Handling Robot With Dual Gripper Arms For In Vitro Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vitro diagnostic laboratory arrangements are inefficient in utilizing analysis devices during laboratory operating times with personnel availability, as they restrict manual operator input and parallel operation, leading to insufficient utilization of analysis devices.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a handling robot with a table and multiple gripper arms, allowing a wider alley for operator access and manual input, along with a sensor arrangement to control gripper arm movements, enabling parallel manual operation and pre-analytical tasks while maintaining automated sample handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the handling robot exclusively handles sample container transfer, then automated operation is achieved, but the free storage capacity of analytical devices cannot be utilized by parallel manual input
Solution Approach 1:
The handling robot is divided into multiple independent gripper arms (first gripper arm for receiving containers, second gripper arm for transferring to analytical devices). This segmentation allows different arms to operate independently and simultaneously, enabling parallel manual input while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by arranging gripper arms at different heights and positions. The first gripper arm operates at a lower level for receiving containers, while the second gripper arm operates at a higher level for transferring to analytical devices. This spatial arrangement allows both automated and manual operations to occur simultaneously without interference.
2Reliability
If the aisle between handling robot and analytical devices is restricted, then safety is improved, but operator access for manual input is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the workspace are assigned different access permissions. The buffer area is accessible to both the handling robot and operators, while the analytical device storage areas remain restricted to robot-only access. This localized differentiation allows safe automated operation in critical zones while permitting manual input in designated areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer area acts as an intermediary zone between the operator's workspace and the analytical devices. Operators can place containers in the buffer area without directly accessing the analytical devices, which are only accessible to the handling robot. This intermediary buffer zone enables manual input while maintaining safety restrictions.
3Productivity
If multiple gripper arms operate in the same space, then transfer efficiency is improved, but access area overlap creates potential safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically coordinates the movements of multiple gripper arms based on real-time conditions. When an operator is detected in the access area, the control device adjusts the operation of gripper arms to prevent hazardous situations. This dynamic adaptation allows efficient parallel operation while maintaining safety through real-time monitoring and response.
Data Source
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AI summary
An in-vitro diagnostic laboratory arrangement with at least two analyzers (2A, 2B) comprises a stationary handling robot (1) which is separated from the analyzers by an aisle (8) in which an operator (12A) can move and manually feed sample containers to the analyzers. The handling robot comprises a table (4) with a storage area (5) for storing sample containers and/or for storing receiving devices (11, 11A, 20, 22, 25, 26, 28, 36A, 36B) for such containers, a first gripper arm (6) with a first access area (33) such that it can reach across the aisle (8) to transfer containers and/or receiving devices to the analytical instruments, a second gripper arm (9) with a second access area (34), a control unit (13) and an identification unit (7) for capturing identification information of the sample containers.The first and second access areas overlap in an overlap area (35). The storage area (5) comprises a sample entry area (10) located in the second access area (34) and a buffer area (24) located in the overlap area (35) for storing receiving devices (25, 26) that can be inserted into the analytical instruments. A sensor arrangement (14, 15, 16) transmits sensor signals indicating when an operator enters the access areas (33, 34) to the control unit (13), which then controls the associated gripper arm in such a way that it stops moving as long as the operator has not left their access area.