Robotic Arm Gripper and Decapper for Automated Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manual methods for moving and de-capping multiple collection containers in laboratory settings are time-consuming, error-prone, and prone to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system comprising a gripper and decapper mechanism, where a robotic arm with angled tracks and grippers automates the movement and de-capping of containers, utilizing a servo motor and linear actuators for precise handling and a decapper with sleeves or decapping members to remove caps efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used to move and de-cap containers one at a time, then operational simplicity is maintained, but processing time increases and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system divides the container handling task into separate functional modules: a gripper assembly for picking and moving containers, and a decapper assembly for removing caps. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together to achieve automated batch processing, resolving the contradiction between improved productivity and increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the gripper and decapper functions into an integrated robotic system that operates cooperatively. The gripper holds containers while the decapper removes caps from multiple containers simultaneously, merging two separate manual operations into one automated system that processes multiple containers in parallel, thereby increasing productivity without requiring completely separate systems for each function.
2Reliability
If manual handling of containers is performed, then operational simplicity is maintained, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs self-contained operations with controlled environments. The gripper and decapper mechanisms are designed to handle containers without exposing them to external contamination sources, and the system includes features like cap receptacles that contain removed caps to prevent cross-contamination. This self-service approach maintains reliability while introducing automated complexity.
3Loss of time
If containers are moved and de-capped one at a time, then operational simplicity is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system enables continuous processing by automatically transitioning containers from the storage rack through the gripper to the decapper and then to the output receptacle without interruption. Multiple containers can be processed in sequence or parallel, eliminating the stop-start nature of manual handling and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the processing cycle, thereby reducing overall processing time while implementing automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system is provided for moving and de-capping collection containers. The system can include a robotic arm having a plurality of grippers, where the plurality of grippers is configured to move a plurality of collection containers. Additionally, the system can include a decapper configured to remove a plurality of caps corresponding to the plurality of collection containers. The system further includes a computing device comprising a processor and a memory, and machine-readable instructions stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to align the plurality of grippers with the plurality of collection containers, where the plurality of grippers are connected to a distal end of the robotic arm. The instructions can further cause the computing device to cause the plurality of grippers to grip the plurality of collection containers, move the plurality of collection containers to the decapper, and de-cap the collection containers.