An automatic sample preparation system for polymer composites

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of high polymer composite material automatic sample preparation system, comprising: operation platform;Mechanical hand, with end mechanical connection arm;Liquid weighing sample adding mechanism is used to carry test tube, and test tube is weighed;Magnetic stirring mechanism is used to carry the test tube that has added magneton, and the rotation of magneton in test tube is driven to realize stirring;Ultrasonic debubbling mechanism is used to carry out ultrasonic debubbling to test tube after stirring;Solidification mechanism is used to carry out solidification to sample in mould tray;Tool holder carries magneton adding mechanism, pipettor, transfer gripper, tray gripper.The mechanical hand of the application can accurately control the movement of each tool, reduces manual intervention, improves operation efficiency, meets the demand of efficient automatic sample preparation.Integrates liquid weighing sample adding, magnetic stirring, ultrasonic debubbling and solidification and multiple functions, realizes the full-process automation of sample preparation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of polymer composite material sample preparation technology, and in particular, to an automated polymer composite material sample preparation system. Background Technology

[0002] Sample preparation is a crucial step in the experimental research and production of polymer composite materials. Traditional sample preparation typically relies on manual operations, including steps such as weighing liquids, adding samples, stirring, defoaming, and curing. However, manual operations have several problems: firstly, they are inefficient and cannot meet the needs of large-scale experiments and production; secondly, the precision and consistency of manual operations are poor, easily leading to fluctuations in sample quality and affecting the accuracy and reliability of experimental results. Furthermore, manual operations may introduce contamination, affecting the purity and performance of the sample.

[0003] In recent years, with the development of automation and robotics technologies, some automated equipment has been introduced into the sample preparation process. However, existing equipment still has some shortcomings in practical applications. For example, some equipment has limited automation and still requires manual intervention for some operations; some equipment has low functional integration and requires multiple independent devices to work together, increasing equipment costs and operational complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes an automated sample preparation system for polymer composite materials.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] An automated sample preparation system for polymer composite materials includes: an operating platform; a robotic arm mounted on the operating platform, having an end-effector; a liquid weighing and dispensing mechanism for carrying test tubes and weighing them; a magnetic stirring mechanism for carrying test tubes with magnets and driving the magnets inside the test tubes to rotate for stirring; an ultrasonic defoaming mechanism for ultrasonically defoaming the stirred test tubes; a curing mechanism for curing the sample in a mold tray; and a tool holder carrying the magnetizing mechanism, a pipette and transfer grippers, and a tray gripper; the magnetizing mechanism, pipette and transfer grippers, and tray gripper are all detachably connected to the end-effector; the magnetizing mechanism attracts and transfers the magnets into the test tubes; the pipette draws liquid from the test tubes and outputs it into the mold tray; the transfer grippers grip the test tubes; and the tray grippers grip the mold tray.

[0007] Furthermore, the magnetizing mechanism includes: a base frame with a connecting plate for detachable connection to the end mechanical connecting arm; a sliding member, which is slidably mounted on the base frame; a lifting drive mechanism connected to the sliding member for driving the sliding member to move up and down; a suction head having an extended state and a retracted state, mounted on the bottom of the sliding member to move up and down with the sliding member to achieve switching between the extended and retracted states, with the suction head in the extended state being higher than the suction head in the retracted state; and a feeding component fixedly connected to the base frame for disengaging the magnet picked up by the suction head from the suction head during the movement of the suction head from the extended state to the retracted state.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom of the suction head is provided with a first positioning groove and a second positioning groove from bottom to top, and the cross-sectional profile of the second positioning groove is smaller than that of the first positioning groove; the center of the unloading part is provided with a central hole for the suction head to move; the bottom peripheral wall of the suction head is provided with a guide groove, and the bottom of the central hole is provided with an inwardly protruding paddle corresponding to the guide groove. The paddle can pass through the guide groove and enter the first positioning groove, so that when the suction head moves from the extended state to the retracted state, the paddle can move downward relative to the suction head along the guide groove, thereby pushing the magnetic piece embedded in the first positioning groove downward away from the first positioning groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the suction head is elastically mounted on the bottom of the sliding member, and during the elastic movement, the suction head is subjected to a downward elastic force; the sliding member includes a connecting shaft, on which a sliding sleeve is slidably fitted; the sliding sleeve has a central hole for slidably fitting onto the connecting shaft, and an abutment ring is installed at the bottom of the connecting shaft, the outer circumference of the abutment ring being larger than the hole; the upper end of the suction head is connected to the sliding sleeve, and an elastic element is sandwiched between the suction head and the abutment ring; the upper end of the suction head has a recessed limiting groove, and the elastic element is a compression spring, one end of which is embedded in the limiting groove and abuts against the bottom wall of the limiting groove, and the other end abuts against the abutment ring.

[0010] Furthermore, the curing mechanism includes a heating curing device; the device includes: a base mounted on an operating platform; a furnace body fixedly mounted above the base, having a furnace cavity with an opening on one side; a heating component installed inside the furnace cavity; a support structure located inside the furnace cavity for supporting the mold tray; a heat insulation plate located between the heating component and the support structure to prevent the heat radiation from the heating component from directly radiating to the mold tray on the support structure; a furnace door movably mounted on the base, having a closed state (closing the furnace cavity) and an open state (opening the furnace cavity); and a furnace door drive component for driving the furnace door to switch between the closed and open states.

[0011] Furthermore, a first fan is installed inside the furnace door. The first fan is used to drive the airflow in the furnace cavity to improve temperature uniformity. A fan blade cavity is provided on the side of the furnace door facing the furnace cavity, and a motor cavity is provided on the side facing away from the furnace cavity. The fan blade cavity and the motor cavity are connected through a shaft hole. The first fan includes a motor installed in the motor cavity and fan blades installed in the motor cavity. The rotating shaft of the motor passes through the shaft hole and is connected to the fan blades.

