Tiltable Vessel Support With Automated Retention for Secure Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vessel support apparatuses in scientific and analytical applications lack the ability to securely hold vessels during operation, particularly in applications requiring movement or oscillation, and often require significant user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A vessel support apparatus comprising a base, a tiltable stage with retention members that can extend and retract to securely hold vessels, allowing movement in multiple axes and planes, and incorporating load sensors and actuators for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a vessel is secured to the stage using retention members, then the vessel stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into multiple independent retention members (first and second retention members) that can be individually controlled. Each retention member has its own actuator, allowing independent operation to secure or release the vessel. This segmentation enables stable vessel holding while maintaining operational flexibility and reducing the complexity of coordinating a single complex retention mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention members are designed to be dynamically controllable through actuators that can extend or retract them as needed. The system transitions between static (secured) and dynamic (releasable) states, allowing the vessel to be firmly held during operation but easily released when needed. This dynamic capability provides stability during use while simplifying the overall system through automated control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stage is made tiltable and movable in multiple axes, then the operational versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional actuators and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The stage is designed with multiple degrees of freedom, enabling it to perform tilting and movement in multiple axes. This multi-functional capability allows the same stage structure to accommodate various operational requirements (mixing, incubation, transfer) without needing separate specialized devices, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through a unified platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The stage incorporates automated actuators that enable self-positioning and self-tilting capabilities. The system can automatically adjust its orientation and position according to programmed sequences, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying operation despite the complex mechanical structure. The automated control system manages the complexity by providing intuitive, program-driven operation.
3Ease of operation
If automated actuators and load sensors are integrated, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional electronic components and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
Load sensors are integrated into the system to provide real-time feedback on vessel placement and retention member engagement. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to automatically adjust actuator operation, confirm proper vessel securing, and prevent errors. The feedback loop simplifies operation by providing automated confirmation and control, reducing the need for manual monitoring despite the added electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical retention and positioning operations are replaced with automated actuators controlled by electronic systems. The actuators automatically extend and retract retention members, tilt the stage, and position the vessel according to programmed sequences. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated electromechanical systems improves ease of operation while consolidating control functions to manage overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure relate to a vessel support apparatus and to uses of the vessel support, such as in the laboratory setting. Apparatus of this disclosure may secure a vessel thereto, such as when the apparatus is in operation or use. Vessel support apparatus will comprise a vessel supporting means and one or more means for securing the vessel to the supporting means.