Multi-Directional Carousel Connection Device for Automated Specimen Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen inspection automatic systems require dedicated connection devices that can only connect automatic analysis devices in specific directions, limiting flexibility due to constrained installation spaces and structures, and do not allow for connection from multiple directions.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring a specimen carrier transport unit and a carousel that holds and transports specimen carriers to multiple specimen collection positions, enabling connection from various directions by rotating and positioning the carousel to align with different automatic analysis devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated connection device is designed for a specific automatic analysis device, then the connection is reliable and functional, but the device cannot be connected from multiple directions and installation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device incorporates a carousel mechanism that can hold specimen carriers from multiple directions, allowing a single device to connect with automatic analysis devices regardless of their orientation. The carousel rotates to present specimen carriers at the required angle, enabling one connection device to serve multiple connection scenarios that would otherwise require dedicated devices for each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel is designed to rotate dynamically to adjust the orientation of specimen carriers. This rotational capability allows the connection device to adapt to different connection directions on demand, transforming a static single-direction connection device into a dynamic multi-directional device that maintains reliable connections while providing installation flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connection device supports connection from multiple directions, then installation flexibility is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel mechanism nests multiple specimen carrier holding positions within a single rotating structure. Instead of creating separate connection mechanisms for each direction, the invention nests multiple carrying positions in concentric arrangement on the carousel, allowing compact integration of multi-directional capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a connection device to which an automatic analysis device can be connected from a plurality of directions, and a specimen inspection automating system provided with the connection device. A connection device (220) is provided with: a specimen carrier conveyance part (225) that conveys a specimen carrier (10) housing a specimen; and a carousel (221) that is configured so as to be able to hold a plurality of specimen carriers (10) carried in from the specimen carrier conveyance part (225) and that conveys the held specimen carriers (10) to specimen sampling positions (293a, 293b, 293c) for receiving a specimen sampling mechanism (305) from an external automatic analysis device (300) at a prescribed interval.