Dual Robot Culturing Device with Overlapping Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic culturing devices are inefficient due to the need for two arms to perform separate tasks, such as holding a micropipette and operating its plunger, which complicates the culturing process.
Innovation Solution
An automatic culturing device with two robots having overlapping movable ranges and a temporary placement section allows for the sharing of tasks, enabling one robot to retrieve containers and the other to perform operations like liquid supply, thereby streamlining the culturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two arms are used to perform separate tasks (one holding micropipette, other operating plunger), then the culturing operation can be performed with basic functionality, but the work efficiency becomes low due to complex coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes both robots capable of performing multiple functions including holding containers, supplying liquids, and operating instruments. This multi-functionality allows the robots to flexibly share tasks without requiring specialized dedicated components for each function, thereby improving efficiency while managing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporary placement section as an intermediary between the two robots. This intermediary component facilitates smooth handover of containers and coordination between robots, reducing the direct coordination complexity while maintaining efficient workflow
2Adaptability or versatility
If liquid supply means is accessible to both robots in overlapping movable ranges, then either robot can supply liquids and perform tasks independently, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid supply means into a shared resource that both robots can access within their overlapping movable ranges. This merging of the liquid supply function into a common accessible component allows flexible task distribution while avoiding the need for separate liquid supply systems for each robot, thus managing structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic culturing device configured such that, in a work chamber 2a maintained in a sterile state, first and second robots 6 and 7 are arranged so that the movable ranges thereof partially overlap each other, and such that liquid supply means 10 which supplies liquids, containing a culture medium and liquid medicine, to containers held by the robots, and temporary placement sections (handing-over table 42, centrifuge tube holder 43, and heated room 44), each of which hands over the containers between the first and second robots, are provided in the movable ranges of the first and second robots, which ranges overlap each other.The first robot takes out the containers housed in housing means (rotary stocker 8), and the second robot holds and transports the containers handed over from the first robot via the temporary placement section.The cultivating operation can be efficiently performed.