Sample Container Feeder with Oblique Input Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for feeding sample containers to treating apparatuses, such as centrifuges, are limited by a fixed sequence of input and handling, leading to inefficiencies and blocked throughput due to misidentified or unidentifiable samples.
Innovation Solution
A device with a circulating conveyor system and an obliquely positioned input station, featuring multiple conveyers and an identification unit, allows for efficient removal of unidentifiable samples and prioritizes identified containers, enabling flexible processing sequences and increased throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed sequence input system is used for sample containers, then the device structure is simple, but the throughput is reduced and bottlenecks occur due to unidentifiable samples blocking the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent processing stations (input station, treatment station, removal station) that can operate independently. Sample containers are processed in parallel at different stations rather than in a single fixed sequence, allowing the system to maintain high throughput even when some containers have identification issues. Each station can handle containers autonomously without blocking the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The input station is made movable relative to the conveyor, allowing flexible positioning and dynamic adjustment of the input process. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different processing needs and maintain optimal throughput by adjusting the input rate and positioning based on identification results and treatment requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sample containers are processed in a fixed input sequence, then the control system is simple, but prioritized treatment and pooling of similar samples cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
Identification of sample containers is performed at the input station before treatment, allowing the control system to pre-determine the processing sequence based on identification results. Samples with the same treatment requirements can be pooled together and processed in batches, while high-priority samples can be scheduled for immediate treatment. This preliminary identification and planning enables flexible prioritization without requiring complex real-time control during treatment.
3Productivity
If unidentifiable sample containers enter the conveyor circulation, then the input process is simple, but the throughput and treating apparatus performance are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
Identification of sample containers is performed at the input station before the containers enter the conveyor circulation. This preliminary identification allows the system to detect and handle unidentifiable containers early in the process, preventing them from blocking the conveyor or treatment apparatus. The control system can identify problematic containers and either reposition them for re-scanning or remove them from the circulation before they cause throughput issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system receives feedback from the identification unit about each sample container's identification status and uses this information to adjust the processing sequence. When unidentifiable containers are detected, the system can trigger corrective actions such as repositioning the container for another identification attempt or flagging it for manual handling, ensuring that identification issues do not propagate through the system and reduce throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a device (10) for feeding sample containers (18) with an analysis sample (P) to be treated, to a treating apparatus (12) for treating the analysis sample (P), in particular to a centrifuge. The device comprises a conveyer (26, 27) for conveying at least one sample container (14) or at least one carrier containing a sample container (14), wherein the conveyer (26, 27) is configured for receiving multiple sample containers (14) and/or carriers and forms a circulating endless conveyer track. The device further comprises an input station (18) for handing over a sample container (14) or a carrier to the conveyer (26, 27). The input station (18) is displaced (V1, V2), with respect to the conveyer (26, 27), obliquely to the conveying direction (26b, 27b) Hof the conveyer (26, 27). A removal station (20) is for removing the sample container (14) or the carrier out of the conveyer (26, 27), and a transfer device (44) serves for removing the sample container (14) or the carrier with the sample container (14) out of the conveyer (26, 27) for further transport to the treating apparatus (12) and for a hand over to the conveyer (26, 27) after the treatment of the analysis sample (P) of the sample container (14) in the treating apparatus. An identification unit (48) is provided for identifying a sample container (14).