Connection device and automated system for inspecting specimen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for specimen transport and analysis systems restrict the freedom in disposing the analysis device due to the placement of centering jaws outside the carousel, necessitating avoidance and limiting system configuration.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a carousel, grip unit inside the carousel, and housing that allows the specimen collection position to be above the transport path and within a predetermined distance from the housing, enabling the grip unit to grip the specimen container horizontally without interfering with transport and allowing flexible placement of the analysis device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the centering jaws are disposed outside the carousel to grip the specimen container, then the specimen container can be accurately gripped and positioned, but the analysis device must be disposed avoiding the centering jaws, which restricts the freedom in disposing the analysis device
Solution Approach 1:
The grip unit is moved from the horizontal plane (outside the carousel) to the vertical dimension (inside the carousel at a height above the transport path). This allows the specimen container to be gripped vertically while the analysis device can be disposed horizontally without interference, resolving the spatial conflict between positioning accuracy and device disposal freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip unit is nested inside the carousel structure, with the specimen container being gripped within the carousel's boundary. This nested arrangement allows the centering and gripping function to be integrated within the carousel rather than requiring external space, thereby freeing up the surrounding area for flexible analysis device placement.
2Measurement precision
If the centering jaws grip the specimen container during carrier lifting, then the specimen container is accurately positioned, but the analysis device must be placed at a higher position, increasing system complexity and limiting configuration options
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping function is merged with the carousel structure itself, where the grip unit becomes an integrated part of the carousel rather than a separate external mechanism. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate centering jaws and carrier lifting mechanisms, simplifying the overall system configuration while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of lifting the carrier and gripping the specimen container from below (as in PTL 1), the grip unit grips the specimen container from above while the container remains on the carousel. This inverted approach allows the analysis device to be placed at a lower, more accessible position, reducing system complexity and improving configuration flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are: a connection device with which it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in positioning of an analysis device that analyzes a specimen; and an automated system for inspecting a specimen, the system comprising the connection device. A connection device for connecting a specimen transport device that transports a specimen container in which a specimen is accommodated and an analysis device that analyzes the specimen, the connection device being characterized by comprising: a carousel that transports a specimen carrier, on which the specimen container is placed, during a prescribed interval; a grip part positioned inside the carousel, the grip part gripping the specimen container at a specimen collection position, which is a position at which the specimen is collected; and a housing that covers the carousel, the connection device also being characterized in that the specimen collection position is above the transport path of the carousel and is positioned within a prescribed distance from the housing.