[0012] Furthermore, the ultrasonic defoaming mechanism includes an ultrasonic machine, a positioning frame, a water tank, and a water pump; the ultrasonic machine is provided with a receiving cavity with an opening at the upper end; the positioning frame is embedded in the receiving cavity and is used to position and place the test tube; the input end of the water pump is connected to the water tank, and the output end is connected to an output pipe extending to the receiving cavity to replenish water to the receiving cavity.

[0013] Furthermore, a drying cylinder is installed on the operating platform, and a support cylinder is installed inside the drying cylinder. Ventilation holes are provided on the peripheral wall and bottom wall of the support cylinder. Water-absorbing cotton is installed on the peripheral wall and bottom wall of the support cylinder. An internal air duct is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the support cylinder and the inner wall of the drying cylinder. A second fan blowing upwards is installed below the support cylinder of the drying cylinder.

[0014] Furthermore, the positioning frame includes a top positioning plate, a middle positioning plate, and a height limiting plate; the top positioning plate, the middle positioning plate, and the height limiting plate are arranged at intervals from top to bottom; the top positioning plate and the middle positioning plate are provided with positioning holes for inserting test tubes; the height limiting plate is provided with positioning grooves for embedding the bottom of test tubes; the top positioning plate is provided with water replenishment holes for output pipes to pass through; and a liquid level sensor is installed on the top positioning plate.

[0015] Furthermore, the curing mechanism includes a photocuring device with a photocuring chamber for photocuring samples on a mold tray within the photocuring chamber.

[0016] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] The entire sample preparation process is fully automated through a robotic arm. The robotic arm precisely controls the movement of each tool, reducing manual intervention, improving operational efficiency, and meeting the demands for highly efficient automated sample preparation. The liquid weighing and dispensing mechanism accurately weighs and dispenses samples, ensuring precise liquid dosage. The magnetic stirring mechanism achieves stirring by driving the rotation of a magnetic particle inside the test tube, ensuring uniform mixing. The ultrasonic defoaming mechanism effectively removes air bubbles from the liquid, improving sample purity and performance. The coordinated operation of these mechanisms significantly improves the accuracy and consistency of sample preparation, ensuring the reliability and repeatability of experimental results. This system integrates multiple functions such as liquid weighing and dispensing, magnetic stirring, ultrasonic defoaming, and curing. Through the magnetic particle mechanism, pipette, transfer gripper, and tray gripper mounted on a tool holder, the entire sample preparation process is automated. This multi-functional integrated design not only improves equipment utilization but also reduces equipment costs and operational complexity. The magnetic attachment mechanism, pipette, transfer gripper, and tray gripper can all be detachably connected to the end-effector, allowing the robotic arm to quickly switch tools as needed. This improves the system's flexibility and adaptability, meeting the requirements of different experimental conditions and sample types. Automated operation reduces opportunities for human contact with samples, lowers the risk of contamination, and ensures sample purity and performance. Through precise weighing, stirring, defoaming, and curing operations, this system can prepare high-quality samples.

[0018] In addition to the objectives, features, and advantages described above, the present invention has other objectives, features, and advantages. The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the figures. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Internal structure diagram;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic defoaming mechanism;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the positioning frame;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic stirring mechanism;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the solvent heating mechanism;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid weighing and sampling mechanism;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the photopolymerization device;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetizer mechanism;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the suction head in its extended state;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the suction head in its contracted state;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a partial structural diagram of the suction head;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a partial structural decomposition diagram of the magnetizer mechanism;

[0033] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the heating and curing device in its open state;

[0034] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the decomposed state structure;

[0035] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the heating and curing device in its off state;

[0036] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the drying cylinder;

[0037] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view showing that the drying drum lacks absorbent cotton.

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] Operating platform 100, mold tray 101, protective cover 102, ventilation window 103, solvent heating mechanism 110, container placement hole 111, cover opening and closing mechanism 120, first placement rack 130, second placement rack 140, third placement rack 150, shelf 160;

[0040] Robotic arm 200, end effector 210;

[0041] Liquid weighing and sample dispensing mechanism 300, test tube holder 310, powder dispensing mechanism 320;

[0042] Magnetic stirring mechanism 400, placement tank 410;

[0043] Ultrasonic defoaming mechanism 500, ultrasonic machine 510, positioning frame 520, top positioning plate 521, middle positioning plate 522, height limiting plate 523, water inlet hole 524, liquid level sensor 525, water tank 530, water pump 540, output pipe 541, drying cylinder 550, bearing cylinder 551, absorbent cotton 552, internal air duct 553, second fan 554;

[0044] The heating and curing device 600, base 610, second slide rail 611, limiting structure 612, furnace body 620, furnace cavity 621, positioning column 622, heating component 630, heat dissipation plate 631, heating rod 632, positioning sleeve 633, connecting plate 634, bearing structure 640, heat insulation plate 650, isolation column 651, furnace door 660, fan blade cavity 661, motor cavity 662, shaft hole 663, second slider 664, furnace door drive component 670, rotary drive mechanism 671, lead screw 672, nut sleeve 673, motor 680, fan blade 681, light curing device 690, light curing cavity 691;

[0045] Tool rack 700;

[0046] The following components are included: magnetization mechanism 800, base frame 810, horizontal plate 811, vertical plate 812, guide sleeve 813, fixing ring 814, connecting plate 815, through hole 816, first slide rail 817, sliding member 820, connecting shaft 821, abutment ring 822, connecting block 823, first slider 824, lifting drive mechanism 830, telescopic shaft 831, suction head 840, first positioning groove 841, second positioning groove 842, guide groove 843, limiting groove 844, unloading member 850, center hole 851, lever 852, sliding sleeve 860, sleeve hole 861, threaded sleeve 862, elastic member 870.

