Rack Positioning System with Movable Holding Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated in vitro diagnostic systems face precision issues in positioning consumable racks due to dimensional changes over time, leading to potential malfunctions and inaccuracies in robotic manipulator operations.
Innovation Solution
A rack positioning system with a consumable rack having a squared shape and central alignment elements, combined with a rack receiving compartment featuring a movable holding structure and push elements, ensures precise positioning by distributing manufacturing tolerances and minimizing dimensional changes, thereby maintaining precision and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If racks are made of plastic material for ease of manufacture and operation, then ease of manufacture is improved, but dimensional stability deteriorates over prolonged use leading to positioning precision loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alignment elements as intermediary components between the rack and the rack receiving compartment. These alignment elements serve as mediators that transfer and stabilize the positional relationship, compensating for dimensional changes in the plastic rack material while maintaining precise positioning for the robotic manipulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the design parameters by introducing movable holding structures that can adjust their position. This allows the system to adapt to dimensional variations in the plastic rack over time, maintaining positioning precision within the 100 μm tolerance by dynamically adjusting the holding structure's position rather than relying on fixed rigid connections.
2Measurement precision
If a robotic manipulator is taught to grip consumables at a specific position, then manipulation precision is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when dimensional changes exceed the tolerated deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the movable holding structure that can detect and respond to dimensional changes in the rack. When the rack expands or contracts over time, the holding structure adjusts its position to maintain the correct alignment, providing continuous feedback that keeps the consumable position within the 100 μm tolerance required by the robotic manipulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static holding structure into a dynamic one that can move and adjust. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to dimensional changes in the plastic rack over prolonged use, maintaining reliability by ensuring the consumable position always falls within the manipulator's tolerated deviation range.
3Device complexity
If fixed positioning structures are used for rack placement, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates due to inability to compensate for dimensional changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces movable holding structures that can adjust their position dynamically. This adds some complexity but significantly improves positioning precision by allowing the structure to compensate for dimensional changes in the plastic rack over time, maintaining the consumable position within the required 100 μm tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the positioning system into separate functional components: alignment elements for initial positioning, movable holding structures for maintaining position, and push elements for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve high positioning precision without excessive overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning system for positioning a consumable rack in a diagnostic system is disclosed. The positioning system comprises a rack comprising an upper surface comprising holding positions and a receiving compartment comprising a rectangular chassis comprising front, rear, and two lateral sides. The receiving compartment comprises a holding structure coupled to the chassis to move between first and second positions. The rack comprises sidewalls. At least three sidewalls have a center alignment element. The chassis comprises three chassis alignment elements on the rear and two lateral sides. The holding structure comprises a corner push element between the chassis front and lateral sides to push against a side edge of the rack between two sidewalls when the holding structure is moved from the first position towards the second position forcing the three alignment elements against a chassis alignment element and laterally holding the rack in position by the chassis alignment elements.