Overhead Labware Transport System for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory processing equipment is hindered by conveyor type connections that obstruct access for servicing and maintenance, and impede travel and reconfiguration within laboratory facilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular labware bulk overhead transport system module that communicably connects integrated labware process machines and standalone instruments, using a substantially continuous labware support with movable parts to transport labware overhead, allowing for efficient transfer and maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conveyor type connections are mounted to the floor at waist height to transport labware between processing equipment, then labware transport is enabled, but direct access to portions of the laboratory processing equipment is blocked making servicing and maintaining difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the conveyor system from floor level to overhead suspension, changing the vertical dimension of the transport system. This allows labware transport to occur above the processing equipment without blocking access at waist height, resolving the contradiction between transport functionality and maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the conveyor system by projecting the physical overhead conveyor paths onto a two-dimensional map interface. This digital representation allows operators to plan, monitor, and manage labware transport routes without physical intervention, enabling transport optimization while maintaining clear access to equipment.
2Productivity
If conveyor type connections are mounted to the floor to transport labware, then labware transport is enabled, but travel of laboratory personnel throughout the laboratory facility is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the conveyor system to the overhead space, the patent separates the labware transport function from the floor space used by personnel. This dimensional relocation allows uninterrupted pedestrian traffic flow while maintaining automated labware transport capability.
3Productivity
If conveyor type connections are mounted to the floor to transport labware, then labware transport is enabled, but reconfiguration of the laboratory processing equipment is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead conveyor system decouples the transport infrastructure from the floor layout, allowing processing equipment to be repositioned or reconfigured without being constrained by fixed floor-mounted conveyor connections. Equipment can be moved freely while the overhead transport system remains in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic, flexible overhead conveyor system that can adapt to changing laboratory configurations. The system allows for easy reconfiguration of transport routes and equipment positions, providing versatility while maintaining continuous labware transport capability.
4Ease of repair
If overhead transport system is implemented to avoid blocking access, then access for maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead transport system is divided into modular segments that can be independently installed, maintained, and reconfigured. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the complex overhead structure into manageable, standardized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A selectably configurable modular labware transport system including a labware bulk overhead transport system module forming an overhead transport path. The labware bulk overhead transport system module has a labware support, with at least a movable part of the labware support being configured to support labware thereon, and move longitudinally defining the overhead transport path. The labware support has more than one labware holding stations for holding a labware piece, each of the labware holding stations having a different location along the labware support and overhead transport path. The labware bulk overhead transport system module is communicably couplable to another labware bulk overhead transport system module that forms another different overhead transport path, and effects undisrupted transport of the labware throughout the overhead transport path with the labware bulk overhead transport system module both coupled to and uncoupled from the other labware bulk overhead transport system module.