[0047] Pipette 900, transfer gripper 910, tray gripper 920, and precision sample dispensing mechanism for viscous liquids 930. Detailed Implementation

[0048] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0049] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0051] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this invention is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An automated sample preparation system for polymer composite materials provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an operating platform 100, a robotic arm 200, a liquid weighing and sample adding mechanism 300, a magnetic stirring mechanism 400, an ultrasonic defoaming mechanism 500, a curing mechanism, and a tool rack 700.

[0053] The operating platform 100 is supported at the bottom by a support frame to reduce external dust contamination of the sample. Figure 1 As shown, the operating platform 100 is covered with a protective cover 102, and the top of the protective cover 102 is provided with a ventilation window 103.

[0054] The robotic arm 200 is installed on the operating platform 100 and has an end-effector mechanical connecting arm 210. The robotic arm 200 can be a six-axis robotic arm, thereby realizing the flexible transfer and transportation of items.

[0055] The liquid weighing and sample dispensing mechanism 300 is used to hold the test tubes and weigh them.

[0056] The magnetic stirring mechanism 400 is used to hold the test tube with the magnet added and drive the magnet inside the test tube to rotate to achieve stirring.

[0057] The ultrasonic defoaming mechanism 500 is used to perform ultrasonic defoaming on stirred test tubes.

[0058] The curing mechanism is used to cure the sample in the mold tray 101.

[0059] The tool holder 700 carries a magnetizing mechanism 800, a pipette 900, a transfer gripper 910, and a tray gripper 920. The magnetizing mechanism 800, pipette 900, transfer gripper 910, and tray gripper 920 can all be detachably connected to the end-effector mechanical arm 210. Understandably, to achieve automation, the components detachably connected to the end-effector mechanical arm 210 generally have built-in automatic actuators, such as motors, thereby enabling the magnetizing mechanism 800 to automatically magnetize, the pipette 900 to aspirate and eject liquid, the transfer gripper 910 to grasp items, and the tray gripper 920 to grasp the mold tray 101. The magnetizing mechanism 800 attracts and transfers a magnet into the test tube; the pipette 900 aspirates liquid from the test tube and dispenses it into the mold tray 101; the transfer gripper 910 grips the test tube, and can also grip other items that can be gripped by the transfer gripper 910; the tray gripper 920 grips the mold tray 101. The end-effector mechanical connecting arm 210 can be connected to one of the magnetizing mechanism 800, the pipette 900, the transfer gripper 910, or the tray gripper 920 to achieve different functions.

[0060] This invention provides a preferred embodiment of an automated sample preparation system for polymer composite materials, which achieves fully automated operation of the sample preparation process through a robotic arm 200. The robotic arm 200 can precisely control the movement of each tool, reducing manual intervention, improving operational efficiency, and meeting the demand for highly efficient automated sample preparation. The liquid weighing and dispensing mechanism 300 can accurately weigh and dispense the sample, ensuring the accurate amount of liquid added. Figure 7 As shown, the liquid weighing and sampling mechanism 300 is equipped with a test tube holder 310 for placing test tubes. Figure 5As shown, the magnetic stirring mechanism 400 is equipped with a placement groove 410 for embedding test tubes. The magnetic stirring mechanism 400 achieves stirring by driving the magnetic particles inside the test tube to rotate, ensuring uniform stirring. The ultrasonic defoaming mechanism 500 can effectively remove air bubbles from the liquid, improving the purity and performance of the sample. The synergistic work of these mechanisms significantly improves the accuracy and consistency of sample preparation, ensuring the reliability and repeatability of experimental results. This system integrates multiple functions such as liquid weighing and sample addition, magnetic stirring, ultrasonic defoaming, and curing. Through the magnetic particle mechanism 800, pipette 900, transfer gripper 910, and tray gripper 920 carried by the tool holder 700, the entire sample preparation process is automated. This multi-functional integrated design not only improves the utilization rate of the equipment but also reduces equipment costs and operational complexity. The magnetizing mechanism 800, pipette 900, transfer gripper 910, and tray gripper 920 can all be detachably connected to the end-effector 210, allowing the robotic arm 200 to quickly switch tools as needed. This improves the system's flexibility and adaptability, meeting the requirements of different experimental conditions and sample types. Automated operation reduces opportunities for manual sample handling, lowers the risk of contamination, and ensures sample purity and performance. Through precise weighing, stirring, defoaming, and curing operations, this system can prepare high-quality samples. These high-quality samples not only improve the accuracy of experimental results.

[0061] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the operating platform 100 can be equipped with a solvent heating mechanism 110. The solvent heating mechanism 110 is provided with a container placement hole 111 for placing a container in order to heat the solvent inside the container.

[0062] Understandably, additional mechanisms can be added to the operating platform 100 as needed. For example, if powder materials need to be added during sample preparation, a powder adding mechanism 320 can be installed on the operating platform 100.

[0063] Reference Figures 9 to 13 In some embodiments of the present invention, the magnetizing mechanism 800 includes a base frame 810, a sliding member 820, a lifting drive mechanism 830, a suction head 840, and a feeding member 850.

