Bidirectional Sample Rack Transport Track with Buffer Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample analysis devices require multiple tracks for efficient sample rack transport, leading to increased equipment costs and space occupancy, which complicates the transport and detection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sample rack transport apparatus with a bidirectional transfer track, unloading and loading buffer regions, and mechanisms for efficient storage and distribution, allowing for single-track operation and reducing the need for multiple tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple tracks are used for sample rack transport, then transport efficiency is improved, but equipment cost and space occupancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a bidirectional transfer track that can dynamically change its transfer direction based on system needs. The track can switch between forward transfer, backward transfer, and avoidance track modes, allowing a single track to perform functions that traditionally required multiple separate tracks. This dynamic reconfigurability maintains high transport efficiency while reducing the total number of tracks and associated space requirements.
2Productivity
If multiple tracks are used for sample rack transport, then transport efficiency is improved, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional transfer track is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple functions: forward transfer, backward transfer, and avoidance track operations. By making the track multi-functional through bidirectional capability, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated tracks for different purposes, thereby reducing the total number of components and lowering equipment cost while maintaining transport efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If bidirectional transfer track is used, then space occupancy is reduced, but transport complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unloading buffer region acts as an intermediary storage zone between the bidirectional transfer track and the feed channel. This buffer region mediates the complex bidirectional operations by providing a temporary holding area, which simplifies the control logic and reduces transport complexity. The buffer allows the system to decouple the bidirectional track operations from the feed channel operations, making the overall system more manageable despite the bidirectional capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample rack transport apparatus for transporting a sample rack to a sample analyser, comprising: a bidirectional transmission track for bidirectionally transmitting a sample rack without passing through the sample analyser; a feed channel in parallel with the bidirectional transmission track, wherein the sample rack may be delivered from the bidirectional transmission track to the feed channel and to the sample analyser; an unloading cache region located between the bidirectional transmission track and the feed channel, the unloading cache region being used for storing the sample tack; and an unloading mechanism for delivering the sample rack in the feed channel to the unloading cache region for storage, or delivering the sample rack stored in the unloading cache region to the bidirectional transmission track. Also provided are a sample analysis device and a sample analysis system using the sample rack transport apparatus.