Sample Rack Transport Junction with Turntable Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated analytical systems face challenges in efficiently transporting sample racks of different formats between work cells, requiring time-consuming and costly reformatting operations due to the limitations of single rack formats.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates multiple main transport lines, a turntable with a rotatable transport line, and bypass transport lines that interconnect main transport lines, allowing for the efficient transportation of sample racks of varying sizes by alternately connecting and disconnecting them, and using controllable switches to guide racks between main and bypass lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single rack format is used in the analytical instrument, then the transporting device can be simplified, but different work cells cannot accommodate different rack formats without time-consuming and expensive reformatting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The transporting device is designed with multiple transport lines (first and second transport lines) that can accommodate different rack formats. The system uses a shared carrier structure that can hold both first sample racks and second sample racks with different formats, allowing a single transporting device to perform multiple functions and serve different work cells with varying rack requirements without reformatting operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transport lines are used to accommodate different rack formats, then rack format versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transport lines (first transport line and second transport line) into a single integrated transporting device that shares common components including the carrier, drive mechanism, and control system. This merging approach allows the system to accommodate different rack formats through multiple transport lines while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating redundant components that would exist if separate transporting devices were used for each line
3Adaptability or versatility
If a turntable is used to alternate between different rack formats, then flexibility in handling different formats is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transporting device incorporates a turntable with rotatable transport lines that can dynamically change their orientation and connection status. The rotatable transport lines can alternately connect to different main transport lines based on the rack format being transported, allowing the system to adapt to different rack formats without requiring fixed, space-consuming infrastructure for each format type
4Productivity
If bypass transport lines are added to handle smaller racks, then efficiency for small rack transport is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transporting device is segmented into multiple functional components including main transport lines, bypass transport lines, and rotatable transport lines that can operate independently or in combination. The bypass transport lines are designed with curved paths that can be selectively engaged based on rack size, allowing efficient transport of smaller racks while maintaining the capability to handle larger racks through the main transport lines, with each segment serving its specific function without requiring complete system reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
A junction for transporting sample racks in an analytical system having one or more work cells for processing samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, the junction may include a main transport line, a turntable having a rotatable transport line, and one or more bypass transport lines. The main transport line can transport first sample racks and second sample racks having different sizes via the turntable. The turntable further comprises a recess for diverting second sample racks from the main transport line to the bypass transport line or vice versa when rotated.