Chute Strip-Off Feature for Gripper Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical laboratory systems face delays and contamination issues when robotic grippers release waste objects, as sticky substances or labels can cause objects to stick to the gripper fingers, requiring human intervention and leading to the spread of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A chute arrangement with a strip-off feature, comprising a hollow tubular body with slots that allow gripper fingers to separate from sticky objects, enabling the objects to be released and collected in a waste container without sticking, and featuring a top chute that restrains objects as gripper fingers open, preventing contamination transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robotic gripper is used to transport and release waste objects, then automation is improved, but objects may stick to the gripper fingers due to contamination or labels
Solution Approach 1:
The chute serves as an intermediary structure between the gripper and the waste container. The gripper releases objects into the chute, which then guides them to the container. This intermediary allows the gripper to release objects without direct contact with the container, facilitating cleaner separation and reducing sticking issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The release process is segmented into distinct zones: the gripper holding zone, the chute transition zone, and the container reception zone. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally - the gripper maintains grip until the designated release point, then the chute takes over to guide the object, ensuring clean separation.
2Reliability
If human intervention is used to remove stuck objects from the gripper, then release reliability is improved, but processing time increases and contamination may spread
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-servicing for the release function. The chute's geometry and positioning automatically facilitate object separation from the gripper without requiring human intervention. The structure itself provides the mechanism for clean release, making the system autonomous and eliminating time losses associated with manual correction.
3Device complexity
If the gripper releases objects directly into the waste container, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination may be transferred from the gripper to subsequent objects
Solution Approach 1:
The chute acts as a contamination barrier and intermediary pathway. Objects are transferred from the gripper into the chute, which isolates the transfer process from the final container environment. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between potentially contaminated gripper surfaces and subsequent objects, blocking contamination spread while adding minimal complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for a chute arrangement comprising an element for objects, such as, test tubes, caps, etc. released by a gripper unit such that the released objects may be collected in a container. The element may comprise a plurality of slots for a plurality of gripper fingers in the gripper unit to pass through. The element may be configured to restrain the object as the plurality of gripper fingers release the object.