Single Actuator Shaker for Biological Liquid Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample-taking devices for biological liquids are complex and costly, with a lack of reliability and efficiency in automating the sample processing chain, particularly for entry-level products.
Innovation Solution
A shaking and sample-taking device that uses a single actuator to perform tilting movements between two positions to mix and extract samples from tubes, featuring a static sampling mechanism with a perforator, aspirator, and pusher, allowing for precise sampling and reduced mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple actuators are used to perform shaking and sampling functions, then the functionality and automation level are improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it drives the shaker to mix tubes and simultaneously drives the pusher to advance tubes for sampling. This multi-functional actuator reduces the total number of actuators from multiple to one, thereby simplifying device complexity while maintaining full automation capability for both shaking and sampling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The driving functions for the shaker mechanism and the pusher mechanism are merged into a single actuator system. The actuator's motion is transmitted through a mechanical linkage system that coordinates both the shaking motion of tubes and the linear advancement of the pusher, combining what would traditionally require separate actuators into one integrated system
2Extent of automation
If multiple actuators and moving sampling members are used, then the sampling capability is improved, but the reliability decreases due to more moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having a moving sampling member that travels to each tube, the invention inverts the approach by making the tube rack move to a fixed sampling position. The pusher advances tubes sequentially to a stationary sampling point, where the sampling operation occurs. This inversion reduces the number of moving components in the sampling mechanism while maintaining automatic sampling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The complex moving sampling mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simple fixed sampling point. Only the essential tube advancement function remains active through the pusher, while the sampling operation occurs at a stationary location, thereby removing unnecessary moving parts that would reduce reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical mechanisms are used for shaking and sampling, then the functionality is improved, but the production costs and assembly times increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator performs both shaking and tube advancement functions, eliminating the need for separate actuators and their associated mounting, wiring, and control systems. This reduces production costs and simplifies assembly while maintaining the ability to perform both shaking and sampling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention discards complex mechanical mechanisms in favor of a simplified system where a single actuator drives essential functions through clever mechanical linkages. By removing unnecessary complexity, the device becomes easier to manufacture and assemble while retaining full sample processing capability
4Ease of manufacture
If a static sampling mechanism with single actuator is used, then the production cost is reduced, but the sampling precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher mechanism preliminarily positions each tube precisely at the sampling location before the sampling operation occurs. By pre-positioning tubes with high accuracy at the fixed sampling point, the system ensures sampling precision is maintained despite using a simpler single-actuator mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical positioning systems are replaced with a streamlined single-actuator mechanism that uses controlled motion and precise timing to achieve accurate tube positioning. The simplification maintains precision through careful mechanical design rather than through complex multi-actuator coordination
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 device enhances reliability and reduces production costs by simplifying the sampling process, improving the efficiency of sample extraction with a single actuator and static components, while maintaining high precision and minimizing mechanical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the shaker is also arranged to tilt beyond the shaking position furthest away from the insertion position of a rack to remove same by gravity
Implementation Method 2
a spring arranged to be compressed when the shaker tilts beyond this position, such that the cover does not prevent the rack from coming out
Data Source
AI summary
A device for shaking and sampling biological liquids that is able to take a sample of a biological liquid in a tube including a shaker designed to mix a rack holding one or more tubes by performing a succession of tilting movements between two shaking positions. The shaker is also arranged to tilt beyond the shaking position furthest away from the insertion position of a rack to discharge same by gravity.