Tapered Cover Member for Fluid Container Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection devices and analyzers face issues with accurately inserting tubular members into fluid containers due to the need for precise positioning of holding members to block container openings, which can be challenging without a precisely designed vertical movement mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The use of cover members with a continuously decreasing cross-sectional area, matching the shape of the container openings, to securely fit over the tubular members and prevent inclination, allowing for accurate insertion without a complex vertical movement mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a holding member covers an open part to block the opening, then the opening can be blocked, but the holding member cannot block the opening if not accurately positioned relative to the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide member as an intermediary component between the holding member and the opening. The guide member has a guide portion that fits into a guide groove on the container, automatically guiding the holding member to the correct position. This mediator eliminates the need for high positioning precision of the holding member itself, as the guide structure provides the alignment automatically during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove is pre-formed on the container surface, and the guide portion is pre-formed on the guide member. When the holding member is inserted, the pre-formed guide structures automatically engage and establish the correct position before the holding member needs to block the opening. This preliminary preparation of guiding structures ensures proper positioning without requiring high precision in the holding member's manufacturing or positioning mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If a precisely designed vertical movement mechanism is used to position the holding member, then the opening can be blocked accurately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member acts as a mediator that simplifies the positioning process. Instead of relying on a complex vertical movement mechanism to achieve precise positioning, the guide member's guide portion automatically aligns with the guide groove, providing a simple mechanical guidance system that ensures accurate positioning without complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure enables self-alignment and self-positioning. When the holding member is inserted vertically, the guide portion automatically follows the guide groove to the correct position, and the holding member automatically blocks the opening at the right height. This self-service positioning eliminates the need for complex external positioning mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the cross sectional area of the cover member is constant, then the structure is simpler, but the cover member cannot prevent inclination of the tubular member during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member's cross-sectional area is changed along its length, creating a tapered structure. The cross-sectional area decreases from the top end toward the bottom end. This parameter change provides a wedge-shaped interface that prevents inclination during insertion, as the tapered shape naturally guides the tubular member into the correct vertical position while blocking the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member has an asymmetric cross-sectional profile along its length, with the cross-sectional area varying systematically. This asymmetric design creates a unique fitting geometry that prevents rotation or inclination of the tubular member during insertion, ensuring stable and accurate positioning without requiring additional symmetrical support structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device for connecting to a plurality of fluid containers that have openings, and a sample analyzer body for analyzing samples using reagent, is disclosed, which comprises: a plurality of tubular members for passing liquid, the plurality of tubular members being inserted in the fluid containers through the openings of the plurality of fluid containers; a holding member to hold the plurality of tubular members; and a plurality of cover members to be fitted to the opening of the fluid container, wherein the plurality of cover members are arranged in a predetermined positional relationship on the holding member side of the plurality of tubular members; configured with a continuously decreasing cross sectional area toward the fluid container side; and the shape of the cross section of the cover member is substantially the same as the shape of the corresponding opening of the fluid container.