Analytical Receptacle Transport With Carriage Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratories face challenges in automating sample transport systems to increase throughput, reduce human intervention, and minimize errors in delivering samples to multiple instruments.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle delivery system comprising a puck with fingers biased by springs, a synchronization disc, and a retaining ring, which synchronizes finger movement to securely hold receptacles, coupled with a carriage system for precise delivery and fluid extraction using optical sensing and clamping mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conveyor system is used to transport samples between instruments, then throughput and automation are improved, but the complexity of the transport system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample transport system is divided into modular components: a conveyor system for inter-instrument transport, individual puck assemblies for sample holding, and instrument-specific receptacle interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system throughput and reducing complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The puck serves as an intermediary carrier between the conveyor system and individual instrument receptacles. It receives samples from the automated conveyor and delivers them to specific instrument locations, decoupling the complex conveyor system from the instrument interfaces and simplifying the overall architecture.
2Extent of automation
If manual sample handling is used, then system complexity is reduced, but error rates increase and automation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the conveyor automatically transports sample pucks to instruments, the puck mechanism automatically positions and secures receptacles using spring-loaded fingers, and optical sensors automatically verify sample presence. This eliminates manual handling and reduces errors through consistent automated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical sensors provide feedback to detect when receptacles are properly positioned in the puck and when pucks arrive at instrument locations. This feedback enables the automated system to verify sample presence and adjust operations accordingly, reducing errors through real-time monitoring and control.
3Reliability
If spring-loaded fingers are used to hold receptacles, then secure holding is improved, but the complexity of the puck mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The puck employs dynamic spring-loaded fingers that automatically adjust to receptacle positions and provide secure holding through elastic forces. The springs provide both the clamping force for secure retention and the flexibility to accommodate minor position variations, achieving reliable holding with a relatively simple mechanical mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacles are designed with curved or rounded features that complement the curved contact surfaces of the spring-loaded fingers. This geometric compatibility ensures uniform contact and secure holding while simplifying the finger design, as the curvature works together with the spring mechanism rather than requiring complex flat surfaces or multiple contact points.
4Productivity
If multiple receptacles are handled simultaneously, then processing efficiency is improved, but the precision of individual sample delivery may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments sample handling into discrete units (individual receptacles on individual pucks) while maintaining the ability to process multiple pucks simultaneously through the conveyor system. Each puck and receptacle maintains precise identification and positioning, allowing parallel processing without compromising individual sample delivery precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical sensing systems replace complex mechanical positioning and alignment mechanisms with non-contact detection and control. Optical sensors verify receptacle positions and guide the delivery process, enabling precise sample handling while allowing multiple samples to be processed in parallel through automated conveyor transport.
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
Enhances automation, ensures consistent and accurate delivery of samples to instruments, reducing errors and increasing processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one or more springs coupling the plurality of fingers and thereby biasing the plurality of fingers toward the vertical axis
Implementation Method 2
fluid extraction using optical sensing and clamping mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle clamping mechanism of an instrument includes a carriage configured to move between a first location and a second location of the instrument. The carriage includes one or more support members configured to removably support a receptacle therebetween and a pair of opposed support pads configured to apply a clamping force to a receptacle supported by the carriage as the carriage moves from the first location to the second location and release the clamping force from the receptacle as the carriage moves from the second location to the first location. The clamping mechanism further includes a sensing system configured to determine whether a receptacle is supported by the carriage.