Syringe Mounting Apparatus With Interchangeable Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current auto-samplers face challenges in reducing and eliminating sample carryover and cross-contamination, particularly when dealing with clinical samples and samples with a broad dynamic range of analytes, and lack flexibility in handling different sample volumes and tasks.
Innovation Solution
A syringe mounting apparatus with a coupling mechanism using balls lockable by a slide member and indexed by magnets, allowing for interchangeable syringe components and a plunger connector for reciprocal movement, along with a programmable control system for operating the plunger driver and selectively engaging/disengaging syringe components, enabling flexible and contamination-reduced sample handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If syringes are made disposable to eliminate sample carryover, then cross-contamination is reduced, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe system is divided into separable components: a reusable mounting apparatus and disposable syringe units. This segmentation allows the expensive mounting mechanism to be reused while only the syringe components are discarded, reducing overall cost compared to disposing of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables recovery and reuse of the mounting apparatus, plunger driver, and coupling mechanism while discarding only the syringe components that contact samples. This selective discarding approach recovers valuable components and reduces waste-related costs.
2Loss of substance
If syringes are made reusable to reduce cost, then system expense decreases, but sample carryover and cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe components (barrel, plunger, tip) are designed as inexpensive disposable units that are discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for costly cleaning and sterilization processes while preventing cross-contamination, as each new syringe is guaranteed clean.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the syringe into disposable components and a reusable mounting apparatus, the invention allows frequent replacement of contact components without replacing the entire system, balancing cost and contamination prevention.
3Extent of automation
If fixed syringe arrays are used in gantry style, then automated sampling is achieved, but flexibility for different tasks and sample volumes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus incorporates a dynamic coupling mechanism with spring-loaded balls and a movable locking member that enables quick interchange of syringes. This dynamic design allows rapid task switching between different syringes without complex reconfiguration, maintaining automation while improving flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable mounting apparatus is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate different syringe types and configurations. The standardized coupling mechanism allows a single mounting device to perform multiple sampling tasks with various syringes, enhancing versatility without requiring multiple specialized systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex multi-axis transport mechanisms are used for syringe interchange, then syringe replacement capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism uses spring-loaded balls that automatically engage with grooves on the syringe barrel when inserted. The locking member with actuator allows operator-initiated locking without complex mechanisms - the system performs the coupling function automatically once basic positioning is achieved, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded balls act as intermediaries between the mounting apparatus and syringe barrel, providing automatic alignment and engagement. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the coupling process by eliminating the need for precision multi-axis positioning, requiring only rough placement followed by automatic ball engagement.
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 solution effectively reduces and eliminates sample carryover by allowing for easy interchangeability of syringe components and precise control over plunger movement, enhancing the flexibility and contamination control in auto-sampler systems, particularly suitable for clinical and dynamic range samples.
Implementation Method 1
The two positions of the slide member are indexed by respective pairs of magnets in the upper surface of the slide member and in an opposing surface of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a ring which is slidable about the outside of the sleeve and which is engaged by a compression spring to push the balls into the groove
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Syringe mounting apparatus includes a body (25,300), and a coupling mechanism (20) on the body having a housing (22) to receive a barrel of a syringe component and means (28) to detachably engage the barrel and thereby interchangeably retain the syringe component. A plunger connector (60) is positioned with respect to the housing for operably coupling a plunger driver to a plunger element in the barrel of a syringe component when it is interchangeably retained by the coupling mechanism. The plunger connector includes means (74) for detachably engaging the plunger element in a manner allowing the plunger driver to effect reciprocatory movement of the plunger element longitudinally of the barrel for drawing fluid into or expelling fluid from the syringe component. Also disclosed are a syringe system, a disposable syringe component, and a syringe component with engagement features.