Consumable Carrier Transport for Continuous Instrument Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing instruments require frequent operator intervention to reload consumables, disrupting continuous operation and limiting throughput.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for transporting and holding consumables, including a transporter/storage module with vertically spaced holding shelves and an input module, allowing continuous loading of consumables without interrupting instrument operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional transport mechanisms are used, then consumables can be moved to the processing instrument, but the mechanism occupies valuable space inside the instrument and complicates the overall structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external robotic arm as an intermediary device that performs consumable transport outside the processing instrument. The robotic arm picks up consumables from a storage location and delivers them to the instrument through an opening, eliminating the need for internal transport mechanisms and their associated complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transport function is extracted from the processing instrument itself and relocated to an external robotic system. This separation allows the instrument to focus solely on its primary processing function while the external robot handles logistics, reducing internal complexity and space requirements
2Reliability
If conventional holding mechanisms are used, then consumables can be secured during processing, but the mechanisms add complexity and may interfere with processing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable containers are designed with self-holding features such as recesses, grooves, or magnetic properties that enable them to secure themselves to the instrument's processing surface without requiring separate active holding mechanisms. The container's own structure provides the retention function, eliminating additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The holding function is merged with the container design itself rather than being a separate mechanism. Features like integrated magnets, shaped engagement surfaces, or friction-based retention are built into the container, combining the storage and securing functions into a single unified component
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple consumable types are stored separately, then processing variety is enabled, but the storage space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal storage arrangement to vertical stacking configuration. Multiple containers are arranged in layers one above another, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate diverse consumable types without expanding the horizontal footprint, thus maintaining compact storage while supporting variety
4Manufacturing precision
If precise consumable positioning is achieved, then processing accuracy is improved, but the positioning mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is programmed with pre-defined pickup and placement locations for each container type. The system performs preliminary positioning by placing containers in predetermined locations during the pick-and-place operation, achieving accurate positioning through pre-planned trajectories rather than complex active positioning mechanisms during processing
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method provides a supply of consumables to a processing instrument that uses one or more of the consumables for each of a plurality of processes performed by the instrument. The system includes a loading drawer holding a carrier for receiving a plurality of consumables and an input module for holding a carrier supporting a plurality of consumables thereon and presenting the consumables for access by the instrument. A transporter includes a vertical elevator and a lateral actuator for moving a lift platform vertically and laterally and for transporting carriers on the lift platform with or without consumables supported thereon between the loading drawer and the input module, between the loading drawer and one or more holding shelves, or between the input module and one or more holding shelves. A carrier includes parallel support rails for holding multiple receptacle units and retainer tabs for retaining the units on the support rails.