Movement device comprising a combined individual movement and block movement drive for a plurality of jointly guided movement units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear movement devices require multiple drives to achieve both block and individual movement of pipetting ducts along a shared axis, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when needing to adjust the distance between units.

Innovation Solution

A linear movement device utilizing two linear drives that can operate independently or simultaneously to enable both block and individual movement of linear units along a shared axis, allowing for precise positioning and adjustment of pipetting ducts by controlling the relative speeds and directions of the drives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate drives are used for block and individual movement, then both movement modes can be achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement mode flexibilityVSAvoiddrive system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines block movement and individual movement capabilities into a single drive system. The drive unit includes a common drive mechanism that can operate in two modes: synchronized operation for block movement and differential operation for individual movement. This merging eliminates the need for separate drive systems while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive system is designed as a universal mechanism that performs multiple functions. The same drive unit can provide both block movement (moving all linear movement units together) and individual movement (moving specific units independently) through different control modes, making the system multi-functional rather than requiring specialized drives for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If individually linear-motor-driven pipetting ducts with separate rotors are used, then individual movement is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual movement capabilityVSAvoidnumber of linear drives

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using separate linear motors for each pipetting duct, the patent merges the drive functions into a single drive unit. This common drive mechanism controls multiple linear movement units through a unified system, reducing the number of drives from multiple separate motors to one integrated drive while maintaining individual movement capability through differential control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If a block movement transmission gear unit with drive spindle and spindle nuts is used, then block movement is achieved, but adding individual movement capability requires additional complex mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblock movement speedVSAvoidtransmission mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission mechanism is designed to be dynamic and adaptable. The single drive unit can switch between synchronized operation (for block movement) and differential operation (for individual movement). This dynamic capability allows the same mechanical structure to serve multiple functions without requiring additional fixed mechanisms, reducing overall complexity while maintaining speed performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient and precise movement of pipetting ducts as a block or individually, allowing for flexible adjustment of distances between units, enhancing the operational flexibility and efficiency of pipetting devices.

Implementation Method 1

a first rolling means and a second rolling means, in each case set in rolling engagement with the first rolling path and the second rolling path, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentUS9664263B2Movement device comprising a combined individual movement and block movement drive for a plurality of jointly guided movement units

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 HAMILTON BONADUZ AG

AI summary

A linear movement device comprising at least two linear movement units which are guided in a movable manner along a shared linear movement axis, wherein the linear movement device comprises a first linear drive and a second linear drive, in such a way that each linear movement unit can be driven in movement along the linear movement axis merely by the first linear drive, merely by the second linear drive, and also by both linear drives together. The first and the second linear drive are coupled to the linear movement units so as to transmit drive force, in such a way that when only one of the first linear drive and the second linear drive is activated, the linear movement units can be driven in movement in a shared direction along the linear movement axis at different speeds.