Spring-Loaded Undercut Block for Lab Vessel Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory mixing devices with temperature control often require complex and cumbersome attachment mechanisms for exchangeable blocks, making it difficult for users to easily attach and detach blocks by hand, especially during mixing and temperature control processes.
Innovation Solution
A detachable connection using a spring element that creates a secure, form-fit connection between the accommodating device and the exchangeable block, allowing for easy handling and operation, with a spring tension that ensures a stable thermally conductive link and prevents horizontal movement, utilizing undercuts and lateral pressure components for secure attachment and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to firmly attach the exchangeable block to the accommodating device, then the block remains stable during mixing and temperature control, but the block becomes difficult to attach and detach by hand
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static firm attachment to a dynamic spring-based connection that automatically adjusts tension. The spring element provides sufficient holding force during mixing while allowing easy attachment and detachment through lateral pressure components that engage and disengage under lateral force.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a spring element for providing holding force, undercut structures for form-fit connection, and lateral pressure components for easy engagement. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function while working together to solve the contradiction.
2Strength
If the contact surface between the accommodating device and exchangeable block is made flat for good thermal contact, then thermal conductivity is improved, but the connection becomes less secure against horizontal movement
Solution Approach 1:
The solution merges two previously separate functions into a unified connection structure: the flat contact surface for thermal conduction is integrated with undercut structures and spring elements that provide horizontal stabilization. This combination achieves both thermal conductivity and horizontal movement resistance in a single integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface uses a composite approach combining metallic materials for thermal conduction with elastomeric spring elements for mechanical stability. This material composite allows the same structure to excel at both heat transfer and preventing horizontal displacement.
3Productivity
If multiple exchangeable blocks are attached to the accommodating device, then throughput and productivity are increased, but the complexity of ensuring proper attachment and thermal contact for all blocks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based connection mechanism with undercut structures and lateral pressure components serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides form-fit connection, ensures thermal contact through flat surfaces, and enables easy attachment/detachment. This universal mechanism can be replicated for multiple blocks without increasing individual block complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically maintains optimal contact pressure and thermal connection once the blocks are attached. The mechanism self-regulates the connection force and thermal contact quality without requiring external adjustment or monitoring for each individual block.
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
Enables secure, efficient, and user-friendly attachment and detachment of exchangeable blocks, maintaining a stable thermally conductive connection during mixing and temperature control, reducing operational complexity and ensuring secure handling of laboratory vessels.
Implementation Method 1
The detachable connection is formed by a spring element, which with its spring tension tightens a first undercut in the two mould parts undercutting into one another, horizontally, in at least one direction
Implementation Method 2
a source of heat or sink on the temperature control device heats at least one contact surface on the top, and this contact surface has a thermally conductive link to the exchangeable block mounted on it
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for mixing and controlling the temperature of laboratory vessel contents with an accommodating device in detachable connection with an exchangeable block for accommodating and controlling the temperature of laboratory vessels and with a drive by which the accommodating device can be set in a mixing motion, and with a temperature control device with a heat source or sink in heat-conducting connection with the exchangeable block at least through in each case at least one adjoining contact face firstly on the accommodating device and secondly on the exchangeable block, which is characterized in that the detachable connection is maintained by a spring element which, by virtue of its spring force, horizontally clamps together a first undercut between the accommodating device and the exchangeable block in at least one first direction.