Adjustable Gripping Arm for Multi-Size Vial Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vial handling systems face complexity and cost inefficiencies due to the need for separate apparatuses to handle vials of different sizes, as larger vials require magnetic elements while smaller vials do not, necessitating replacement of device components.
Innovation Solution
A mobile arm with adjustable gripping elements, featuring at least two movable gripping elements with magnets at their ends, allowing for magnetic coupling with larger vials and mechanical coupling with smaller vials, enabling operation with various vial sizes without component replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate apparatuses are used for big vials and small vials, then each apparatus can be optimized for its specific vial type, but the overall device complexity and cost increase due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile arm is designed with gripping elements that can perform both magnetic coupling (for big vials) and mechanical coupling (for small vials) functions. The gripping elements include magnets at their free ends and can be positioned in different configurations, allowing a single apparatus to handle both big and small vials effectively, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping elements are made movable between different positions relative to each other, allowing the area of the polygon formed by the gripping elements to be adjusted. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same gripping mechanism to adapt to different vial sizes and types, maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If replaceable end portions are provided in the apparatus, then both big and small vials can be handled, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for component replacement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring replacement of end portions, the gripping elements are designed to be movable between different positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the apparatus to adapt to different vial sizes during operation without any component replacement, maintaining both versatility and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the gripping elements can be changed to alter the area of the polygon they form, allowing the same physical components to adapt to different vial dimensions. This parameter change approach enables versatility while avoiding the operational complexity of component replacement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for efficient and cost-effective handling of vials of different sizes by adjusting the gripping elements' position to accommodate both magnetic and mechanical coupling, reducing complexity and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The big vials can be raised by coupling the magnets with a corresponding magnetic element of the vial
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns an apparatus (100) for transferring a vial (200) from a first station (301) to a second station (302), comprising a stock (101) of vials in said first station, a mobile arm (1) provided with at least three gripping elements (2a-2d) movable between one another in a controlled way at least between a first and a second position, wherein the free ends of at least part of said gripping elements (2a-2d) have a magnet (5), and wherein the area of the polygon (P) having as vertexes said free ends in said first position is smaller than the area of the polygon (P) having as vertexes said free ends in said second position.