An automatic probe tube unloading jaw mechanism

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic probe tube unloading clamp jaw mechanism and belongs to the field of medical instrument automation equipment. The mechanism aims to solve the problems of complicated operation and biological safety risks caused by manual unloading of the probe tube after blood coagulation detection. The mechanism comprises a base, a heat insulation block mounted on the base, a clamping assembly mounted on the heat insulation block, a driving assembly arranged on the base, a heating block mounted above the heat insulation block and a cover plate covered thereon. The clamping assembly comprises relatively rotatable clamping jaws, and the driving assembly can drive the clamping jaws to perform clamping or loosening actions. Through driving modes such as electromagnets or fixed shaft screw rod motors, automatic grabbing and releasing of the probe tube are realized. The mechanism realizes full automation of the unloading process, avoids contact of the operator with blood pollutants, improves operation safety and detection efficiency, and is compact and reliable in structure and convenient to maintain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device automation equipment technology, specifically to an automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Rapid coagulation function testing plays a crucial role in modern clinical medicine, especially in scenarios requiring rapid assessment of a patient's coagulation status, such as the emergency room, operating room, and intensive care unit. These tests provide healthcare professionals with critical, immediate information to guide anticoagulation protocols, transfusion decisions, and bleeding risk assessment. Viscoelastic coagulation analyzers, characterized by point-of-care testing, are gaining widespread application. This device monitors the dynamic changes in viscoelasticity during blood coagulation, generates curves, and calculates key parameters such as activation clotting time, coagulation rate, platelet function, time to peak concentration, and peak amplitude, thereby achieving a comprehensive and rapid assessment of coagulation function.

[0003] However, many existing clinical coagulation and platelet function testing devices lack sufficient automation in the post-test consumables handling process, particularly the unloading of used probe tubes. This step typically requires manual operation by personnel using tools such as tweezers. This operational mode has significant drawbacks: the process is cumbersome, increases the workload of personnel, and reduces overall efficiency; more importantly, manual operation involves tools coming into direct contact with probe tubes containing residual patient blood, posing a biosafety risk to operators. Furthermore, the subsequent rigorous cleaning and disinfection of contaminated tools increases the risk of cross-contamination, processing costs, and the difficulty of infection control.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a mechanism that can automatically and safely unload the probe tube to achieve full automation of the testing process, eliminate human contact with blood-borne contamination, and improve operational safety and efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide an automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism. This mechanism aims to automatically unload the probe tube after coagulation testing, replacing traditional manual tweezers operation. This avoids operator contact with patient blood, improves operational safety and efficiency, reduces the risk of cross-infection, and lowers subsequent instrument processing costs.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution proposed in this application is as follows: This utility model provides an automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism, including a cover plate, a heating block, a reagent strip, an automatic probe tube unloading gripper module, a heat insulation block, and a base; The heat insulation block is installed on the base; The automatic probe tube unloading gripper module includes a drive component and a clamping component, the clamping component being mounted on the heat insulation block; The heating block is installed above the heat insulation block; The cover plate covers the heating block; The reagent strip can be inserted into the mechanism from the side and is located at the clamping position of the clamping assembly; The drive component is disposed on the base and is drivenly connected to the clamping component to drive the clamping component to perform clamping or releasing actions.

[0007] Furthermore, the clamping assembly includes an upper stop, grippers, bearings, and a rotating shaft; The two grippers are arranged opposite each other, each gripper is equipped with a bearing, and the two grippers are rotatably connected to the upper stop block via the rotating shaft.

[0008] Furthermore, the driving component is an electromagnet driving component, which includes an electromagnet movable shaft and an electromagnet body; The movable shaft of the electromagnet is locked to the clamping assembly by stepped screws and nuts; The electromagnet body is fixedly mounted on the base and magnetically coupled to the movable shaft of the electromagnet. When the electromagnet body is energized, it drives the movable shaft of the electromagnet to move downward, causing the gripper to clamp; when the power is off, the movable shaft of the electromagnet returns to its original position under the action of the spring, causing the gripper to release.

[0009] Furthermore, the electromagnet body is fixed by screws that can be adjusted up and down to adjust the opening and closing distance of the grippers.

[0010] Furthermore, the drive assembly is a fixed-axis lead screw motor; The clamping assembly also includes an adapter block; The two grippers, each fitted with the bearing, are secured in the groove of the adapter block by stepped screws and nuts; The adapter block is connected to the output shaft of the fixed-shaft lead screw motor; The fixed-shaft lead screw motor is fixed to the base; The upper stop block is connected to the gripper from the side via the rotating shaft, and the top of the upper stop block is fixed. The fixed-axis lead screw motor controls the up-and-down movement of its output shaft through pulse signals, thereby driving the gripper to clamp or release.

[0011] Furthermore, the heating block is fixed above the heat insulation block by screws.

