Spring Biased Plunger Adapter for Micro-Sample Cup Aspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for aspirating samples from small sample cups in clinical analyzers face challenges due to 'dead volume' issues, as the aspiration probe cannot precisely contact the bottom of the cup, leading to incomplete sample access, especially with varying cup heights.
Innovation Solution
A small sample cup rack adapter with a spring-biased plunger is used, allowing the probe to depress and minimize dead volume by adjusting to the exact height of the cup bottom, ensuring complete sample aspiration without damaging the probe or cup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the aspiration probe is lowered to contact the bottom of the small sample cup, then the dead volume is minimized and complete sample access is achieved, but the probe or small sample cup may be damaged due to uncertain bottom location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plunger as an intermediary component between the aspiration probe and the small sample cup. The plunger has a top surface that contacts the probe and a bottom surface that contacts the cup bottom, allowing the probe to reach the cup bottom through the plunger without direct contact, thus minimizing dead volume while preventing damage to the probe or cup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical contact system (probe touching cup bottom) with a controlled mechanical transmission system (probe -> plunger -> cup bottom). The plunger acts as a mechanical mediator that transmits the probing action while protecting the vulnerable components, substituting a potentially damaging direct mechanical interaction with a controlled indirect mechanical system.
2Reliability
If the probe is lowered to a standard height for all small sample cups, then the probe and cup are protected from damage, but the dead volume increases and complete sample access is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable plunger that can dynamically adjust its position based on the actual height of different small sample cups. The plunger moves vertically to contact the cup bottom, allowing the system to adapt to varying cup heights while maintaining protection. This dynamic adjustment enables complete sample access without requiring a fixed standard height that would compromise either safety or completeness.
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
This solution effectively reduces the 'dead volume' by allowing the probe to contact the bottom of the small sample cup, ensuring that the entire sample volume is accessed, regardless of the cup's height, thereby improving the efficiency of sample aspiration.
Implementation Method 1
an spring biased plunger moveably disposed within a generally cylindrical outer body
Data Source
AI summary
A small sample cup rack adapter having a spring biased plunger moveably disposed within a generally cylindrical outer body, with the plunger adapted to support a small sample cup within the outer body. After initial contact between an aspiration probe and the bottom of the small sample cup, the probe may be lowered an additional distance, minimizing the “dead volume” of sample.