Rotatable Deviator for Test Tube Carrier Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laboratory settings, the acceleration and deceleration of test tubes on conveyor systems cause harsh handling, leading to potential spilling of liquids, and there is a need to reduce stopping times to increase throughput and efficiency in test tube handling.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable deviator with a horizontal plate and push plate designed to actively transfer test tube carriers from a deviator to a conveyor without stopping, featuring grips and contact surfaces that match the circular shape of the carriers to minimize tilting and spilling, along with RFID chip integration for tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If test tubes are accelerated and decelerated on conveyor systems, then transfer speed increases, but liquid spilling occurs due to harsh handling
Solution Approach 1:
The push plate features an arc-shaped pushing surface that is tangent to the circular path of the grip. This curved geometry allows the push plate to gradually accelerate and decelerate the test tube carrier along a smooth arc trajectory, eliminating sudden movements that cause liquid spilling while maintaining efficient transfer speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The deviator grip and push plate work in coordinated dynamic motion. The grip rotates with the deviator to position the carrier, then the push plate dynamically engages to transfer the carrier along a curved path. This dynamic coordination ensures smooth acceleration and deceleration without harsh impacts that would cause spilling.
2Productivity
If stopping times are reduced to increase throughput, then productivity increases, but acceleration and deceleration become harsher causing spilling
Solution Approach 1:
The arc-shaped pushing surface on the push plate enables the carrier to follow a curved transfer path that is tangent to the deviator's circular motion. This geometric design allows for rapid yet smooth transfers without abrupt stops or starts, maintaining high throughput while preventing liquid spilling through controlled acceleration and deceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The push plate is positioned to engage the carrier continuously during the transfer from deviator to conveyor. This continuous contact ensures smooth, uninterrupted motion without sudden starts or stops, enabling high-speed transfer that maintains both productivity and prevents spilling through seamless motion continuity.
3Ease of operation
If test tubes are handled manually, then flexibility is maintained, but handling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The deviator and push plate system automatically performs the transfer operation without manual intervention. The grip securely holds the carrier, and the push plate automatically propels it along the curved path to the conveyor. This self-service mechanism maintains the flexibility of automated handling while dramatically improving efficiency through consistent, high-speed operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A novel solution is proposed for processing a test tube transported on a test tube carrier by a conveyor so that spilling of the liquid in the test tube is reduced or even prevented, particularly an arrangement for sequencing and guiding travel of test tube carriers (1) transported on at least one conveyor (4). The arrangement includes at least one rotatable deviator (16, 17) positioned to intersect the at least one conveyor (4). The deviator (16, 17) includes a horizontal deviator plate (20) including at least one grip (21) for receiving a test tube carrier (1). One contact surface (22) is positioned vertically at a distance from the deviator plate (20) and aligned with the grip (21). The contact surface (22) is formed to contact the test tube carrier (1) at a distance from the contact level of the grip (21) and the carrier (1).