[0012] Furthermore, the cover plate is secured with screws.

[0013] Furthermore, the heat insulation block is fixed to the base with screws.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has achieved the following beneficial technical effects: This invention, through the design of an automatic probe tube unloading claw mechanism, achieves fully automated unloading of the probe tube after coagulation testing, completely replacing the traditional manual operation mode. This mechanism avoids direct contact between operators and patient blood, significantly improving biosafety; its automated process simplifies operation steps and improves testing efficiency; its compact and reliable modular structure ensures operational stability and facilitates maintenance and adaptation; simultaneously, the heat insulation design effectively isolates the heat source from the influence of precision drive components, further ensuring the long-term reliability of the mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism driven by an electromagnet in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a partial exploded view of the automatic probe tube clamp module in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the automatic probe tube clamping module driven by a fixed-axis lead screw motor in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Cover plate; 2. Heating block; 3. Reagent strip; 4. Automatic probe tube unloading clamp module; 401. Upper stop block; 402. Clamp; 403. Bearing; 404. Rotating shaft; 405. Step screw; 406. Nut; 407. Electromagnet movable shaft; 408. Electromagnet body; 409. Adapter block; 410. Fixed shaft lead screw motor; 5. Heat insulation block; 6. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "side," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "installation," "connection," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] It should be noted that the "probe tube" in this invention refers to a disposable tubular consumable used in tests such as viscoelastic coagulation analysis, which contains a probe or comes into contact with a blood sample. The "reagent strip" is a carrier consumable that holds the reaction reagents, sample cup, and probe tube. The mechanism of this invention is applicable to various medical testing devices that require automatic unloading of similar end-effector consumables.

[0025] Example 1 Example 1: Electromagnetic Drive Method Reference Figures 1 to 3 This embodiment provides an automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism driven by an electromagnet.

[0026] like Figure 1 , Figure 3As shown, the mechanism generally includes a cover plate 1, a heating block 2, a reagent strip 3, an automatic probe tube unloading clamp module 4, a heat insulation block 5, and a base 6. The base 6 serves as the mounting base for the entire mechanism. The heat insulation block 5 is fixed to the base 6 with screws; it is both the mounting platform for the moving parts in the automatic probe tube unloading clamp module 4 and a key component for heat insulation. The heating block 2 is fixed to the top surface of the heat insulation block 5 with screws. The cover plate 1 is fixed to the top of the heating block 2 with screws. The reagent strip 3, as a consumable, is inserted from one side of the mechanism (usually the front or side opening) along the guide rail or guide groove until the probe tube on it is precisely positioned between the two clamps 402 of the automatic probe tube unloading clamp module 4, i.e., the clamping station.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the automatic probe tube unloading gripper module 4 of this embodiment specifically includes an upper stop 401, a gripper 402, a bearing 403, a rotating shaft 404, a stepped screw 405, a nut 406, an electromagnet movable shaft 407, and an electromagnet body 408.

[0028] The assembly process and working principle are described in detail below: Assembly steps: First, press or install the two bearings 403 into the pre-set bearing holes on the two grippers 402. Then, place the two grippers 402 with the bearings 403 installed symmetrically on both sides, aligning the bearing holes at their tails with the mounting holes on both sides of the upper stop 401. Next, pass the rotating shaft 404 through the mounting holes of the upper stop 401 and the inner holes of the bearings 403 on the grippers 402, thereby rotatably hinged the two grippers 402 to the upper stop 401 to form a clamping assembly. At this time, the grippers 402 can rotate flexibly around the rotating shaft 404.

[0029] Place the assembled clamping assembly (the combination of the upper stop 401 and the gripper 402) into the specially designed groove or U-shaped slot on the electromagnet movable shaft 407. Adjust the position so that a part of the upper stop 401 or the gripper 402 mates with the mating surface in the groove. Then, use the stepped screw 405 to pass through the preset hole and tighten it from the other side with the nut 406 to lock it in place, thereby firmly fixing the clamping assembly to the electromagnet movable shaft 407.

[0030] Place the assembled "electromagnet movable shaft-clamping assembly" into the through hole or mounting cavity in the center of the heat insulation block 5, and secure the entire clamping assembly to the heat insulation block 5 using screws. Then, fix the heat insulation block 5 with the clamping assembly installed onto the base 6 using screws. At this point, the guide portion of the electromagnet movable shaft 407 may engage with the guide structure on the heat insulation block 5 or the base 6, ensuring that it can only slide up and down and cannot rotate. The head of the gripper 402 protrudes from the opening above the heat insulation block 5.

