Inclinable Transfer Axis for Biological Container Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing equipment for transferring biological products containers between different heights, such as interfacing supports and transport devices, requires modification in height alignment using mechanical contrivances like feet, which compromises stability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The equipment employs an inclinable body with a vertically inclined sliding axis, allowing the holding device to maintain a fixed vertical stroke while adjusting to different heights by regulating the inclination of the sliding axis, enabling secure transfer without altering the machines' ground height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If feet are applied to raise the lower machine to align heights, then height alignment between interfacing support and transport device is achieved, but machine stability on the ground deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight alignmentVSAvoidmachine stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the translation axis inclinable rather than fixed. The axis can be adjusted to different inclination angles to accommodate height differences between machines, eliminating the need for static height-adjustment feet. This dynamic adjustment mechanism maintains machine stability on the ground while achieving proper height alignment for container transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If feet with specific heights are applied to each machine pair, then height alignment is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight alignmentVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single inclinable translation axis mechanism that can accommodate multiple height difference scenarios. Instead of requiring different feet with specific heights for each machine pair, this universal mechanism can be adjusted to match various height differences through inclination angle changes, reducing overall equipment complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the holding device stroke is fixed, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different heights deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidheight adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by introducing inclination angle as an additional degree of freedom. Instead of changing the vertical stroke length of the holding device, the system adjusts the inclination angle of the translation axis to accommodate different height differences, thereby maintaining device simplicity while achieving height adaptability through a different dimensional parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2569128B1Equipment for transferring biological product containers with adjustable inclination of its translation axis
Publication Date: 2014.06.18 INPECO HOLDING LTD
  • EP2569128B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2569128B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2569128B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An equipment (1) is described for transferring biological products containers from an interface support (30) to a transport device (40) and vice-versa for biological containers, positioned at different heights, comprising a frame (2) to which a holding device (3) for biological products containers is connected vertically mobile with respect to said frame (2) and provided with fingers (6) suitable to hold, transfer and release a container for biological products. Said frame (2) is integer with sliding means (7, 18) along a bar (8) fixed to an inclinable body (9), said inclinable body (9) being in its turn rotatingly connected to a sustaining body (10), and regulation means (23, 24, 26, 27) for the inclination of said inclinable body (9), and consequently of said bar (8), with respect to said sustaining body (10) being present in function of the difference of height existing between said interfacing support (30) and said transport device (40) for biological products containers.