Barcode Reader Rotating Mechanism for Test Tube Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barcode reading apparatuses in test tube transfer paths fail to accurately face the barcode label to the reader due to idle clearance in the engagement between guide projections and the annular groove, leading to barcode reading failures.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reading apparatus with a rotating mechanism that uses swing open-close arms and rotary belts to hold and rotate the test tube, ensuring the barcode is precisely aligned with the reader during intermittent transfer, utilizing linked gears and a servomotor to ensure accurate barcode orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guide projections engage with the annular groove to hold the test tube holder, then the test tube holder can be transferred, but idle clearance causes the test tube holder to swing or press strongly against the guide rails, preventing accurate barcode facing
Solution Approach 1:
A rotating mechanism is introduced as an intermediary device between the guide rails and the barcode reader. This mechanism includes a rotating arm with a holding portion that grasps the test tube holder, enabling precise rotational positioning and accurate facing of the barcode to the reader, thereby resolving the alignment precision problem caused by idle clearance in the guide rail engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static engagement between guide projections and annular groove to a dynamic rotating mechanism that can actively adjust and position the test tube holder. The rotating arm with holding portion enables controlled rotation and precise positioning, allowing the barcode to be accurately faced to the reader regardless of the idle clearance in the guide rail engagement
2Ease of operation
If friction rollers press to the periphery of the cylinder to rotate the test tube holder, then the holder can be rotated, but the idle clearance causes swinging or strong pressing against guide rails, preventing rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating arm with holding portion serves as an intermediary that directly grasps and rotates the test tube holder, replacing the friction roller mechanism. This intermediary device provides reliable rotational control without the interference of idle clearance in the guide rail engagement, ensuring both ease of operation and barcode reading reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic friction roller mechanism that causes swinging and pressing against guide rails is removed and replaced with a rotating arm mechanism. This extraction of the harmful element (friction rollers) eliminates the cause of rotation failure while maintaining the desired rotational functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A barcode reading apparatus provided in a transfer mechanism to transfer intermittently a test tube holder holding a test tube with a barcode on periphery, comprises a barcode reader which reads a barcode of the test tube during halt of intermittent transfer by the transfer mechanism, and a rotating mechanism which holds sides of the test tube, and rotates the test tube to face the barcode to the barcode reader during the halt of intermittent transfer.