Semi-Automated Lab Tube Selection Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lab tube selection systems are inefficient for identifying and retrieving individual tubes from densely packed racks, especially when small tubes are involved, as they lack automated mechanisms for precise location and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automated lab tube selection system that combines a visual display, processor, and code scanner to guide users in selecting tubes using a keypad or scanner, with an electro-mechanical push assembly to lift tubes for easy removal, allowing for precise tube management and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If tubes are densely packed in a conventional tube rack to increase storage capacity, then the quantity of tubes that can be stored increases, but the difficulty of identifying and retrieving individual tubes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical pusher assembly that acts as a mediator between the user and the densely packed tubes. The pusher assembly locates and pushes upward on selected tubes based on coordinates derived from barcode scanning, enabling precise retrieval without manual searching through the dense rack arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical searching and grasping process with an automated electro-mechanical system. A barcode scanner optically identifies tube locations, and an electro-mechanical pusher assembly automatically positions and pushes the selected tube upward for retrieval, substituting human manual operations with automated mechanical systems.
2Device complexity
If manual searching and selection of tubes is used, then the device complexity remains low, but the time required for tube identification and retrieval increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-scanning and storing barcode information from tubes in the rack before retrieval is needed. When a tube needs to be retrieved, the system already has the location data ready, allowing immediate and precise positioning of the pusher assembly without searching or delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual visual searching and hand coordination with an automated system combining optical barcode scanning, computer processing, and electro-mechanical positioning. This substitution dramatically reduces retrieval time while managing system complexity through integrated automation.
3Productivity
If an automated tube selection system is implemented to improve retrieval efficiency, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional integrated system where a single apparatus combines barcode scanning, computer processing, display output, and electro-mechanical tube manipulation capabilities. This universal device handles multiple functions (identification, location, retrieval) within one system, improving productivity while containing complexity through integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer system acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the barcode scanner, display device, and electro-mechanical pusher assembly. This central coordinating intermediary manages the complexity by processing information and controlling the mechanical components, enabling high productivity through automated coordination of multiple subsystems.
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
Facilitates efficient and accurate identification and retrieval of tubes by correlating barcode data with tube locations, enabling convenient manual removal and placement, even in densely packed racks, thereby improving tube management and handling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a code scanner that reads a bar code on the bottom of tubes in the rack to identify individual tubes and correlate the tube identification with the tube location in the rack
Implementation Method 2
an electro-mechanical push assembly to locate a push-pin under the selected tube and pushes the tube upwardly for convenient retrieval
Data Source
AI summary
A tube handling system with a semi-automatic lab tube selection apparatus for enabling a user to pick a select lab tube in a standard lab tube holding rack with open-bottom wells that contain one or more lab tubes that includes a tube selection unit having, a housing with a top deck having a tube rack support, a transport mechanism contained within the housing having a carriage assembly, with the carriage assembly having a carrier with a push-pin, a drive system that moves the carrier and the push-pin under the tube rack support, and an actuator that raises the push-pin on command for removal, and, a control system to locate the carrier and the push-pin at a select location corresponding to a selected position under an open-bottom well of a tube rack positioned on the tube rack support to raise the push-pin for removal.