Rotatable Cassette Orienting Device for Laboratory Sample Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual handling of laboratory sample cassettes with angled marking surfaces after printing leads to errors and increased time consumption due to inefficient collection and orientation methods.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a rotatable structure with a guide and storage means, such as a rack, that automatically orients and stores cassettes so that their marking surfaces are facing upwards, reducing human intervention and handling errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cassettes are collected in a hopper or on a bench surface after printing, then the collection process is simple, but handling errors increase and time consumption increases due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the cassette automatically orients itself and is transferred to the correct storage position without human intervention. The cassette's own geometry (inclined marking surface) is utilized to achieve automatic orientation during the transfer process, eliminating the need for manual handling and orientation by laboratory personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer mechanism acts as an intermediary between the printing apparatus and storage rack. This intermediary component receives the printed cassette, rotates it to the correct orientation, and places it in the storage rack, thereby mediating the transfer process to ensure proper orientation without requiring manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling of cassettes is performed, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but time consumption increases due to human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the cassette automatically orients itself and is transferred to the correct storage position without human intervention. The cassette's own geometry (inclined marking surface) is utilized to achieve automatic orientation during the transfer process, eliminating the need for manual handling and orientation by laboratory personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary orientation of the cassette during the transfer process itself. By designing the transfer mechanism to automatically rotate the cassette to the correct orientation before storage, the system prepares the cassette in advance, eliminating the need for subsequent manual orientation and reducing overall handling time.
3Ease of operation
If cassettes with angled marking surfaces are handled manually, then orientation can be adjusted, but errors increase due to inconsistent handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the cassette automatically orients itself and is transferred to the correct storage position without human intervention. The cassette's own geometry (inclined marking surface) is utilized to achieve automatic orientation during the transfer process, eliminating the need for manual handling and orientation by laboratory personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the specific geometric parameter of the cassette (the angle of the marking surface relative to the main body) to achieve automatic orientation. By designing the transfer mechanism to utilize this angular parameter, the system converts the cassette's physical characteristics into a self-orienting feature, ensuring consistent and accurate orientation without manual intervention.
4Ease of operation
If multiple cassettes are processed sequentially with manual handling, then individual attention can be given to each, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the cassette automatically orients itself and is transferred to the correct storage position without human intervention. The cassette's own geometry (inclined marking surface) is utilized to achieve automatic orientation during the transfer process, eliminating the need for manual handling and orientation by laboratory personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous operation by eliminating idle time associated with manual handling. The automatic transfer and orientation mechanism operates continuously as cassettes are printed and transferred without interruption, maintaining a steady workflow and maximizing productivity by keeping the system in constant productive operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) is provided for orientating a plurality of laboratory sample cassettes (2) each having a marking surface (3) disposed on a main body (4) of the cassette (2). A cassette (2) is held by a clamp so that a printer can print on the marking surface (3) of the cassette (2). When the cassette (2) is released from the clamp, it is moved via a belt (13) to an opening (20) of a rotatable structure (15) in a cassette receiving position. When the cassette (2) has been received in the opening (20), the rotatable structure (15) is rotated so that the opening (20) is moved to a cassette releasing position. A rack (23) is positioned beneath the rotatable structure (15) in order to receive the cassette (2) from the rotatable structure opening (20) when the opening (20) is in its cassette releasing position. The cassette (2) is received into a rack slot (24) so that the marking surface (3) of the cassette (2) is at the top of the cassette (2). The rack (23) is then moved each time after it has received a cassette so that a successive rack slot is able to receive another cassette moved by the device (1) from the clamp and printer.