[0064] The base frame 810 is equipped with a connecting plate 815 for detachable connection with the end-effector mechanical connecting arm 210. The connecting plate 815 typically has a positioning post, which is positioned and connected to the positioning hole of the end-effector mechanical connecting arm 210. The connecting plate 815 and the end-effector mechanical connecting arm 210 can also be detachably connected via a snap-fit, gripper, or other means. For example, if the connecting plate 815 is equipped with an electrically controlled snap-fit, after the connecting plate 815 and the end-effector mechanical connecting arm 210 are mated, the electrically controlled snap-fit ​​extends and embeds into the slot of the end-effector mechanical connecting arm 210, thus achieving the connection. When disassembly is required, the end-effector mechanical connecting arm 210 can be separated from the connecting plate 815 by controlling the snap-fit ​​to retract and exit the slot. To achieve electrical control, the connecting plate 815 is typically equipped with an electrical interface, and the end-effector mechanical connecting arm 210 is equipped with a plug that can be inserted into the electrical interface, thus achieving power supply and electrical control. A sliding member 820 is slidably mounted on the base frame 810. A lifting drive mechanism 830 is connected to the sliding member 820 and is used to drive the sliding member 820 to move up and down. The suction head 840 has an extended state and a retracted state. The suction head 840 is mounted on the bottom of the slider 820 and can move up and down with the slider 820 to switch between the extended and retracted states. The extended suction head 840 is higher than the retracted suction head 840. The unloading component 850 is fixedly connected to the base frame 810 and is used to detach the magnetic piece picked up by the suction head 840 from the suction head 840 as it moves from the extended to the retracted state. The lifting drive mechanism 830 can precisely control the lifting and lowering movement of the slider 820, allowing the suction head 840 to switch between the extended and retracted states, thereby achieving automatic picking and placing of magnetic pieces. The suction head 840 eliminates the need for direct human contact during the picking and placing of magnetic pieces, effectively avoiding magnetic piece contamination caused by hand contact and reducing the risk of cross-contamination. The suction head 840 has an extended state and a retracted state, which is switched through lifting and lowering movement. This design improves the flexibility of magnetic particle handling and ensures stability during the process through precise control, reducing the risk of magnetic particles falling or being damaged due to improper operation. The unloading component 850 allows the magnetic particle to smoothly detach from the suction head 840 as it moves from the extended to the retracted state, eliminating the need for an additional drive mechanism. Both picking and placing the magnetic particle require only a single lifting drive mechanism 830, reducing the need for a dedicated drive mechanism.

[0065] Reference Figures 9 to 13In a further embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the suction head 840 is provided with a first positioning groove 841 and a second positioning groove 842 from bottom to top. The cross-sectional profile of the second positioning groove 842 is smaller than that of the first positioning groove 841. The magnet is generally olive-shaped. When the magnet is picked up, the small end of the magnet will enter the small positioning groove, and the middle part will be stuck at the entrance of the large positioning groove, so that the magnet can be as vertical as possible, so that it can be placed in the test tube more easily. The unloading component 850 is cylindrical in shape, with a central hole 851 at its center for the suction head 840 to move. The bottom peripheral wall of the suction head 840 has a guide groove 843. A protruding pry block 852 is located at the bottom of the central hole 851 corresponding to the guide groove 843. The pry block 852 can pass through the guide groove 843 and enter the first positioning groove 841. During the movement of the suction head 840 from the extended state to the retracted state, the pry block 852 can move downwards relative to the suction head 840 along the guide groove 843, thereby pushing the magnetic piece embedded in the first positioning groove 841 downwards away from the first positioning groove 841. The end of the pry block 852 extends into the first positioning groove 841, so that when the suction head 840 moves upwards, the pry block 852 abuts against the magnetic piece in the first positioning groove 841, preventing the magnetic piece from moving upwards with the suction head 840. This causes the magnetic piece to move downwards relative to the suction head 840 and eventually detach from the suction head 840, falling into the test tube. This achieves the removal of the magnetic particle without requiring additional drive mechanisms, reducing the coordination and control issues associated with multiple drive mechanisms. The suction head 840 can be made of a metal or alloy that attracts magnets, such as iron, cobalt, or nickel, to hold the magnetic particle. Multiple sets of guide grooves 843 and levers 852 can be arranged in a circular pattern, further enhancing the stability and reliability of the magnetic particle release.

[0066] Reference Figures 9 to 13In a further embodiment of the present invention, the suction head 840 is elastically mounted on the bottom of the slider 820, and during the elastic movement, the suction head 840 is subjected to a downward elastic force; thus, when the suction head 840 moves downward to pick up the magnet, the suction head 840 can move elastically, avoiding rigid contact between the suction head and the magnet tray, which can play a role in buffering and compensating for mechanical errors, effectively protecting the magnet and improving compatibility. The slider 820 includes a connecting shaft 821, on which a sliding sleeve 860 is slidably sleeved; the slider 820 includes a connecting shaft 821, and the sliding sleeve 860 has a central sleeve hole 861 for slidably sleeved on the connecting shaft 821, thereby using the connecting shaft 821 to guide the lifting and lowering movement. An abutment ring 822 is installed at the bottom of the connecting shaft 821, and the outer circumference of the abutment ring 822 is larger than the sleeve hole, thereby preventing the sliding sleeve 860 from detaching from the connecting shaft 821 and falling off; the upper end of the suction head 840 is connected to the sliding sleeve 860 so that it can move up and down synchronously with the sliding sleeve 860. An elastic element 870 is sandwiched between the suction head 840 and the abutment ring 822, providing a stable elastic force to the suction head 840. The abutment ring 822 not only limits the sliding sleeve 860 but also provides a contact position for the upper end of the elastic element 870. The upper end of the suction head 840 has a recessed limiting groove 844. The elastic element 870 is a compression spring; one end of the spring is embedded in the limiting groove 844 and abuts against the bottom wall of the groove, while the other end abuts against the abutment ring 822. By having one end of the spring embedded in the limiting groove 844 and abutting against its bottom wall, and the other end abutting against the abutment ring 822, stable elastic movement of the suction head 840 is achieved. Furthermore, the limiting groove 844 provides stable limiting for the compression spring and also reduces the vertical dimension of the entire structure.

