Zeta-Potential Measurement Jig With Groove-Protrusion Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing zeta-potential measurement jigs require complex and cumbersome fixing methods, which can lead to sample leakage and damage to the electrophoretic mobility measuring device, complicating the placement and alignment of the sample cell.

Innovation Solution

A zeta-potential measurement jig with a frame body, intermediate block, cell retainer, and pressing portions that allow for simple and secure placement of the sample cell, using grooves and protrusions for easy assembly and alignment, and a mechanism to prevent sample leakage through the use of pressing portions and a cell retainer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bolts and nuts are used to fix the cell in the zeta-potential measurement jig, then the cell can be securely fixed, but the fixing work becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixing of cellVSAvoidfixing work complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism is segmented into a separate cell retainer component that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The cell retainer includes a retainer body with through-holes for sample introduction/removal, and pressing portions that apply force to press the cell against the intermediate block, separating the fixing function from the main jig structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cell retainer acts as an intermediary component between the cell and the measurement jig. It includes pressing portions that transmit pressing force from the first and second pressing portions to the cell, indirectly securing the cell without requiring direct bolting to the jig structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple nuts are tightened with appropriate torque for precise light radiation angle, then measurement precision is improved, but the work becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight radiation angle precisionVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cell retainer is pre-assembled with the pressing portions and through-holes in the correct configuration. The groove structures on the intermediate block and cell are designed beforehand to guide proper alignment, so that when the cell retainer is installed, the light radiation angle is automatically correct without requiring multiple torque adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The groove-protrusion alignment mechanism and pressing portion configuration enable the cell to self-align and self-secure at the correct angle. The structure automatically maintains the appropriate light radiation angle through its geometric design, eliminating the need for operator intervention to adjust multiple nuts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the cell is securely fixed with bolts and nuts, then sample leakage is prevented, but the placement and alignment work is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample containmentVSAvoidsample placement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism transitions from a static bolt-and-nut assembly to a dynamic pressing system. The first and second pressing portions can apply adjustable pressing force to the cell through the cell retainer, allowing the cell to be securely contained while enabling quick release and repositioning for sample replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing mechanism adds a vertical pressing dimension to the traditional horizontal bolting approach. The pressing portions apply force in the vertical direction to press the cell against the intermediate block, creating a new dimension of containment that simplifies assembly compared to multi-directional bolting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3896439B1Zeta-potential measurement jig
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 OTSUKA DENSHI CO LTD
  • EP3896439B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3896439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3896439B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a zeta-potential measurement jig which does not require dedicated tools and enables placement of a sample in a cell with simple work. Provided is a zeta-potential measurement jig, to be used for an electrophoretic mobility measuring device, including: a frame body including: a first holding wall and a second holding wall; and a bottom wall; an intermediate block, and a cell retainer, wherein at least one of the first holding wall or the second holding wall has one of a first groove or a first protrusion to be elastically fitted into the first groove, which is configured to support the intermediate block on a lateral side, and wherein the intermediate block has another one of the first groove or the first protrusion.