Spiral-Rod Dosing Apparatus for Precise Reagent Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current weighing and sampling methods for biochemical reagents, particularly powders, involve manual operations that are inaccurate, prone to errors, and can lead to contamination and waste due to human intervention.

Innovation Solution

A dosing apparatus and system that includes a conveying channel with a spiral rod mechanism to automate the weighing and sampling process, controlling the mass flow rate by adjusting the rotational speed of the spiral rods, and incorporating features like meshing transmission connections and outlet valves to prevent leakage and contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual weighing and sampling operations are used, then the operation is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the accuracy is low and errors are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweighing accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical weighing operations with an automated conveying mechanism that uses a balance to measure mass. The conveying mechanism automatically transports reagent from the container through the weighing station to the sampling station, eliminating manual intervention and improving measurement accuracy while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service automation where the conveying mechanism automatically performs weighing and sampling operations without human intervention. The balance automatically measures the reagent mass, and the system automatically controls the sampling process based on the measured mass, achieving high precision while simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of substance

If manual sampling operations are used, then the equipment requirement is low, but reagent may fall or float during movement leading to waste and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereagent wasteVSAvoidconveying mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a conveying mechanism as an intermediary device between the reagent container and the sampling destination. This mechanism provides a controlled pathway for reagent transfer, preventing falling and floating issues associated with manual handling. The conveying mechanism includes features like sealed channels and controlled discharge to minimize reagent loss and contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If manual weighing and sampling are performed, then the setup is simple, but contamination of reagent may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereagent purityVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual handling operations with an automated conveying and weighing system that minimizes human contact with the reagent. The sealed conveying mechanism and automated sampling process reduce the risk of contamination from human hands, tools, or environment, thereby improving reagent purity while managing system complexity through integrated automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If automated conveying mechanism is used to control mass flow rate, then weighing accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass flow rate controlVSAvoidconveying mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the balance measures the reagent mass in real-time, and this measurement feedback is used to control the conveying mechanism's speed and operation. The system automatically adjusts the mass flow rate based on the measured mass to achieve the desired sampling amount, improving precision while managing complexity through intelligent control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual control of mass flow rate with an automated system that uses electronic control based on balance measurements. The conveying mechanism's speed and operation are automatically regulated by the control system according to real-time mass feedback, achieving precise mass flow control without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system achieves accurate and automated weighing and sampling of reagents, minimizing errors and contamination, and is capable of handling small doses with high precision, while being compact and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

the conveying mechanism includes at least one first spiral rod disposed within the first channel; the first spiral rod is adapted to be driven to rotate in a first direction to convey the reagent within the first channel to the first channel second opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew conveyance: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS20250224419A1Dosing apparatus and dosing system including the same
Publication Date: 2025.07.10 IMOTION SHANGHAI PROD DESIGN
  • US20250224419A1 patent drawing
  • US20250224419A1 patent drawing
  • US20250224419A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A dosing apparatus and a dosing system including the same. The dosing apparatus includes: a conveying channel, which has a conveying channel first opening connecting with an external container to allow a reagent within the container to enter the conveying channel, and a conveying channel second opening connecting with an outside of the conveying channel to allow the reagent to leave the conveying channel; and a conveying mechanism, provided within the conveying channel and is adapted to be driven to move to convey the reagent within the conveying channel to the conveying channel second opening, as well as to control the mass flow rate of the reagent exiting through the conveying channel second opening by adjusting the movement speed of the conveying mechanism.