Articulated Sample Rack for Tight Corner Conveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying sample containers in rigid racks is challenging due to space constraints and low throughput, especially when turning tight corners, and individual sample containers in pucks provide lower efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An articulated sample container rack apparatus with coupled rack components and hinges allows for articulation, enabling flexible movement and barcode reading, and a conveyor system with moveable walls and secondary walls for spinning rack components to facilitate efficient transfer and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rigid sample racks are used to convey multiple sample containers, then throughput is improved, but the system becomes difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and cannot turn tight corners
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid sample rack is divided into multiple separable rack components that can be articulated relative to each other. Each component can be independently positioned and rotated, allowing the rack to be segmented into smaller units that can navigate tight corners and confined spaces while still carrying multiple sample containers collectively
Solution Approach 2:
The rack components are made dynamically adjustable through articulation mechanisms that allow relative movement between components. The rack can transition from a rigid fixed configuration to a flexible articulated configuration, enabling it to adapt to different spatial constraints and maneuvering requirements while maintaining throughput capability
2Area of stationary object
If individual sample containers in pucks are conveyed, then space requirements are reduced, but throughput efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual sample container receptacles are merged into a single articulated rack assembly. The rack components collectively carry multiple sample containers in a coordinated manner, combining the space efficiency of individual container handling with the throughput benefits of multi-container racks by processing samples in organized groups rather than isolated units
3Adaptability or versatility
If rack components are made articulating with hinges, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system is segmented into discrete hinge mechanisms located at specific interfaces between rack components. Each hinge is a simple, standardized element that provides localized articulation capability, allowing the overall system to achieve complex flexible movement through composition of simple segmented articulation points rather than requiring a single complex mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
An articulated sample rack apparatus is disclosed. In one aspect, the articulated sample rack apparatus has a plurality of coupled rack components wherein at least some of the rack components have a receptacle having a bottom to receive a sample container, the rack having free ends and at least one hinge allowing articulation between at least some of the rack components. Conveyor systems and methods to convey sample racks are provided, as are other aspects.