Laboratory Cap Removal Chute for Sticky Rubber Caps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses face challenges in reliably removing caps from laboratory sample containers, particularly with sticky rubber caps, and ensuring they are guided correctly into a tray without spilling or contaminating the system.
Innovation Solution
A cap gripper applies rotational and transversal forces to remove the cap, which is then guided through a displaceable chute along a 40-degree angled linear trajectory by a drive mechanism, ensuring the cap is securely inserted into the chute and prevented from sticking to the gripper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cap gripper is used to remove caps from laboratory sample containers, then cap removal capability is improved, but sticky rubber caps may stick to the gripper causing loss and reliability deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
A chute is introduced as an intermediary component between the cap gripper and the cap storage location. The chute receives caps from the gripper and guides them to the storage container, preventing direct contact between the gripper and the caps during transport. This intermediary structure eliminates the sticking problem between gripper and caps while maintaining the cap removal capability.
2Reliability
If caps are guided through a fixed chute, then cap guidance is improved, but the chute may restrict gripper movement and increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned only when needed. The chute can be moved into place to receive caps from the gripper, perform its guidance function, and then be moved away to clear the gripper's movement path. This dynamic positioning eliminates the need for complex permanent structural arrangements while maintaining reliable cap guidance.
3Reliability
If the chute is positioned to receive caps, then cap reception is improved, but the gripper's rotational and linear movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is designed to be movable on multiple axes, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. When cap reception is needed, the chute moves into the appropriate position. When the gripper needs to perform rotational or linear movements, the chute can be repositioned or moved away to clear the path. This dynamic repositioning capability resolves the conflict between cap reception and gripper movement freedom.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus (100) for removing a cap (1) closing a laboratory sample container (2), the apparatus (100) comprising: - a cap gripper (3) being adapted to grip a cap (1) to be removed and being adapted to remove the cap (1) being gripped from the laboratory sample container (2), - a displaceable chute (4) comprising a cap inlet (5), - a linear guide defining a linear trajectory, wherein the displaceable chute (4) is mechanically coupled to the linear guide such that the displaceable chute (4) is displaceable along the linear trajectory, and - a drive being adapted to cause a displacement of the displaceable chute (4) along the linear trajectory to a dropping position (DP), wherein in the dropping position (DP) the removed cap (1) being gripped by the cap gripper (3) is at least partially inserted into the cap inlet (5) of the displaceable chute (4).