Sample Tube Cap Gripper for Dense Storage Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently handling and transporting sample containers due to the need for grippers to extend between adjacent containers, limiting the packing density and efficiency of sample handling.

Innovation Solution

A gripper system that interfaces with the cap of the sample container, allowing for closely packed arrangements without extending between adjacent containers, and includes a self-centering mechanism for precise handling and transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the gripper extends between adjacent sample containers to grip them, then the sample containers can be securely held for transport, but the spacing between containers increases, reducing storage density

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping reliabilityVSAvoidstorage density

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the gripper extend outward between containers to grip them, the gripping surface is inverted to face inward toward the container. The gripper now grips the container by receiving it onto an inward-facing gripping surface, allowing containers to be positioned closely together without the gripper occupying space between them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the gripper extends between adjacent sample containers, then the sample containers can be accessed and manipulated, but the tray cannot be closely packed, reducing the number of containers that can be held

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer accessibilityVSAvoidnumber of containers per tray

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping surface is inverted to face inward, allowing the gripper to approach containers from above rather than from the sides. This inversion enables containers to be closely packed in the tray while still being accessible to the gripper, which reaches down to grip the top surface of each container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If the gripper interface is on the outside edge of the sample container, then the gripper can easily grip the container, but the containers must be spaced apart, reducing storage efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripper interface simplicityVSAvoidstorage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The gripper interface is inverted from the outside edge to the inside surface of the container. Instead of gripping the outer peripheral wall, the gripper now interfaces with an inward-facing surface, allowing containers to be positioned adjacent to each other while maintaining a simple and effective gripping mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20250353013A1Sample storage and retrieval system

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 AZENTA INC

AI summary

A sample storage and retrieval system including at least one sample tube having at least one peripheral wall forming an opening, a cavity in communication with the opening and a cap configured to engage the at least one peripheral wall and close the opening. And a sample transport including a frame, a gripper drive unit connected to the frame, and a sample tube gripper connected to the gripper drive unit, the sample tube gripper being configured to transport the at least one sample tube through engagement with the at least one sample tube within the bounds of the at least one peripheral wall.