One-Way Link Chain for Fast Sample Manager Door Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid chromatography systems face throughput limitations due to the time required for the sample manager's access door to remain open during robotic loading and unloading, leading to temperature fluctuations and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A chain system with links configured to bend in one direction without back-bending, integrated with a drive system and magnet, is used to efficiently open and close the access door of the sample manager, minimizing exposure to ambient temperatures and enhancing system throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robotic system is used to perform sample loading and unloading functions, then user participation is reduced and automation is increased, but the access door must remain open for the entire process which causes temperature fluctuations and reduces system throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system's operation is segmented into distinct phases: door opening, sample carrier removal, door closing, temperature stabilization, sample carrier retrieval, and door reopening. This segmentation allows for optimized timing and control of each phase, minimizing the total time the door remains open and reducing temperature fluctuations while maintaining automation.
2Ease of operation
If the access door remains open during the entire loading and unloading process, then robotic operations can be performed, but the internal temperature of the sample manager varies significantly due to ambient exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by closing the door immediately after sample carrier removal and waiting for temperature stabilization before initiating the next operation. This preliminary temperature stabilization action ensures that the internal environment is restored to acceptable levels before subsequent door openings, minimizing cumulative temperature variations.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional chains with multiple separable features are used, then assembly is possible, but the structure is complicated and rotation between links is restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The connection feature merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides pivotal attachment between links, prevents back-bending through geometric constraint, and enables controlled rotation in one direction only. This merging eliminates the need for separate pins, retainers, and bending prevention features found in conventional chains, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining manufacturability.
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 chain system allows for rapid and precise movement of sample vial carriers, reducing temperature fluctuations and increasing the efficiency of the liquid chromatography system by minimizing the time the access door is open, thereby improving overall system throughput.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet is attached to a front link of the plurality of links. The magnet is connected to a magnetic feature of a device. The chain is configured to push and pull the device along an axis when driven by a drive system
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a chain including a plurality of links pivotally connected to each other such that the chain is configured to bend in one direction without back-bending. Each of the plurality of links including a link body include: an inner side facing a bending direction of the chain; an outer side facing opposite the bending direction of the chain; a back-bending prevention portion; a post feature extending laterally across the link body, and a connection feature configured to engage with the post feature of the first other of the pivotally connected plurality of links to create one direction pivotal attachment without back-bending between the links. Further disclosed is a chain system and methods of moving devices with a chain or chain system.