Conveyor Spur Units for Non-CLSI Analyzer Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Many analyzers in laboratory automation systems are not CLSI compliant, making it difficult to implement 'point-in-space' sampling, leading to the need for expensive and complex robotic solutions for non-compliant analyzers to integrate with conveyor systems.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor system with a main transport unit and spur transport units that allow specimen containers to be positioned inside the analyzer without being removed from their carriers, enabling sampling within the analyzer's working area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If robotic arms and grippers are used to transfer specimen containers for non-CLSI compliant analyzers, then the analyzers can be integrated into automation systems, but the system becomes very expensive and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the analyzer move outward to sample containers (CLSI approach), the conveyor system moves the container carrier inward to the analyzer's sampling position. This reverses the traditional approach and allows non-CLSI analyzers to work with conveyor systems without requiring complex robotic transfer mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The spur transport unit serves multiple functions: it positions carriers at the correct sampling location, maintains carrier-container association throughout the process, and interfaces with the main conveyor system. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate robotic arms and grippers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If robotic arms and grippers are used to transfer specimen containers, then non-CLSI analyzers can be integrated, but the solution is very expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If specimen containers are removed from carriers for sampling, then sampling can be performed, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling efficiencyVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is pre-positioned on the spur transport unit at the correct sampling location before the actual sampling occurs. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during sampling and maintains carrier-container association throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling process is merged with the carrier transport process. The carrier remains on the conveyor system throughout sampling, combining the transport and sampling functions into a single integrated process rather than separate operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9063103B2Conveyor of specimen containers with spur units in laboratory automation systems

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 INPECO

AI summary

It is described a conveyor of specimen containers (9) supported by carriers (8) in laboratory automation systems comprising at least one analyzer (10, 50, 60). Said conveyor comprising a main transport unit (2), at least one spur transport unit (4-5, 7) allowing the positioning of the specimen container (9) inside said at least one analyzer (10, 50, 60) without removing said specimen container (9) from its carrier (8).