Sensor Elevator Float Mechanism for Precise Oxygen Probe Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterility testing systems face challenges in accurately measuring oxygen levels within cassettes due to the need for precise placement of sensors, which can result in damage to equipment and misalignment when contact forces are not managed properly.
Innovation Solution
A sensor elevator assembly with a float mechanism, including a linear slide and springs, allows for precise control and cushioning to reduce impact and sustained forces on the cassette lid, ensuring accurate sensor placement and minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor probe is placed directly on the cassette lid, then the sensor can measure oxygen levels, but the contact force may damage the equipment or cause misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a float mechanism with springs that are pre-configured to compress and absorb impact forces before the sensor probe contacts the cassette lid. This cushioning mechanism is built into the sensor elevator assembly, ensuring that any contact force is reduced to prevent damage or misalignment while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sensor probe and the cassette lid. Instead of direct contact, the float mechanism with its compressible springs mediates the interaction, allowing the sensor to measure oxygen levels through the cassette lid while the float absorbs and reduces any contact forces that might otherwise cause damage or misalignment.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor probe is positioned precisely for accurate measurement, then measurement precision improves, but the risk of damage from contact forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float mechanism with pre-compressed springs provides beforehand cushioning that protects equipment durability while maintaining precise sensor placement. The springs are configured to engage before any damaging contact occurs, absorbing impact forces and preventing damage to the cassette lid or sensor probe, thus ensuring both measurement precision and equipment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism serves as an intermediary that reconciles the need for precise positioning with equipment protection. It allows the sensor probe to achieve accurate placement while the float's compressible nature mediates any contact forces, preventing damage and maintaining both measurement accuracy and equipment reliability throughout operation.
3Ease of operation
If the sensor elevator applies force to move the sensor probe, then positioning control is achieved, but sustained force may damage the cassette lid
Solution Approach 1:
The float mechanism with springs provides beforehand cushioning against sustained forces. As the sensor elevator moves the probe into position, the float mechanism is already configured to compress and absorb any sustained contact forces, allowing precise positioning control while preventing damage from continuous pressure on the cassette lid.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism acts as an intermediary that enables ease of operation for sensor positioning while protecting against harmful sustained forces. The compressible springs in the float mechanism mediate between the positioning force and the cassette lid, allowing controlled movement and accurate placement without transmitting damaging sustained forces to the lid.
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 sensor elevator assembly provides precise sensor placement while reducing the risk of equipment damage and misalignment, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of oxygen level measurements in sterility testing.
Implementation Method 1
the float mechanism includes a linear slide and one or more springs
Implementation Method 2
configured to reduce or eliminate a sustained or impact force of the sensor on the lid of the cassette
Implementation Method 3
The sensor probe may perform one or more of emitting light or receiving a fluorescence signal
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments provide a new type of sensor elevator assembly for testing the environment within a microbial growth cassette, and techniques for using the assembly. The sensor elevator may support various types of sensors, such as oxygen or carbon dioxide probes or temperature sensors. In some embodiments, the elevator assembly includes a unique float mechanism in the form of a linear slide and spring system that allows the elevator assembly to be controlled very precisely and provides some cushioning in the event that the sensor makes contact with the optical lid. Thus, the impact and sustained forces exerted on the cassette can be reduced or eliminated. This helps to mitigate the risks of fiber optic damage or cassette misalignment due to excess force exerted during sensing.