Sample Container Carrier Rotation With Guided Roll-Off Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory sample container handling systems face challenges in efficiently and reproducibly aligning and rotating sample containers for automated handling in laboratory automation systems, particularly in distributing and reading optically readable identification elements.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory sample container carrier handling apparatus comprising a revolving device and a guiding surface with a force-applying device, where the revolving device pushes the container carrier along the guiding surface, and the force-applying device ensures it rolls off at a defined position, enabling controlled rotation and alignment of the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a revolving device pushes sample containers along a guiding surface, then the rotation and alignment of sample containers is achieved, but the reproducibility and precision of alignment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The force-applying device applies force to the sample container before it reaches the guiding surface, pre-positioning it for optimal contact and rotation. This preliminary action ensures that the container is properly oriented and positioned before the critical alignment phase, improving both precision and reproducibility of the alignment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding surface acts as an intermediary between the revolving device and the sample container. It provides a controlled interface that guides the container's motion and ensures consistent contact points, thereby improving the reproducibility of alignment across multiple operations while maintaining high precision.
2Productivity
If manual handling of sample containers is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but automation and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container is designed to self-align and self-rotate through its interaction with the guiding surface and force-applying device. The container's own geometry and the applied forces work together to achieve proper orientation without requiring complex external manipulation mechanisms, thereby automating the process while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling apparatus is designed to accommodate multiple types of sample containers with a single mechanism. The guiding surface and force-applying device can handle various container shapes and sizes, providing universal functionality that maintains operational flexibility while achieving high automation efficiency across different sample types.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment mechanisms are used, then precision of container positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding surface is designed with a curved profile that naturally guides the sample container into the correct position and orientation. This curved geometry passively achieves precise alignment through the container's own rolling motion, eliminating the need for complex active positioning mechanisms while maintaining high positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a combination of a simple revolving device, a curved guiding surface, and a force-applying device. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving precise container positioning through the interaction of these simpler components with the sample container's geometry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reproducible and automatic rotation and alignment of sample containers, facilitating easy handling and efficient distribution within laboratory automation systems, particularly for optical readers.
Implementation Method 1
the force-applying device is adapted to apply a force to the laboratory sample container carrier supplied to the revolving device to such an extent that the laboratory sample container carrier is forced against the guiding surface
Data Source
AI summary
A laboratory sample container carrier handling apparatus is provided comprising a revolving device, a guiding surface, and a force-applying device, wherein the force-applying device is adapted to apply a force to a laboratory sample container carrier supplied to the revolving device to such an extent that the laboratory sample container carrier is forced against the guiding surface to such an extent that the laboratory sample container carrier rolls off at the guiding surface pushed by the revolving device. A laboratory automation system is also provided comprising such a laboratory sample container carrier handling apparatus and to a use of such a laboratory sample container carrier handling apparatus for handling a laboratory sample container carrier in, in particular such, a laboratory automation system.