Container Carrier Transport via Segmented Magnetic Drives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for transporting containers between stations lack the combination of high transport capacity and flexibility, particularly in prioritizing certain containers for urgent processing in laboratory analysis systems.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a control unit, a transport area divided into subareas with assigned drives that apply contactless drive forces to container carriers, enabling high degrees of freedom and flexible routing, including the use of magnetic fields and compressed air for friction reduction, and RFID transponders for identification and positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional container transport system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the transport capacity and flexibility are insufficient for prioritizing certain containers

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport area is divided into multiple subareas, each with its own drive unit. This segmentation allows independent control of different zones, enabling flexible routing and prioritization of specific container carriers without requiring complex centralized control of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic drive units that can be selectively activated based on real-time transport needs. Each drive unit can independently propel container carriers, allowing the system to adapt its transport capacity and routing flexibility dynamically while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple drive units are assigned to different subareas, then the transport capacity and flexibility improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport capacityVSAvoiddrive system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the transport area into subareas with dedicated drive units, the system achieves high transport capacity through parallel operations in multiple zones. The segmentation allows each drive unit to operate independently, managing complexity through modular design rather than requiring a single complex centralized drive system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each drive unit is capable of independently propelling container carriers within its subarea, providing self-service functionality. This reduces the need for complex coordination mechanisms between drive units, as each unit can autonomously manage its local transport tasks, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If friction is reduced for rapid transport, then the transport speed increases, but the system requires additional mechanisms like compressed air or magnetic fields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport speedVSAvoidfriction reduction mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical friction-based propulsion with non-contact drive mechanisms such as magnetic fields or compressed air. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical contact and friction, enabling rapid transport while the modular integration of these mechanisms across multiple subareas keeps the overall system complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Compressed air mechanisms are employed to reduce friction and enable rapid movement of container carriers. By using pneumatic propulsion in distributed subareas, the system achieves high transport speeds without requiring a single complex friction reduction mechanism, as each subarea independently manages its own pneumatic drive system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

This solution enables high-capacity, flexible container transport with prioritization capabilities, ensuring rapid and accurate movement of containers between stations, particularly for emergency samples, while minimizing friction and collisions.

Implementation Method 1

The drives are activated by the control unit and each drive is assigned to a respective subarea. Each drive applies a drive force to an associated container carrier.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

including the use of magnetic fields and compressed air for friction reduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir lubrication: Air Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS9969570B2System for transporting containers between different stations and a container carrier

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

A system for transporting containers between different stations is presented. The containers are accommodated in container carriers. The system comprises a control unit for controlling the transport of the container carriers, a transport area divided into subareas and on which the container carriers can be movably arranged, and a drive. The drive is activated by the control unit and each subarea is assigned a respective drive. Each drive applies a drive force to an associated container carrier.