Interchangeable Gripping Fingers for Lab Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gripping systems in laboratory automation lack flexibility in handling different types of sample containers with varying geometrical properties and cap configurations, requiring manual intervention and limited adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A gripping system with interchangeable gripping fingers of two types, releasably fixable to base portions, and a drive mechanism that allows for the movement of base portions to grip or release containers, along with a finger change device using a spring-biased bolt and electric actuator for easy finger exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single type of gripping finger is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to handle different sample container types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is segmented into modular components: interchangeable gripping fingers and a base portion. Each gripping finger is designed as a separate, replaceable module that can be attached to or removed from the base portion, allowing different finger types to be used for different container geometries without replacing the entire gripping device.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate multiple types of gripping fingers. The base portion includes a receiving structure that can accept different gripping finger configurations, enabling a single base to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attached finger type.
2Ease of operation
If gripping fingers are permanently fixed, then the gripping force is maximized, but the ease of changing finger types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from static permanent fixation to dynamic reversible connection. The gripping finger can be quickly attached to and detached from the base portion through a simple changing operation, allowing the system to adapt between different container types while maintaining secure gripping during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping finger change device incorporates a spring-biased bolt mechanism that automatically engages the gripping finger with the base portion when inserted. The spring provides self-aligning and self-latching functionality, reducing the complexity of manual adjustment and ensuring reliable attachment without requiring complex alignment procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gripping finger types are stored and interchangeable, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping finger change device includes a storage compartment that accommodates multiple gripping finger types in an organized manner. The fingers are stored in a nested or stacked configuration within the change device, allowing easy access and selection of different finger types without cluttering the workspace.
4Productivity
If manual intervention is required for finger changing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The manual spring-biased bolt mechanism is replaced with an electric actuator that automatically performs the attachment and detachment operations. The electric actuator receives control signals to move the bolt, thereby automating the finger changing process and eliminating manual intervention while maintaining mechanical reliability.
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
Enables efficient and flexible handling of various sample containers by allowing quick and reliable attachment/detachment of gripping fingers, accommodating different container geometries and cap types, enhancing automation system versatility and operation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a gripping finger change device, wherein the gripping finger change device is adapted to store gripping fingers of the first type and gripping fingers of the second type, and wherein the gripping finger change device is adapted to replace a gripping finger of the first type fixed to a base portion by a gripping finger of the second type
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping system is provided comprising: gripping fingers of a first type, gripping fingers of a second type, a gripping device for handling sample containers, wherein the gripping device comprises base portions, wherein a gripping finger of the first type and a gripping finger of the second type are releasably fixable to the base portions, and a drive, wherein the drive is adapted to move at least one of the base portions relative to the other base portions to cause a gripping or a releasing of a sample container, and a gripping finger change device, wherein the gripping finger change device is adapted to store gripping fingers of the first type and gripping fingers of the second type, and wherein the gripping finger change device is adapted to replace a gripping finger of the first type fixed to a base portion by a gripping finger of the second type.