Consumable Transporter With Scissors Lift for Continuous Instrument Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require operator intervention to periodically reload consumables onto processing instruments, disrupting continuous operation and limiting throughput.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for transporting and holding consumables using a transporter with a support chassis, transport elevator, and scissors actuator to move consumables between vertically spaced holding shelves, enabling continuous operation without manual reloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If consumables are stored on the instrument in large quantities, then the instrument can operate longer without reloading, but the consumables become inaccessible and require operator intervention to feed in smaller batches
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable storage system is segmented into multiple vertically spaced holding shelves distributed throughout the instrument housing, with a transport elevator system that can selectively deliver consumables to the input module. This segmentation allows large quantities of consumables to be stored while maintaining accessibility through automated transport.
Solution Approach 2:
A transport elevator acts as an intermediary mechanism between the stored consumables on holding shelves and the input module. The elevator automatically transports consumables from storage locations to the input module, eliminating the need for operator intervention while ensuring continuous accessibility.
2Productivity
If the instrument operates continuously without interruptions, then throughput is maximized, but consumables must be reliably supplied without manual reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The transport elevator system operates continuously or near-continuously to supply consumables to the input module, ensuring that the instrument can maintain continuous operation. The system includes sensors and control mechanisms that trigger elevator movements to deliver consumables just as they are depleted, maintaining uninterrupted processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument's consumable supply system is self-service through automated transport. The elevator system automatically detects when consumables are needed and transports them without operator intervention, enabling the instrument to supply itself with consumables and maintain continuous operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If additional consumables are loaded onto the instrument while operating, then prolonged operation is enabled, but processing may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable loading function is extracted from the main processing path and placed in a separate, non-interfering location. The transport elevator delivers consumables to the input module independently of the processing operation, allowing consumables to be replenished without affecting ongoing sample analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
Consumables are pre-positioned on holding shelves throughout the instrument housing before operation begins. The transport elevator system is pre-configured to automatically deliver consumables as needed, eliminating the need for during-operation loading and ensuring processing continuity.
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 prolonged instrument operation with an ample supply of consumables accessible for processing, allowing uninterrupted operation and improved throughput by automating the loading process.
Implementation Method 1
a transport elevator coupled to the support chassis for moving the support chassis in a vertical direction between the plurality of holding shelves
Implementation Method 2
a scissors actuator connecting the lift platform to the support chassis and configured to translate the lift platform laterally with respect to the support chassis
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes vertically spaced holding shelves, each including first and second shelf portions separated by an open area. A carrier configured to hold consumables is longer than the open area so that ends of the carrier can be supported on the first and second shelf portions. A transporter includes a support chassis laterally spaced from the holding shelves, a lift platform for carrying the carrier and having a length that is less than the length of the open area, a scissors actuator connecting the lift platform to the support chassis and configured to translate the lift platform laterally between a first position aligned with the support chassis and a second position laterally displaced from the support chassis and aligned with the open area of one of the holding shelves, and a transport elevator coupled to the support chassis for moving the support chassis in a vertical direction between the plurality of holding shelves.