Receptacle Delivery Puck Alignment for Automated Instrument Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratories face challenges in automating sample transport to increase throughput, reduce human intervention, and minimize errors in sample processing across multiple instruments.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle delivery system comprising a puck with fingers biased by springs, a synchronization disc, and a retaining ring, which supports and aligns receptacles for synchronized movement and secure transfer between instruments, using optical sensors and motors for precise alignment and clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conveyor system is used to transport receptacles between instruments, then sample throughput and automation are improved, but the complexity of the transport system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is segmented into modular components: individual pucks for each receptacle, separate finger assemblies that can independently clamp, and distributed sensors throughout the system. This modularity allows the system to scale with throughput requirements while keeping each component relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical sensors serve as intermediaries between the physical receptacle position and the control system, enabling precise detection without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary approach allows automated control while maintaining simpler mechanical structures that don't require complex feedback mechanisms.
2Extent of automation
If multiple instruments are connected to a single sample loading area, then human intervention is reduced, but the precision of receptacle alignment and delivery increases
Solution Approach 1:
Optical sensors provide real-time feedback on receptacle position, finger clamping force, and puck alignment. This feedback enables the control system to make precise adjustments automatically, achieving high alignment precision without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical precision in the hardware design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with optical sensing and electronic control. Instead of relying on precisely machined mechanical guides and actuators, the invention uses optical fields to detect position and electronic signals to control motorized components, achieving higher precision with simpler mechanical structures.
3Reliability
If spring-loaded fingers are used to secure receptacles in the puck, then receptacle holding reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded fingers are designed to automatically clamp onto the receptacle when the puck is inserted into the carrier, without requiring external actuation. The spring force self-regulates to maintain secure holding, and the fingers automatically release when the puck is removed, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms while ensuring reliable holding.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, automated transport and secure delivery of receptacles to multiple instruments, ensuring accurate alignment and fluid extraction, thereby enhancing processing consistency and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
one or more springs coupling the plurality of fingers and thereby biasing the plurality of fingers toward the vertical axis
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle delivery system for an instrument includes a carriage, a puck supported by the carriage, and a first shelf. The carriage is configured to move from a first location of the instrument to a second location of the instrument. The puck is configured to removably support a receptacle such that a longitudinal axis of the receptacle is substantially coincident with a vertical axis of the puck. The first shelf comprises (a) a base extending substantially transverse to the vertical axis of the puck and (b) a first opening defined by the base, and when the carriage is positioned at the second location, the longitudinal axis of a receptacle seated in the puck extends through the first opening.