Composite Container Lid Mechanism for Automated Specimen Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen processing systems face challenges in efficiently handling composite containers with complex configurations, particularly in automating the opening and closing of lids to facilitate the transfer of contents between containers, which complicates the processing and handling of specimens.
Innovation Solution
A specimen processing system that includes a robot and a controller to open and close the lids of composite containers, allowing for the controlled transfer of the second container out of the first container, using a lid opening jig and a lid closing mechanism to manage the composite container's unique configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a composite container with nested containers is used to facilitate specimen processing, then the versatility and functionality of the processing system is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase due to the need to open lids and transfer containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested container structure where a second container is placed inside a first container, both within a composite container. This nesting arrangement allows multiple specimen processing steps to be integrated in a single container system, improving versatility while maintaining organized structure for automated handling
Solution Approach 2:
The lid of the composite container is designed to serve multiple functions: it seals the first container, provides access to the nested second container, and can be opened and closed by a single robotic mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces operational complexity despite the complex container configuration
2Productivity
If a robot is used to automate lid opening and container transfer, then the productivity and reliability of specimen processing is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the complex sequence of operations required
Solution Approach 1:
The second container is pre-positioned inside the first container with its opening facing upward, and the lid is designed with features that allow the robotic system to grasp and open it. This preliminary arrangement simplifies the automated operation sequence by eliminating complex alignment steps during execution
Solution Approach 2:
The lid acts as an intermediary element that the robotic system interacts with to access the nested container. By designing the lid with specific grasping features and opening mechanisms, the complex task of accessing the second container is simplified into a standardized lid-opening operation that the robot can perform reliably
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing a specimen includes controlling a robot to open a lid of a composite container. The composite container includes a first container and a second container. The first container includes a first opening. The second container includes an insertion portion, a protrusion portion, and a second opening. The insertion portion is insertable into the first container through the first opening. The protrusion portion is protrudable through the first opening. The second opening is disposed on the protrusion portion and coverable by the lid. After the lid has been opened, the robot is controlled to take the second container out of the first container. After the second container has been taken out of the first container, the robot is controlled to cover the first opening using the lid.