Gapless Specimen Rack Transport Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing specimen transporting apparatuses for blood analyzers and coagulation analyzers increase processing time and reduce efficiency by requiring specimen racks to return to the horizontal transport start position for reanalysis, leading to inaccurate positioning of specimen containers at the aspirating position.
Innovation Solution
A transporting apparatus with a pair of engage members that can approach and separate relative to the transport direction, allowing gapless engagement with the specimen rack, enabling direct transport to the aspirating position without returning to the start position, thus maintaining accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the specimen rack is returned to the horizontal transport start position for reanalysis, then the specimen container can be repositioned at the aspirating position, but the transport distance and time are increased, reducing processing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The engage member is designed to dynamically adjust its engagement position along the transport direction. By making the engagement position variable rather than fixed, the system can directly transport the specimen rack to the required position without returning to the start position, thereby reducing transport time and improving processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of engagement position from a fixed value to a variable value that can be adjusted according to the transport requirements. This allows the engage member to engage at different positions along the transport path, enabling direct transport to the aspirating position and eliminating unnecessary return trips
2Manufacturing precision
If the engage member engages with the specimen rack with a gap, then the structure is simpler, but the positioning accuracy of the specimen container at the aspirating position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engage member incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows it to adapt its position and orientation during engagement. This dynamic capability enables gapless engagement with the specimen rack while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the adjustment is achieved through controlled movement rather than complex mechanical linkages
Data Source
AI summary
A transporting apparatus for transporting a specimen rack holding a specimen container containing a specimen, comprising: an engage unit capable of engaging with the specimen rack; and a moving mechanism for moving the engage unit in a transport direction of the specimen rack, the transport direction including a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the engage unit comprises: a pair of engage members, capable of mutually approaching and separating relative to the transport direction, and engaging with the specimen rack gaplessly relative to the transport direction by the approaching operation or the separating operation; and a driver for driving the pair of engage members so as to perform the approaching operation and the separating operation. A specimen analyzing apparatus is also disclosed.