Receptacle Carrier Positioning for Analytical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instruments with multiple modules for performing multi-step analytical procedures face challenges in accurately transferring reaction receptacles between modules due to variations in module positions, which can result in inaccurate positioning of transfer devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a transport track, a receptacle carrier, and a transfer position locating system that automatically determines the precise location for transferring receptacles between modules, using a combination of translation, elevation, and rotation systems, along with a receptacle moving mechanism and position sensors to ensure accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If modules are replaced or removed for servicing and then reinstalled, then maintenance and servicing can be performed, but the precise location of transfer positions varies and cannot be accurately known
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by moving the receptacle carrier to each receptacle-receiving structure and automatically determining transfer positions before normal operation begins. This preliminary action stores position data in memory, so that when modules are later replaced for servicing, the pre-determined positions can be recalled or re-used, maintaining measurement precision while allowing easy repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer position locating system uses sensors to detect the actual position of receptacle-receiving structures and provides feedback to the controller. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust and determine precise transfer positions even when modules have been reinstalled after servicing, resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transfer device is designed to accommodate position variations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms to accommodate position variations, the invention substitutes a electronic control system with sensors and a controller that automatically determine and adjust transfer positions. This replaces potential mechanical complexity with electronic control, achieving adaptability while keeping the physical device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device performs self-calibration by automatically determining its own transfer positions relative to each receptacle-receiving structure. The system uses its own sensors and control mechanisms to identify positions without requiring external calibration equipment or complex pre-adjustment procedures, thereby achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described an apparatus for transferring one or more receptacles between a plurality of receptacle-receiving structures, one or more of the receptacle receiving structures including a receptacle transfer portal through which a receptacle is placed into or removed from the receptacle-receiving structure and a door disposed over the receptacle transfer portal, said apparatus comprising: a receptacle carriage adapted to carry a receptacle and to selectively stop at a transfer position with respect to any of the receptacle-receiving structures, and wherein said receptacle carriage includes a receptacle moving mechanism adapted to move a receptacle with respect to said receptacle carriage to move a receptacle into said receptacle carriage, move a receptacle out of said receptacle carriage, or alternately move a receptacle into and out of said receptacle carriage, wherein a portion of said receptacle carriage is adapted to engage a door of a receptacle-receiving structure and to open the door upon performance of a predetermined movement of said receptacle carriage with respect to the receptacle-receiving structure; and a carriage positioning system adapted to automatically position said receptacle carriage so that a portion of said receptacle carriage engages a door of a selected one of the receptacle-receiving structures and to effect the predetermined movement of said receptacle carriage to open the door.