Extendible Arm Gripper for Compact Microplate Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated laboratory systems for handling microplates have a large footprint, occupy valuable space, and are prone to errors due to manual displacement and restocking, which can lead to sequencing errors and inefficient use of resources.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with extendible arms and end effectors that can grasp and manipulate microplates, allowing for efficient space utilization and reducing manual intervention by enabling automated, error-free displacement and restocking through a configurable grasping mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual displacement and restocking of microplates is performed, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but error rates increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs self-service by automatically detecting microplate locations, determining optimal grasping configurations, and executing displacement operations without human intervention. The system monitors its own operational status and autonomously replenishes microplates, eliminating manual restocking while maintaining high reliability through consistent automated execution of standardized procedures
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced by an automated robotic system that uses sensors, processors, and programmable logic to control the end effector and extendible arms. The mechanical grasping and displacement actions previously performed by human hands are now executed by motorized components under computer control, reducing errors while maintaining operational flexibility
2Productivity
If automated analysis systems with multiple accessories are deployed, then productivity increases, but the footprint and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions including microplate detection, grasping, displacement, and restocking operations. The end effector can be reconfigured to handle different microplate types and orientations, eliminating the need for dedicated accessories for each specific operation, thereby maintaining high productivity while reducing the overall system footprint
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple previously separate functions (detection, grasping, displacement, restocking) are merged into a single integrated robotic system. The extendible arms and reconfigurable end effector combine multiple capabilities in one unit, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate accessories, thus increasing productivity while minimizing space requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If extendible arms with reconfigurable end effectors are used, then adaptability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector employs dynamic, movable components including extendible arms and reconfigurable gripping elements that can adjust their position and configuration based on the specific microplate being handled. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to accommodate various microplate types, sizes, and orientations without requiring multiple fixed-purpose accessories, thereby increasing versatility while managing complexity through programmed control of movable parts
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an object manipulator, comprising first and second extendible arms, a support member, and an end effector configured for grasping an object. The end effector comprises first and second end effector counterparts, wherein the first counterpart is disposed on the first arm and the second counterpart is disposed on the second arm. The end effector is displaceable, relative to the support member, via extension and retraction of the extendible arms. While the end effector and the object are in a grasping-effectible relationship, the first and second end effector counterparts are disposed, relative to the object, such that the object is graspable by the end effector. While the end effector and the object are in a grasping-ineffective relationship, the first and second end effector counterparts are displaceable, relative to the object, via the extendible arms, such that the end effector and the object become disposed in the grasping-effective relationship.