[0067] Reference Figure 10 , Figure 11 In a further embodiment of the present invention, a downwardly extending threaded sleeve 862 is provided on the outer periphery of the sliding sleeve 860, and the inner wall of the threaded sleeve 862 is provided with threads. The upper end of the suction head 840 is threadedly connected to the threaded sleeve 862. The threaded connection design between the threaded sleeve 862 on the outer periphery of the sliding sleeve 860 and the upper end of the suction head 840 achieves a stable connection between the suction head 840 and the sliding sleeve 860 through the threaded connection.

[0068] Reference Figure 9In a further embodiment of the present invention, the base frame 810 includes a horizontal plate 811 and a vertical plate 812. The vertical plate 812 is vertically connected to the horizontal plate 811, and the sliding member 820 is slidably mounted on the vertical plate 812. The horizontal plate 811 is provided with a through hole 816 for the connecting shaft 821 to pass through. The vertical plate 812 is vertically connected to the horizontal plate 811, realizing the slidable mounting of the sliding member 820. The through hole 816 allows the connecting shaft 821 to pass through, optimizing the installation arrangement of the structure, reducing the size of the entire structure, and reducing interference with other structures when it moves. Specifically, the vertical plate 812 is provided with a first slide rail 817, and the upper end of the connecting shaft 821 is connected to a connecting block 823. The connecting block 823 is provided with a first slider 824 adapted to the first slide rail 817, thereby realizing the slidable guidance. Specifically, the lifting drive mechanism 830 is a telescopic motor. The telescopic shaft 831 of the telescopic motor is connected to the connecting block 823, thereby driving the sliding member 820 to lift as a whole. Of course, the lifting drive mechanism 830 can also be other mechanisms with lifting drive functions, such as a motor and a lead screw and nut pair. To improve the stability of the movement, a guide sleeve 813 is installed on the horizontal plate 811 to allow the connecting shaft 821 to slide while lifting. This further improves the stability of the connecting shaft 821 during lifting. It also improves the sliding accuracy of the sliding member 820, and through the guiding effect of the guide sleeve 813, ensures the stability of the sliding member 820 during the lifting process, further improving the reliability of the equipment. To facilitate the connection and fixation of the unloading member 850 to the horizontal plate 811, a fixing ring 814 is threaded to the bottom of the guide sleeve 813, and the top of the unloading member 850 is threaded to the fixing ring 814.

[0069] Reference Figures 14 to 16 In some embodiments of the present invention, the curing mechanism includes a heating curing device 600, which includes a base 610, a furnace body 620, a heating component 630, a supporting structure 640, a heat insulation plate 650, a furnace door 660, and a furnace door drive component 670.

[0070] A base 610 is mounted on an operating platform 100. A furnace body 620 is fixedly mounted above the base 610 and has a furnace cavity 621 with an opening on one side to facilitate the insertion of a mold tray 101 from the opening side. A heating element 630 is installed inside the furnace cavity 621 to heat the interior of the furnace cavity 621. A support structure 640 is located inside the furnace cavity 621 to support the mold tray 101. A heat insulation plate 650 is located between the heating element 630 and the support structure 640 to prevent the heat radiation from the heating element 630 from directly radiating to the mold tray 101 on the support structure 640. A furnace door 660 is movably mounted on the base 610 and has a closed state (closing the furnace cavity 621) and an open state (opening the furnace cavity 621). A furnace door drive assembly 670 is used to drive the furnace door 660 to switch between the closed and open states. A heat insulation plate 650 is positioned between the heating component 630 and the supporting structure 640, effectively preventing the heat radiation from the heating component 630 from directly radiating to the mold tray 101, thus preventing localized overheating of the mold, ensuring uniform curing of the material, and improving curing quality. The heating component 630 is installed inside the furnace cavity 621, providing a stable heat source. The movable installation of the furnace door 660, combined with the furnace door drive component 670, enables automatic closing and opening of the furnace door. This improves operational convenience, reduces manual intervention, and enhances equipment safety through automated furnace door control, preventing operators from being burned in high-temperature environments.

[0071] Reference Figures 14 to 16 In some embodiments of the present invention, a first fan is installed inside the furnace door 660. The first fan drives the airflow within the furnace cavity 621 to improve temperature uniformity. A fan blade cavity 661 is provided on the side of the furnace door 660 facing the furnace cavity 621, and a motor cavity 662 is provided on the side facing away from the furnace cavity 621. The fan blade cavity 661 and the motor cavity 662 are connected through a shaft hole 663. The first fan includes a motor 680 installed in the motor cavity 662 and fan blades 681 installed in the motor cavity 662. The rotating shaft of the motor 680 passes through the shaft hole 663 and is connected to the fan blades 681. Connecting the motor 680 and fan blades 681 through the shaft hole 663 achieves compact installation and efficient operation of the first fan. Furthermore, the fan blade cavity 661 and the motor cavity 662 are set separately, keeping the motor 680 as far away from the heat inside the furnace cavity 621 as possible. This prevents the motor 680 from being easily damaged when operating in a high-heat environment. Understandably, the sidewall shared by the fan blade cavity 661 and the motor cavity 662 can be made of heat-insulating material, improving the stability of the first fan. The optimized structural layout also reduces space occupation and improves the overall integration of the equipment. To improve heat preservation, the sidewall of the furnace cavity 621 can be equipped with a heat-insulating structure to enhance the heat preservation effect.

