Three-Dimensional Reciprocating Mixing Plate for Particulate Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to thoroughly mix liquid samples and reagents in a cost-effective and efficient manner, particularly when handling varying volumes and including particulates, such as magnetic beads, in biochemistry and biopharmaceutical laboratories.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device with a framework of motors and mounts that reciprocally drive a plate nest in three dimensions, inducing a vortex in containers through synchronized or random motion patterns, and incorporating a control circuit for coordinated motor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional mixing devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the mixing thoroughness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional orbital mixing to three-dimensional mixing by adding vertical reciprocating motion. The platform performs both horizontal orbital movement and vertical up-down reciprocating motion, creating complex three-dimensional fluid trajectories that dramatically improve mixing thoroughness for liquids and suspensions containing particulates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic motion patterns including variable speed orbital movement, random or synchronized reciprocating vertical motions, and adjustable mixing cycles. The system can operate in different modes (random reciprocating, synchronized reciprocating, orbital only) to adapt to different sample types and mixing requirements, enhancing both thoroughness and flexibility.
2Productivity
If conventional mixing devices are used, then the device is simple, but the mixing efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
By adding vertical reciprocating motion to horizontal orbital motion, the system creates three-dimensional fluid circulation patterns that significantly reduce mixing time and improve efficiency. The vertical motion component generates vortexes and enhances turbulence, leading to faster and more thorough mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic reciprocating vertical motion combined with orbital movement, creating cyclic mixing patterns that continuously renew fluid contact and accelerate mixing. The periodic nature of the reciprocating motion ensures consistent mixing action throughout the mixing cycle.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional mixing devices are used, then the device is cost-effective, but the mixing thoroughness for samples with particulates is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional mixing action created by combining vertical reciprocating motion with horizontal orbital motion effectively addresses the mixing challenges of particulate suspensions. The vertical motion component prevents particulate settling and ensures uniform distribution, while the system remains relatively simple in construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic mixing adaptability through adjustable orbital speeds, reciprocating frequencies, and motion patterns (random vs. synchronized). This allows optimization for different sample types including those with particulates, maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving mixing thoroughness across various applications.
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
Enhances mixing efficiency by moving containers through three dimensions, facilitating thorough mixing and vortex formation, thereby improving sample and reagent processing consistency and reducing human error.
Implementation Method 1
The motors may reciprocally drive the mounts in a vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
operating the motors to induce a mixing motion in the container
Implementation Method 3
the ability to generate a vortex in a liquid within a container
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing device has a plate that defines a cradle for receiving containers of various types capable of holding samples and reagents. The rectangular plate is mounted at its corners to mounts which in turn connect to motors. An adapter plate translates the rotational output of the motor to reciprocating vertical motion of the mounts. The motors can be controlled to sequentially drive the mounts up and down thereby creating three dimensional motion of the plate and inducing a vortex into the liquids with a container received into the nest plate.