Biological Sample Cap Loading With Stepped Belt Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cap recruiting and loading systems in laboratory automation systems suffer from low engagement frequency, leading to operational stalemates and inefficiencies in closing uncapped containers, particularly test tubes, due to caps being engaged improperly oriented, causing delays in sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cap recruitment system using a movable belt with steps to ensure proper cap orientation and a channel device for continuous cap supply, combined with a slide for sequential cap application, ensuring high-frequency cap engagement and loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a system of movable combs is used to engage caps, then caps can be lifted from the container, but the engagement frequency is low and operational stalemates occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable belt with steps that can dynamically adjust and adapt to cap positions, replacing the static comb system. The belt continuously moves and can engage multiple caps simultaneously, ensuring reliable cap supply without operational stalemates by maintaining dynamic interaction with the caps throughout the loading process.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt is divided into multiple discrete steps, each capable of engaging individual caps. This segmentation allows parallel engagement of multiple caps, increasing the frequency of successful engagements and eliminating the single-point-failure problem that plagues the comb system.
2Productivity
If caps are engaged by the comb system, then they can be transported to the closing device, but improper orientation causes engagement failure and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The movable belt system can dynamically adjust its position and orientation to properly align caps before engagement. The continuous motion of the belt allows for real-time correction of cap orientation, ensuring that caps are always presented in the correct orientation to the closing device, thereby eliminating orientation-related delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt system performs preliminary orientation adjustments on caps before they are engaged for transport. By pre-aligning caps in the correct orientation during the initial engagement phase, the system prevents subsequent engagement failures and ensures smooth, uninterrupted operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the recruiting system waits for proper cap orientation, then caps can be engaged correctly, but the test tube closing operation is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The movable belt operates continuously, maintaining constant motion and engagement with caps. This continuous action eliminates waiting periods for proper orientation, as the belt's perpetual movement ensures that caps are constantly being presented in the correct orientation to the closing device, thereby maintaining both precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary orientation adjustments on caps before they reach the closing device. By pre-aligning caps during their transport on the belt, the system ensures correct orientation is achieved in advance, eliminating the need for waiting or repositioning at the closing station.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (8) for recruiting and loading a plurality of caps (6) for closing containers (2) of biological material, comprising a cap container (10) arranged to contain in bulk a plurality of caps (6), a cap recruitment system (11) arranged to convey the caps (6) collected within the cap container (10), along a predetermined direction, a channel device (12) arranged to receive the caps (6) conveyed by the recruitment system (11) and direct the caps (6) downstream of the channel device (12), and a slide (14) arranged to shift the caps (6) from the channel device (12) towards a pick up position wherein the caps (6) can be respectively picked up for the application on a respective container (2) without a cap (6) positioned at a working point (7).