Modular Transport Device Unit With Asymmetric Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory automation systems require a flexible and adaptable transport device that can handle various sample containers efficiently, but existing solutions lack the necessary flexibility and ease of assembly/disassembly for different configurations and requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular transport device unit comprising a base plate module, an actuator module with electro-magnetic actuators, and a driving surface module, featuring cooperating male and female coupling elements for precise alignment and easy assembly/disassembly, allowing for a customizable and modular design that can be adapted to different laboratory automation system configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a modular design with cooperating male and female coupling elements is used, then the ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are designed with asymmetric geometric features including protrusions and recesses with specific shapes that do not have rotational symmetry. This asymmetry ensures correct alignment between the base plate module and actuator module during assembly, while the modular nature maintains ease of assembly and disassembly through simple coupling actions
2Reliability
If electro-magnetic actuators are stationary arranged below the driving surface, then the reliability of sample container transport is improved, but the adaptability to different configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device is divided into multiple modular units, each containing electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below a driving surface. These modular units can be assembled in different configurations to adapt to various laboratory automation system requirements, while each unit maintains reliable transport function through its fixed actuator arrangement
3Ease of repair
If a modular unit design is implemented, then the ease of repair and component replacement is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for ensuring proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements incorporate asymmetric geometric features including specifically shaped protrusions and recesses that provide mechanical coding. This design ensures correct alignment during assembly and simplifies the replacement process, as the asymmetric features guide proper positioning without requiring high-precision alignment procedures
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 modular design enables flexible assembly and disassembly of the transport device units, allowing for efficient handling of sample containers across various laboratory automation systems, ensuring correct alignment and easy replacement of malfunctioning components, thus enhancing the adaptability and reliability of the system.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator module with a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators, wherein the actuator module is supported by the base plate module
Data Source
AI summary
A transport device unit for a transport device assembled using a plurality of transport device units is presented. The transport device unit comprises a base plate module with a base plate for fixing the transport device unit to a support frame, an actuator module with a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators, where the actuator module is supported by the base plate module, and a driving surface module with a driving surface element, where the driving surface element is arranged above the actuator module covering the actuators and configured to carry sample container carriers. A transport device, a system for at least partially disassembling the transport device, and a laboratory sample distribution system comprising a transport device are also presented. In addition, a laboratory automation system comprising a laboratory sample distribution system is also presented.