Horizontal Clamp Gripping for Clean Sample Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample container gripping mechanisms in automated sample examination systems risk mixing foreign matter, such as abrasion powder, into the sample, which lowers analysis accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sample container gripping apparatus that grips the container horizontally outside the conveyance path, using a pair of clamps with driven pins to securely hold the container without vertical movement, preventing foreign matter from entering the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the centering jaw is arranged on the conveyance path to grip the sample container, then the sample container can be accurately positioned, but foreign matter such as abrasion powder may be mixed into the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping mechanism is extracted from the conveyance path and repositioned to approach the sample container from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance path. This separates the gripping function from the conveyance path, eliminating the source of foreign matter contamination while preserving positioning accuracy through the modified approach angle.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the gripping mechanism move along the conveyance path to position the sample container, the invention inverts the approach by having the gripping mechanism approach from a perpendicular direction. This reverses the traditional sequence of operations and eliminates contact between the gripping mechanism and the conveyance path.
2Manufacturing precision
If vertical movement is used to position the sample container, then the container can be accurately positioned, but the structure becomes more complex and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from vertical movement (one dimension) to horizontal movement perpendicular to the conveyance path (another dimension). This dimensional change simplifies the mechanical structure by eliminating the need for vertical positioning mechanisms while achieving the same positioning accuracy through lateral approach.
3Ease of operation
If the gripping mechanism is placed on the conveyance path, then it can access the sample container, but foreign matter generation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping mechanism is extracted from the conveyance path environment that generates abrasion powder. By repositioning it to approach from a perpendicular direction, the mechanism remains accessible to the sample container while being removed from the harmful environment that generates foreign matter.
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
The apparatus effectively prevents foreign matter from contaminating the sample while allowing for accurate and efficient handling of various container sizes, reducing power consumption and maintaining system compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a first pin provided at the other end of the clamp and rotatably connected to a third gear to be driven so as to draw an arc with a first center as a center
Implementation Method 2
a second pin provided between both ends of the clamp and rotatably connected to one end of a second link arm to be driven so as to draw an arc with a second center as a center
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a sample container gripping device capable of gripping a sample container without allowing foreign matter to be mixed into a sample, a sample conveyance device comprising the sample container gripping device, and a connection device. This sample container gripping device for gripping a sample container accommodating a sample is characterized by comprising a pair of clamps that are kept outside of a conveyance path, which is for conveying a sample carrier upon which the sample container is placed, until the sample carrier is conveyed to a prescribed position and, when the sample carrier is conveyed to the prescribed position, move horizontally toward the conveyance path so as to grip the sample container from the horizontal direction at the prescribed position.