Laboratory Sample Inspection With Vertical Lifting for Compact Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory automation systems for inspecting laboratory sample containers and samples within them are inefficient in terms of horizontal system extension, leading to space constraints and limitations in compact design.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory automation system with a sample container carrier, transporting device, lifting device, code reading device, gripping device, and sensor apparatus that allows for horizontal and vertical movement, code reading, and sample inspection, all while minimizing horizontal space consumption, using a compact horizontal system extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If inspection components are arranged substantially horizontally relative to one another, then the system can perform comprehensive inspection functions, but the horizontal system extension becomes large, leading to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of inspection components to a vertical arrangement. The sample container carrier is moved vertically between a loading position and an inspection position, allowing multiple inspection components to be stacked vertically rather than horizontally. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by maintaining comprehensive inspection functionality while significantly reducing the horizontal footprint of the system.
2Productivity
If the sample container carrier is positioned on the transporting device for horizontal transport, then the system can efficiently move samples, but the horizontal space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a vertical lifting device that moves the sample container carrier between a loading position (where horizontal transport occurs) and an inspection position (vertically elevated). This vertical separation allows the transporting device to operate horizontally at one level while inspection components operate at a different vertical level, effectively reducing the horizontal space required for the complete system while maintaining transport efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laboratory automation system (1) for inspecting a laboratory sample container (20) and/or a sample (1) stored within an interior (21) of the laboratory sample container (20), comprising: a sample container carrier (2) for carrying a laboratory sample container (20), a transporting device (3) for horizontally transporting the sample container carrier (2), a lifting device (4), a code reading device (5) for reading a readable code (22) of the laboratory sample container (20) while the lifting device (4) moves the sample container carrier (2) between the transport device (3) and the uplift carrier-position, a gripping device (6) for gripping the laboratory sample container (20) if the sample container carrier (2) is in its uplift carrier-position and for vertically moving the gripped laboratory sample container (20) to a top position, and a sensor apparatus (7) for detecting at least one property of the laboratory sample container (20) and/or of the sample (S) in the top position.