Equipment-Tray Assembly With Locking Receptacles for Clean Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual handling of laboratory testing equipment in bioburden, water testing, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food processing, semiconductor production, and environmental monitoring environments poses risks of contamination and is complex, especially when handling multiple pieces in batches, and automated systems struggle to securely grip and transfer smooth cylindrical surfaces without disassembly or spillage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and process for handling equipment-tray assemblies using a support with locking means and a separation mechanism to securely hold and detach equipment from receptacles, employing suction devices and pushing members to automate the handling process without human interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of equipment is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but contamination risk increases and handling security decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A tray with receptacles serves as an intermediary carrier that holds multiple pieces of equipment securely during automated handling. The tray interfaces with automated conveyance systems while providing a controlled environment for the equipment, reducing direct exposure to contamination risks associated with manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment is segmented into individual pieces that can be separately received in receptacles on the tray. This allows automated systems to handle the tray as a unit while maintaining the ability to access and process individual equipment pieces, combining automation efficiency with precise control.
2Productivity
If multiple pieces of equipment are handled in batches, then productivity increases, but handling complexity and security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual equipment pieces are merged into a single equipment-tray assembly for batch handling. The tray consolidates multiple receptacles, each holding a piece of equipment, into one unified structure that can be conveyed and manipulated as a single unit by automated systems, improving productivity while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray design provides universal functionality by accommodating multiple different types of equipment pieces in standardized receptacles. This multi-functional platform can handle various equipment configurations while maintaining consistent automated handling procedures, reducing operational complexity despite increased batch size.
3Reliability
If automated handling equipment is used, then contamination risk is reduced, but the ability to securely grip smooth cylindrical surfaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray acts as an intermediary that provides a standardized gripping interface for automated handling equipment. Instead of requiring direct gripping of smooth cylindrical equipment surfaces, the automated system grasps the tray, which has receptacles designed to securely hold the equipment pieces, thereby maintaining contamination control while enabling reliable automated manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from direct one-dimensional gripping of equipment surfaces to a multi-dimensional approach where the tray provides structural support and positioning. The receptacles on the tray create additional contact points and mechanical advantages that enable secure holding without requiring direct contact with the equipment's smooth surfaces.
4Reliability
If equipment is held firmly in receptacles, then handling security improves, but the force required for release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacles incorporate dynamic release mechanisms that allow the holding characteristics to change during the handling process. During conveyance and handling, the receptacles provide firm holding security, but during release operations, the mechanisms can be actuated to reduce holding force, enabling controlled extraction with manageable force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle design includes preliminary features that prepare for release by maintaining secure holding during normal operations while pre-positioning release mechanisms. This allows the system to switch from a high-holding-force state during transport to a low-release-force state when needed, without compromising security during handling.
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
Facilitates fully automated, secure, and controlled handling of equipment-tray assemblies, reducing contamination risks and improving process reliability by ensuring equipment integrity during separation and transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device configured to create a vacuum and hold the filtration funnel (F) on the membrane support (S)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for handling an equipment-tray assembly. The present invention in particular concerns the fields of bioburden testing, water testing, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food processing, semiconductor production, electronics, and environmental monitoring of closed processing areas.