and a closed position substantially sealing the sample tube assembly against or within the sample manifold. Other aspects also are described.