Automated Bit Exchange Magazine for Lab Capper Adaptability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The process of exchanging adapter bits on robotic machines used for automatically screwing caps on and off laboratory sample tubes is time-consuming due to the need for manual removal and replacement of adapter bit sets when switching between different brands of sample tubes with unique head configurations.

Innovation Solution

An SBS-formatted bit exchange magazine assembly that allows for automated replacement of adapter bits, featuring a deck with a nest for tube storage racks and a bit exchange magazine with multiple receptacles for adapter bits, enabling quick and reliable exchange of bit sets using torque sensing motors and a spring and pin mechanism for secure mounting and unloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual removal and replacement of adapter bit sets is used, then the system can handle different brands of sample tubes, but the process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different brands of sample tubesVSAvoidtime required for bit exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter bit system is segmented into modular components: a magazine containing multiple adapter bits, a transfer mechanism with pickup and placement positions, and individual adapter bits that can be independently exchanged. This segmentation enables automated bit exchange without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between versatility and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service bit exchange through automated mechanisms. The transfer mechanism automatically picks up adapter bits from the magazine, transfers them to the header, and replaces worn or incompatible bits without requiring manual removal and replacement, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adapter bit sets are maintained for different tube brands, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various tube head configurationsVSAvoidnumber of adapter bit sets and exchange procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magazine-based transfer mechanism serves multiple functions: storing multiple adapter bit sets, automatically selecting appropriate bits, transferring them to the header, and managing bit inventory. This universal mechanism replaces the need for manual management of multiple adapter bit sets, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The magazine acts as an intermediary between the user and the adapter bits. Instead of directly managing multiple adapter bit sets, the user loads bits into the magazine, and the automated transfer mechanism handles all subsequent bit exchange operations. This intermediary simplifies the interface and reduces operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated bit exchange is implemented, then exchange speed is improved, but the apparatus complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of bit exchangeVSAvoidautomation mechanism components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including movable pickup and placement positions, rotational or linear transfer paths, and actuated gripping mechanisms. These dynamic components enable automated bit exchange at high speed while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to fully robotic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual manipulation with a simplified automated mechanical system. The transfer mechanism uses basic mechanical principles (gripping, transferring, and releasing adapter bits) controlled by automated positioning, achieving high exchange speed without requiring complex robotic arms or multi-axis positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9796574B2Automated bit exchange method and apparatus for laboratory sample tube capping and decapping machines

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 HAMILTON STORAGE TECH

AI summary

A laboratory capper, decapper or combination capper/decapper includes a deck containing with a nest designed to hold an SBS-formatted tube storage rack, and a bit exchange magazine assembly containing one or more sets of adapter bits. The adapter bits are mounted on and unloaded from motor driven fittings, and are exchanged in order to cap or decap laboratory sample tubes or vials that have different head configurations. The bit exchange magazine assembly enables the bit to be exchanged robotically.