[0072] Reference Figures 14 to 16In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the heat insulation plate 650 is disposed above the heating component 630, and the supporting structure 640 is a support column installed on the upper surface of the heat insulation plate 650. Multiple support columns are provided and arranged in a rectangular pattern to achieve multi-position support of the mold tray 101 and improve the stability of the support. The vertical distribution reduces the occupied area. An isolation column 651 is sandwiched between the bottom of the heat insulation plate 650 and the heating component 630. The isolation column 651 sandwiched between the bottom of the heat insulation plate 650 and the heating component 630 further enhances the heat insulation effect, reduces direct heat conduction, and prevents the heat insulation plate 650 from adhering to the surface of the heating component 630, thereby reducing the heat dissipation area of ​​the heating component 630; the separation effectively ensures the heat dissipation area of ​​the heating component 630, allowing the heat it generates to heat the air in the furnace cavity 621 more quickly. It is understood that the support columns, isolation columns 651, heat insulation plate 650, and heating component 630 are all provided with corresponding holes for connection and fixation by fasteners. Furthermore, the shared fasteners for connecting multiple components improve assembly efficiency and ensure stable connections between components, enhancing the overall structural strength of the equipment. Specifically, the heating assembly 630 includes a heat sink 631 and a heating rod 632 inserted within the heat sink 631. The heat sink 631 increases the heat dissipation area, allowing heat to dissipate rapidly into the air within the furnace cavity 621. The support column, isolation column 651, heat insulation plate 650, and heat sink 631 have corresponding holes for connection and fixation via fasteners. Specifically, the heat sink 631 has insertion holes on its sidewall, into which the heating rod 632 is inserted. The end of the heating rod 632 has a connecting plate 634, which is attached to the sidewall of the heat sink 631 and has corresponding holes for connection and fixation via fasteners, thus achieving the connection and fixation between the heating rod 632 and the heat sink 631. The end of the heating rod 632 also has a wire harness extending out of the furnace cavity 621 to obtain electrical energy. In order to achieve the positioning and installation of the heat sink 631, a positioning sleeve 633 is provided at the bottom of the heat sink 631, and a positioning post 622 is provided on the bottom wall of the furnace cavity 621. The positioning sleeve 633 is fitted onto the positioning post 622 to achieve the positioning and placement of the heat sink 631.

[0073] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the furnace door drive assembly 670 includes a rotary drive mechanism 671, a lead screw 672, and a nut sleeve 673. The output shaft of the rotary drive mechanism 671 is connected to the lead screw 672 to drive the lead screw 672 to rotate. The nut sleeve 673 is sleeved on the lead screw 672 and is fixedly connected to the furnace body 620. The rotary drive mechanism 671 drives the lead screw 672 to rotate, and the lead screw 672 and the nut sleeve 673 are engaged in a helical transmission, thereby driving the nut sleeve 673 to move with the furnace body 620. A second slider 664 is provided at the bottom of the furnace door 660, and a second slide rail 611 is provided at the base 610. The second slider 664 is slidably mounted on the second slide rail 611. The guiding effect of the second slide rail 611 ensures the stability of the furnace door 660 during operation. For a compact structure, there is a gap between the bottom of the furnace body 620 and the base 610 to allow for the installation or movement of the second slide rail 611, the second slider 664, and the lead screw 672. The base 610 is provided with a limiting structure 612, which is used to abut the side of the furnace door 660 facing away from the furnace cavity 621 to limit the movement of the furnace door 660. This prevents the furnace door 660 from moving excessively and disengaging from the second slide rail 611.

[0074] Reference Figure 3 In some embodiments of the present invention, the ultrasonic defoaming mechanism 500 includes an ultrasonic machine 510, a positioning frame 520, a water tank 530, and a water pump 540. The ultrasonic machine 510 has a receiving cavity with an opening at its upper end. Liquid is injected into the receiving cavity, and the ultrasonic machine 510 generates ultrasonic vibrations to defoam the test tubes entering the receiving cavity. The positioning frame 520 is embedded in the receiving cavity and is used to position and place the test tubes. The input end of the water pump 540 is connected to the water tank 530, and the output end is connected to an output pipe 541 extending to the receiving cavity to replenish water to the receiving cavity, thereby achieving automatic water replenishment and reducing manual intervention.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the positioning frame 520 includes a top positioning plate 521, a middle positioning plate 522, and a height limiting plate 523. The top positioning plate 521, the middle positioning plate 522, and the height limiting plate 523 are arranged at intervals from top to bottom. The top positioning plate 521 and the middle positioning plate 522 are provided with positioning holes for inserting test tubes, thereby achieving positioning and limiting of the upper and middle parts of the test tubes and improving the stability of the test tube placement. The height limiting plate 523 is provided with a positioning groove for the bottom of the test tube to be embedded, further improving the stability of the test tube placement. The top positioning plate 521 is provided with a water replenishment hole 524 for the output pipe 541 to pass through, so as to facilitate water replenishment to the receiving cavity. A liquid level sensor 525 is installed on the top positioning plate 521 to monitor the water level. When the water level is not up to standard, it can provide feedback to make the water pump 540 work and replenish water in time to ensure that the liquid level in the receiving cavity is sufficient to ensure the defoaming effect.

