Device for loading an automated analysis system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analysis systems face precision issues during material loading, leading to potential malfunctions due to imprecise placement of consumables, which can result in the need for re-teaching robotic manipulators and increased downtime.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable loading element and a holding structure that includes alignment elements to secure precise positioning of the material relative to the chassis, allowing the holding structure to move freely in orthogonal directions, ensuring accurate alignment and decoupling from the loading element to prevent displacement during actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the holding structure is rigidly coupled to the movable loading element, then the structure is simple and stable, but the material positioning precision deteriorates due to displacement during actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structure is divided into two independent parts: the movable loading element (drawer) and the holding structure itself. This segmentation allows the drawer to move independently while the holding structure remains stationary relative to the chassis, preventing material displacement and maintaining positioning precision without requiring complex coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment elements serve as intermediaries between the movable loading element and the holding structure. These elements transfer and maintain the precise position of the holding structure relative to the chassis even when the drawer moves, acting as a mediator that decouples the motion of the drawer from the position of the material holder.
2Manufacturing precision
If the drawer is manually actuated, then the operation is simple and flexible, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to unpredictable movement and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment elements act as intermediaries that maintain the precise spatial relationship between the drawer and the holding structure regardless of how the drawer is actuated. This allows manual operation simplicity while ensuring the material remains at the correct position for the manipulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding structure is pre-aligned with the chassis using alignment elements before the drawer actuation occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that even if the drawer moves unpredictably during manual actuation, the material will remain at the taught position for the manipulator.
3Reliability
If the holding structure is rigidly attached to the drawer, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability deteriorates due to position deviations exceeding tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a movable drawer and a stationary holding structure, the invention eliminates the reliability issue of position deviation. The holding structure remains fixed relative to the chassis while the drawer moves, ensuring the material is always at the correct position for reliable manipulator operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment elements serve as intermediaries that maintain the precise position of the holding structure relative to the chassis independent of drawer movement. This ensures the material position remains within the manipulator's tolerance range, maintaining operational reliability without complex active control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect of the present disclosure a device for loading an automated analysis system includes a chassis, a movable loading element movably coupled to the chassis and configured to move between a first and a second position, a holding structure, the holding structure being floatingly coupled to the movable loading element, the holding structure being configured to hold a receptacle for material to be loaded into the automated analysis system, a first alignment element attached to the chassis and a second alignment element attached to the holding structure, wherein the first alignment element is configured to engage with the second alignment element to align the holding structure in a predetermined position relative to the chassis when the movable loading element is in the second position.