Automatic Analyzer Dispensing Arm With Nested Second Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-link arm dispensing mechanisms in automatic analyzers require additional space below the base due to the protrusion of the second shaft, restricting the layout of units positioned below the mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The second shaft is divided axially into two parts with different diameters, allowing one to be housed inside the other during arm descent, thereby reducing the protrusion and enhancing the arrangement flexibility of the dispensing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the second shaft is used as a single piece for rotating and vertically moving the arm, then the arm can be driven effectively, but the shaft protrudes from the lower part of the base requiring additional space below
Solution Approach 1:
The second shaft is divided into multiple sections along its axial direction, with each section having a different diameter. This segmentation allows the shaft to be collapsed into a compact configuration when not in use, eliminating the need for protrusion below the base while maintaining the full rotational and vertical movement capability when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The divided sections of the second shaft are designed to nest within each other, similar to nested dolls. The smaller diameter sections can be housed inside the larger diameter sections, creating a telescopic structure that minimizes the overall volume required below the base when the arm is in its upper position.
2Ease of operation
If the second shaft protrudes from the base to allow vertical movement, then the arm can be lowered effectively, but the layout of units below the dispensing mechanism is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The second shaft transitions from a static, fixed-length structure to a dynamic, variable-length structure. By dividing the shaft into sections that can extend and retract relative to each other, the system adapts its configuration based on operational requirements, allowing full arm lowering capability when needed while minimizing protrusion during normal operation to maximize layout flexibility.
3Volume of moving object
If the second shaft is made with different diameters in axial direction, then the shaft can be shortened when arm is lowered, but the shaft structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second shaft is divided into multiple sections along its axial direction, with each section having a different diameter. This segmentation allows the shaft to be collapsed into a compact configuration when not in use, eliminating the need for protrusion below the base while maintaining the full rotational and vertical movement capability when activated.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzer is provided wherein degree of freedom in arrangement of a dispensing mechanism and of a unit provided below the dispensing mechanism is improved. The automatic analyzer comprising a dispensing mechanism driving a probe for a specimen or a reagent, wherein the automatic analyzer comprises an arm of two degrees of freedom supporting the probe, a first shaft and a second shaft that support the arm and transmit power to the arm, and a motor that gives power allowing the first and second shafts to be rotated and vertically moved, the second shaft being divided in an axial direction and having different diameters and, at the time of lowering the arm by the power of the motor, divided one of the second shaft being housed inside the other, whereby the second shaft is shortened.