Rotatable Diverting Element With Integrated Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems for moving object carriers in medical or laboratory settings are complex, requiring numerous sensors and cables, leading to high maintenance costs and reduced precision due to the need for precise timing and extensive cabling, which complicates the diversion of object carriers between conveyor lanes.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance system with a rotatable diverting element that includes integrated sensors and an engaging element, allowing for precise detection and diversion of object carriers close to the diverting element, reducing the need for external sensors and cabling, and simplifying the control software by integrating all necessary components into a single physical entity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional through beam sensors are used to detect object carriers, then detection can be performed at a distance, but the system requires extensive cabling and complex control software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor element and diverting element into a single integrated unit. The sensor element is positioned on the diverting element to detect object carriers in close proximity (less than 60 cm, preferably less than 40 cm), eliminating the need for separate through beam sensors and their associated cabling infrastructure. This integration directly reduces device complexity while maintaining detection precision.
2Loss of time
If sensors are placed far from the diverting element, then detection range is increased, but timing precision and system throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element detects object carriers in advance but at a much closer distance than conventional systems. By positioning the sensor on the diverting element itself, the system achieves detection at less than 60 cm (preferably less than 40 cm), allowing for more precise timing control and faster response, thereby improving system throughput without sacrificing detection precision.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are distributed throughout the conveyor system, then detection coverage is improved, but the number of cables and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sensor element directly onto the diverting element, consolidating multiple functions into a single component. This eliminates the need for multiple distributed sensors and their associated cabling, significantly reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining reliable detection through the integrated sensor that directly monitors object carriers near the diversion point.
4Ease of operation
If conventional separate sensor and diverting elements are used, then component flexibility is maintained, but the system requires complex coordination and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor element and diverting element into a single integrated unit, which dramatically simplifies control logic. The sensor on the diverting element provides direct feedback about object carrier presence and position, enabling intuitive control based on real-time proximity information rather than requiring complex coordination between separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed aspects relate to a conveyance system and method for conveying a plurality of object carriers. The conveyance system comprises at least one first conveyor lane section, and at least, two second conveyor lane sections. The conveyance system further comprises a rotatable diverting element for diverting an object carrier of the plurality of object carriers between the at least one first conveyor lane section and one of the at least two second conveyor lane sections of the conveyance system.