[0031] The electromagnet body 408 is fixed to the base 6 or a separate bracket with screws via its mounting plate, ensuring that the end (core part) of the electromagnet movable shaft 407 is aligned with the center of the coil of the electromagnet body 408. The fixing screw holes of the electromagnet body 408 can be designed as oblong holes or shims can be used, allowing for some vertical adjustment space for the screws. By adjusting the mounting height of the electromagnet body 408, the position of the electromagnet movable shaft 407 relative to the electromagnet body 408 in the de-energized state (initial position) can be changed, thereby fine-tuning the opening of the jaws 402 in the initial state (i.e., the distance between the heads of the two jaws in the released state).

[0032] Place the heating block 2 on top of the heat insulation block 5 and secure it with screws. Finally, place the cover plate 1 on top of the heating block 2 and the upper stop block 401 and secure it with screws.

[0033] Workflow: The control system energizes the electromagnet body 408. The electromagnet generates a magnetic field, attracting the electromagnet's movable shaft 407 (as a moving iron core) to move downwards. As the electromagnet's movable shaft 407 moves downwards, it drives the clamping assembly fixed to it downwards as well. Since the upper stop 401 is connected to the gripper 402 via the rotating shaft 404, and the tail of the gripper 402 is fixed to the electromagnet's movable shaft 407, this downward linear motion is mechanically converted into a rotational motion of the gripper 402 around the rotating shaft 404. Specifically, under the downward traction of the electromagnet's movable shaft 407, the tails of the two grippers 402 are pulled down, forcing the heads (front ends) of the grippers to rotate and retract around the rotating shaft 404 toward the central axis, thereby firmly clamping the probe tube on the reagent strip 3 located therebetween.

[0034] At the predetermined position, the control system cuts off the power to the electromagnet body 408. After the electromagnetic force disappears, the compressed return spring (not shown in the figure) releases its elastic force, pushing the electromagnet movable shaft 407 upward to reset. The upward movement of the electromagnet movable shaft 407 acts in the opposite direction on the clamping assembly, causing the tails of the two grippers 402 to be pushed upward, and the heads of the grippers to rotate outward around the rotating shaft 404 and open, thereby releasing the probe tube and completing the automatic unloading process. Subsequently, the gripper mechanism resets, ready for the next detection cycle.

[0035] In this embodiment, the reset element is preferably a spring, which provides a reliable power-off reset force. The electromagnet drive scheme has a compact structure, rapid action response, simple and reliable control, and relatively low cost, making it very suitable for applications requiring rapid and frequent clamping and releasing actions.

[0036] Example 2: Fixed-shaft lead screw motor drive method Reference Figures 4 to 5 This embodiment provides an automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism driven by a fixed-axis lead screw motor.

[0037] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the mechanism also includes a cover plate 1, a heating block 2, a reagent strip 3, an automatic probe tube unloading gripper module 4, a heat insulation block 5, and a base 6. The overall layout is similar to that of Embodiment 1, but the internal structure and working principle of the automatic probe tube unloading gripper module 4 are different.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the automatic probe tube unloading gripper module 4 of this embodiment specifically includes an upper stop block 401, a gripper 402, a bearing 403, a rotating shaft 404, a stepped screw 405, a nut 406, an adapter block 409, and a fixed shaft lead screw motor 410.

[0039] The assembly process and working principle are described in detail below: Assembly steps: First, install the two bearings 403 into the two grippers 402 respectively. Then, place the two grippers 402 with the bearings 403 installed into the symmetrically arranged grooves on the adapter block 409. Use a stepped screw 405 to pass through the corresponding holes on the adapter block 409 and the grippers 402 (possibly through the bearing inner hole or the gripper body), and tighten it from the other side with a nut 406. In this way, the two grippers 402 are relatively fixedly mounted on the adapter block 409, but their rotational relationship with and relative to the adapter block 409 is determined by the subsequent connection with the upper stop. At this time, the tail of the gripper 402 is fixed to the adapter block 409, and the head is suspended in the air.

[0040] The fixed-shaft lead screw motor 410 is fixed to the base 6 via its mounting bracket. The motor shaft (i.e., the lead screw nut output shaft) of the fixed-shaft lead screw motor 410 is typically vertically upward. Then, the assembled "adapter block-gripper" assembly is securely connected to the output shaft of the fixed-shaft lead screw motor 410 via the connecting hole or coupling at the bottom of the adapter block 409.

[0041] Bring the upper stop 401 close to the gripper 402 from the side (usually in front of or to the side of the gripper 402). Align the shaft holes on both sides of the upper stop 401 with the inner holes of the bearings 403 in the middle or near the head of the two grippers 402. Then, insert the rotating shaft 404 from one side, passing it sequentially through the bearing of one gripper, the shaft hole on one side of the upper stop, the internal space of the upper stop, the shaft hole on the other side of the upper stop, and the bearing of the other gripper, thereby hinged the upper stop 401 to the two grippers 402. At this point, the upper stop 401 provides a pivot point for the grippers 402 (rotating shaft 404). Finally, secure the upper stop 401 from the top with screws to ensure that the upper stop 401 remains in a fixed position during the operation of the mechanism.

