Microplate Carousel with Rotating Hotels for Robotic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microplate storage devices face limitations in capacity, reliability, ease of use, and lack of manual intervention capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A carousel system with multiple hotels for microplate storage, equipped with a motor for rotation and a controller for positioning, along with spring-loaded ball catches for secure attachment, enhances storage and handling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robotic arm is used to move microplates between storage devices and testing devices, then automation is improved, but the ability for manual intervention is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel serves as an intermediary device between the robotic arm and the testing device. It accepts microplates from the robotic arm and allows them to be manually accessed from the side, thus mediating between automated handling and manual intervention needs
2Quantity of substance
If multiple microplates are stored in a storage device, then capacity is improved, but access time increases when retrieving specific plates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple hotels, each with multiple racks arranged radially around the carousel perimeter. This segmentation allows the robotic arm to access specific racks independently while the carousel rotates to position them, enabling both high capacity and efficient access to specific plates
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel rotates dynamically to bring different racks to the access position. This dynamic positioning allows any rack to be quickly brought to the robotic arm or manual access point, maintaining fast access times even with high storage capacity
3Device complexity
If a sequential storage device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to sequential access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel provides dynamic random access by rotating to position any rack at the access point, eliminating sequential access requirements while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structure with a single rotating platform and radial rack arrangement
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
The carousel system improves microplate storage capacity, reliability, and usability, allowing for efficient manual intervention and seamless integration with robotic systems.
Implementation Method 1
One or more spring-loaded ball catches are provided on the tracks
Implementation Method 2
spring-loaded ball catches for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carousel for storage of microplates to be processed in a laboratory automation system, comprising: a plurality of hotels for storing microplates in assigned locations; a motor configured to cause rotation of the carousel to position a hotel storing a microplate to be processed in proximity to a robotic device for handling the microplate to be processed; and a controller for the motor.