Petri Dish Sorting System Using Elevator Plate Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for handling and sorting petri dishes are complex, slow, and prone to errors, especially when handling a high number of dishes quickly, as they lack automated sorting capabilities and require manual input/output of petri dishes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an analysis tool, a control unit, a first elevator, a conveyor, and multiple carriers that automatically sort petri dishes based on assigned information, using a flat plate to transfer dishes between the elevator and carriers, allowing for fast, safe, and simple handling and sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and sorting of petri dishes is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the processing speed is slow and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated sorting based on analysis results without requiring manual intervention. The control unit automatically directs petri dishes to appropriate carriers based on assigned information, enabling the system to serve itself in the sorting process.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling is replaced with an automated control system that uses information processing and automated positioning to sort petri dishes. The control unit replaces human decision-making and physical sorting actions.
2Productivity
If automated handling system is implemented, then processing speed increases, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first elevator with its movable plate serves multiple functions: it transports petri dishes along the conveyor direction, positions them for analysis, and transfers them to carriers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable plate of the first elevator moves along the first elevator axis to bring the petri dish to the same level as the carrier, creating an equipotential transfer position that simplifies the transfer operation and reduces mechanical complexity.
3Loss of time
If manual sorting is used, then the system is easier to operate, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis tool assigns information to petri dishes based on analysis results, and this information is fed back to the control unit, which automatically uses it to determine the sorting destination. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates manual decision-making time.
Solution Approach 2:
The analysis of petri dishes is performed in advance during the conveyance process, and sorting decisions are made before the dishes reach the end of the line. This preliminary action allows time-efficient automated sorting without delaying the main processing flow.
4Reliability
If automated analysis and sorting is implemented, then error rate decreases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the analysis tool and the handling system. It receives analysis results, processes the information, and generates appropriate sorting commands, thereby reducing errors through systematic information processing rather than direct manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for analyzing and sorting of petri dishes comprising an analysis tool, a control unit, a first elevator movable along a first elevator axis, a conveyor with a conveyor plane, and at least one carrier built to carry the petri dishes along a carrier axis.The analysis tool is built to assign information to the petri dish, and in case of a first information assigned to the petri dish the control unit is built to move the first elevator into a carrier position, wherein, as soon as the first elevator reaches the carrier position, the control unit is built to move a substantially flat first plate along the first elevator axis from a first neutral position located in the conveyor plane into a first transfer position.