[0076] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a drying cylinder 550 is installed on the operating platform 100, and a support cylinder 551 is installed inside the drying cylinder 550. Ventilation holes are provided on both the peripheral and bottom walls of the support cylinder 551. Absorbent cotton 552 is installed on both the peripheral and bottom walls of the support cylinder 551, which can effectively absorb moisture from the outer wall of the test tube. The absorbent cotton 552 is generally cylindrical with its opening facing upwards, and its upper edge is fixed to the outer shell, forming an external air duct. An internal air duct 553 is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the support cylinder 551 and the inner wall of the drying cylinder 550. A second upward-blowing fan 554 is installed below the support cylinder 551 in the drying cylinder 550, thereby allowing air to flow through the internal air duct 553. The second fan 554 blows air upwards. The air blown out by the second fan 554 can dry the perimeter of the absorbent cotton through the inner air duct, and then blow it out through the outer air duct. The air blown out by the fan can also directly dry the bottom of the absorbent cotton, thereby achieving rapid and comprehensive drying.

[0077] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 8 In some embodiments of the present invention, the curing mechanism includes a photocuring device 690, which is mounted on the operating platform 100. The photocuring device 690 is provided with a photocuring chamber 691 for photocuring samples on the mold tray 101 within the photocuring chamber 691.

[0078] Understandably, the operating platform 100 will be equipped with multiple shelves, such as Figure 2 As shown, the operating platform 100 is equipped with a first shelf 130, a second shelf 140 and a third shelf 150, which can be used to place consumables and tools as needed, and can also be used as temporary storage shelves for transit.

[0079] The following describes the workflow of one embodiment of this system:

[0080] Material loading: AGV carts or manual laborers place the materials required for the experiment on the shelf 160 according to the material category.

[0081] Powder addition: The end mechanical connecting arm 210, in conjunction with the transfer gripper 910, takes the target powder bucket from the shelf 160 to the powder addition mechanism 320, takes the test tube to the powder addition mechanism 320, and performs the powder addition operation. The powder addition mechanism 320 automatically adds the sample. The powder addition mechanism 320 contains a weighing balance (the test tube is placed on the balance), and the weighing balance provides real-time feedback data until the sample addition is completed.

[0082] Liquid addition: The end-effector mechanical arm 210 picks up the test tube after powder addition and places it on the test tube holder 310 of the liquid weighing and dispensing mechanism 300. Then, it picks up the pipette tip from the shelf and places it on the pipette tip buffer rack, and then picks up the piston syringe from the shelf and places it on the piston buffer rack. The solvent bottle is then picked up and opened by the capping mechanism 120. The end-effector mechanical arm 210 switches to connect with the pipette 900, which drives the pipette 900 to load the pipette tip. The pipette then dispenses liquid from the solvent bottle to the test tube on the liquid weighing and dispensing mechanism 300. The pipette 900 can be a 5ml pipette; then, precise liquid addition is performed. The end mechanical connecting arm 210 switches to connect with the viscous liquid precision sampling mechanism 930, which is a 1ml external piston pipette. The end mechanical connecting arm 210 drives the external piston pipette to load the piston syringe, and then operates the viscous liquid precision sampling mechanism 930 to transfer liquid from the solvent bottle to the test tube on the liquid weighing sampling mechanism 300 until the liquid weighing sampling mechanism 300 reaches the preset value. At this time, the entire liquid addition process is completed.

[0083] Magnetic stirring: The end mechanical connecting arm 210 switches to connect with the transfer gripper 910. The end mechanical connecting arm 210 moves the test tube with added liquid to the cover opening and closing mechanism 120 to close the cover, and then moves it to the magnetic stirring mechanism 400. The magnetic stirring mechanism 400 has a temperature control function, which can control the temperature of the test tube and start stirring. After the reaction is completed, the temperature is reduced and the stirring is stopped. The test tube is transported to the shelf to cool down.

[0084] Ultrasonic defoaming: The end mechanical connecting arm 210 takes the cooled test tube from the shelf to the ultrasonic defoaming mechanism. After defoaming, it moves to the drying cylinder to dry the outer wall of the test tube.

[0085] Injection: The end mechanical connecting arm 210 picks up the test tube and opens the cover module. The end mechanical connecting arm 210 switches to connect with the tray gripper 920. The tray gripper 920 picks up the mold tray 101 and the target mold on the mold tray 101 and places them at the injection position. The end mechanical connecting arm 210 switches to connect with the pipette and pipettes the liquid into the mold.

[0086] Curing: The end mechanical connecting arm 210 moves the filled mold to the curing mechanism (UV curing or high temperature curing), starts the curing program, and removes the mold and puts it back on the shelf after curing is complete.

[0087] Discharge: Place the material to be discharged into the exchange bin, open the workstation door, and the AGV or manual personnel will remove the material.

[0088] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated sample preparation system for polymer composite materials, characterized in that, include: Operating platform (100); A robotic arm (200) is mounted on an operating platform (100) and has an end-effector (210). A liquid weighing and dispensing mechanism (300) is used to hold the test tubes and weigh them; A magnetic stirring mechanism (400) is used to carry a test tube with a magnet added and drive the magnet inside the test tube to rotate to achieve stirring; An ultrasonic defoaming mechanism (500) is used to defoam the stirred test tube using ultrasonication. A curing mechanism is used to cure the sample in the mold tray (101); The tool holder (700) carries a magnetizing mechanism (800), a pipette (900), a transfer gripper (910), and a tray gripper (920). The magnetizing mechanism (800), pipette (900), transfer gripper (910), and tray gripper (920) can all be detachably connected to the end mechanical connecting arm (210). The magnetizing mechanism (800) is used to attract and transfer a magnet into a test tube. The pipette (900) is used to draw liquid from the test tube and output it into a mold tray (101). The transfer gripper (910) is used to grip the test tube, and the tray gripper (920) is used to grip the mold tray (101). The magnetizing sub-mechanism (800) includes: The base frame (810) is provided with a connecting plate (815) for detachable connection with the end mechanical connecting arm (210). Sliding component (820) is lifted and slidably mounted on base frame (810); The lifting drive mechanism (830) is connected to the sliding member (820) and is used to drive the sliding member (820) to lift. The suction head (840) has an extended state and a retracted state. It is installed at the bottom of the slider (820) so that it can move up and down with the slider (820) to switch between the extended state and the retracted state. The suction head (840) in the extended state is higher than the suction head (840) in the retracted state. The unloading component (850) is fixedly connected to the base frame (810) and is used to disengage the magnet picked up by the suction head (840) from the suction head (840) during the movement of the suction head (840) from the extended state to the retracted state; the bottom of the suction head (840) is provided with a first positioning groove (841) and a second positioning groove (842) from bottom to top, and the cross-sectional profile of the second positioning groove (842) is smaller than that of the first positioning groove (841); the unloading component (850) is provided with a central hole (851) for the suction head (840) to move; The bottom peripheral wall of the suction head (840) is provided with a guide groove (843), and the bottom of the center hole (851) is provided with an inwardly protruding paddle (852) corresponding to the guide groove (843). The paddle (852) can pass through the guide groove (843) and enter the first positioning groove (841). During the process of the suction head (840) moving from the extended state to the retracted state, the paddle (852) can move downward relative to the suction head (840) along the guide groove (843), thereby pushing the magnetic piece embedded in the first positioning groove (841) downward away from the first positioning groove (841).