[0042] The heat insulation block 5 is fitted around or installed around the fixed shaft lead screw motor 410 and the adapter block 409, and fixed to the base 6 with screws. Sufficient space is provided in the center of the heat insulation block 5 for the adapter block 409 to move up and down. Then, the heating block 2 is installed above the heat insulation block 5, and the cover plate 1 covers the heating block 2 and the upper stop block 401, both secured with screws. The reagent strip 3 is inserted through the side opening.

[0043] Workflow: The control system sends a set of downward pulse signals to the fixed-axis lead screw motor 410. Based on the number and frequency of pulses, the fixed-axis lead screw motor 410 precisely controls its output shaft to move downwards a predetermined distance. Since the adapter block 409 is fixedly connected to the motor output shaft, it moves downwards synchronously. As the adapter block 409 moves downwards, it drives the tails of the two grippers 402 fixed to it downwards as well. However, the middle of the grippers 402 is hinged to the fixed upper stop block 401 via a rotating shaft 404. When the tails of the grippers are pulled down, the entire gripper 402 is forced to rotate around the fixed rotating shaft 404. According to the lever principle, this movement causes the head (front end) of the grippers 402 to retract inwards and upwards, thereby clamping the probe tube. The self-locking characteristic of the lead screw motor allows it to maintain its position when power is cut off, thus maintaining the clamping force.

[0044] At the predetermined position, the control system sends a reverse pulse signal to the fixed-axis lead screw motor 410, driving its output axis to move upward. The adapter block 409 then moves upward, causing the tail of the gripper to rise. This causes the gripper 402 to rotate in the opposite direction around the fixed rotating shaft 404, opening its head outward and downward, thereby releasing the probe tube.

[0045] This embodiment uses a fixed-axis lead screw motor 410 for drive, which has advantages such as high positioning accuracy, smooth and shock-free operation, precise control of speed and thrust, and strong holding force (it can maintain clamping without continuous power supply). It is suitable for applications with high requirements for clamping position and force control. By programming the number of pulses, the opening and closing degree of the grippers and the clamping force can be controlled very precisely.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism, characterized in that, Includes a cover plate (1), a heating block (2), a reagent strip (3), an automatic probe tube unloading clamp module (4), a heat insulation block (5), and a base (6); The heat insulation block (5) is installed on the base (6); The automatic probe tube clamping module (4) includes a driving component and a clamping component, the clamping component being mounted on the heat insulation block (5); The heating block (2) is installed above the heat insulation block (5); The cover plate (1) covers the heating block (2); The reagent strip (3) can be inserted into the mechanism from the side and is located at the clamping position of the clamping assembly; The driving component is disposed on the base (6) and is drivenly connected to the clamping component to drive the clamping component to perform clamping or releasing actions.

2. The automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping assembly includes an upper stop (401), a gripper (402), a bearing (403), and a rotating shaft (404). The two grippers (402) are arranged opposite to each other, and each gripper (402) is equipped with a bearing (403). The two grippers (402) are rotatably connected to the upper stop (401) via the rotating shaft (404).

3. The automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving component is an electromagnet driving component, which includes an electromagnet movable shaft (407) and an electromagnet body (408). The movable shaft (407) of the electromagnet is locked to the clamping assembly by a stepped screw (405) and a nut (406); The electromagnet body (408) is fixedly mounted on the base (6) and magnetically coupled to the electromagnet movable shaft (407); When the electromagnet body (408) is energized, it drives the electromagnet movable shaft (407) to move downward, causing the gripper (402) to clamp; when the power is off, the electromagnet movable shaft (407) is reset upward under the action of the spring, causing the gripper (402) to release.

4. The automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electromagnet body (408) is fixed by screws that can be adjusted up and down to adjust the opening and closing distance of the gripper (402).

5. The automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive component is a fixed-axis lead screw motor (410). The clamping assembly also includes an adapter block (409). The two grippers (402) on which the bearings (403) are mounted are fixed in the groove of the adapter block (409) by stepped screws (405) and nuts (406); The adapter block (409) is connected to the output shaft of the fixed shaft lead screw motor (410); The fixed-axis lead screw motor (410) is fixed on the base (6); The upper stop block (401) is connected to the gripper (402) from the side via the rotating shaft (404), and the top of the upper stop block (401) is fixed. The fixed-axis lead screw motor (410) controls its output shaft to move up and down through pulse signals, thereby driving the gripper (402) to clamp or release.

6. The automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating block (2) is fixed above the heat insulation block (5) by screws.

7. The automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover plate (1) is fixed by screws.

8. The automatic probe tube unloading gripper mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat insulation block (5) is fixed to the base (6) by screws.

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