2. The automated sample preparation system for polymer composite materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction head (840) is elastically mounted on the bottom of the slider (820), and during the elastic movement, the suction head (840) is subjected to a downward elastic force; the slider (820) includes a connecting shaft (821); a sliding sleeve (860) is slidably sleeved on the connecting shaft (821); the sliding sleeve (860) has a central hole (861) for slidably sleeved on the connecting shaft (821), and an abutment ring (822) is installed at the bottom of the connecting shaft (821). The outer periphery of the abutment ring (822) is larger than that of the sleeve hole; the upper end of the suction head (840) is connected to the sliding sleeve (860), and an elastic element (870) is sandwiched between the suction head (840) and the abutment ring (822); the upper end of the suction head (840) is provided with a recessed limiting groove (844), and the elastic element (870) is a compression spring. One end of the compression spring is embedded in the limiting groove (844) and abuts against the bottom wall of the limiting groove (844), and the other end abuts against the abutment ring (822).

3. The automated sample preparation system for polymer composite materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curing mechanism includes a heat curing device (600); the heat curing device (600) includes: The base (610) is mounted on the operating platform (100). The furnace body (620) is fixedly installed above the base (610) and has a furnace cavity (621) with an opening on one side. Heating assembly (630) is installed inside furnace cavity (621); The supporting structure (640) is located inside the furnace cavity (621) and is used to support the mold tray (101). A heat insulation plate (650) is provided between the heating component (630) and the supporting structure (640) to prevent the heat radiation of the heating component (630) from directly radiating to the mold tray (101) on the supporting structure (640). The furnace door (660) is movably mounted on the base (610) and has a closed state of closing the furnace cavity (621) and an open state of opening the furnace cavity (621); A furnace door drive assembly (670) is used to drive the furnace door (660) to switch between closed and open states.

4. The automated sample preparation system for polymer composite materials according to claim 3, characterized in that, A first fan is installed inside the furnace door (660). The first fan is used to drive the airflow in the furnace cavity (621) to improve temperature uniformity. The furnace door (660) has a fan blade cavity (661) on the side facing the furnace cavity (621) and a motor cavity (662) on the side away from the furnace cavity (621). The fan blade cavity (661) and the motor cavity (662) are connected through a shaft hole (663). The first fan includes a motor (680) installed in the motor cavity (662) and a fan blade (681) installed in the motor cavity (662). The rotating shaft of the motor (680) passes through the shaft hole (663) and is connected to the fan blade (681).

5. The automated sample preparation system for polymer composite materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic defoaming mechanism (500) includes an ultrasonic machine (510), a positioning frame (520), a water tank (530), and a water pump (540). The ultrasonic machine (510) is provided with a receiving cavity with an opening at the upper end. The positioning frame (520) is embedded in the receiving cavity and is used to position and place test tubes. The input end of the water pump (540) is connected to the water tank (530), and the output end is connected to an output pipe (541) extending to the receiving cavity to replenish water to the receiving cavity.

6. The automated sample preparation system for polymer composite materials according to claim 5, characterized in that, A drying cylinder (550) is installed on the operating platform (100). A support cylinder (551) is installed inside the drying cylinder (550). Ventilation holes are provided on the periphery and bottom wall of the support cylinder (551). Water-absorbing cotton (552) is installed on the periphery and bottom wall of the support cylinder (551). An internal air duct (553) is formed between the outer periphery of the support cylinder (551) and the inner wall of the drying cylinder (550). A second fan (554) blowing upwards is installed below the support cylinder (551) in the drying cylinder (550).

7. The automated sample preparation system for polymer composite materials according to claim 5, characterized in that, The positioning frame (520) includes a top positioning plate (521), a middle positioning plate (522), and a height limiting plate (523); the top positioning plate (521), the middle positioning plate (522), and the height limiting plate (523) are arranged alternately from top to bottom; the top positioning plate (521) and the middle positioning plate (522) are provided with positioning holes for inserting test tubes; the height limiting plate (523) is provided with positioning grooves for embedding the bottom of test tubes; the top positioning plate (521) is provided with a water replenishment hole (524) for the output pipe (541) to pass through; and a liquid level sensor (525) is installed on the top positioning plate (521).

8. The automated sample preparation system for polymer composite materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curing mechanism includes a photocuring device (690) and a photocuring chamber (691) for photocuring the sample on the mold tray (101) inside the photocuring chamber (691).

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