Sample Rack Direction Turning Mechanism for Automated Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample rack conveying apparatuses require multiple rack conveyors and drivers to change the conveying direction of sample racks, which is inefficient and complex.

Innovation Solution

A sample rack conveying apparatus that uses a single driver to change the conveying direction of sample racks by incorporating a direction turning mechanism with a pusher unit and guide rails, allowing for efficient directional change without the need for multiple conveyors and drivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rack conveyors and drivers are used to change conveying direction, then the sample rack can be conveyed in multiple directions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveying direction change capabilityVSAvoidnumber of rack conveyors and drivers
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple rack conveyors and drivers into a single integrated rack conveyor system. The single rack conveyor is configured with multiple sections that can be independently controlled to achieve directional changes, eliminating the need for separate conveyors and drivers for each direction. This merging approach maintains the versatility of multi-directional conveying while significantly reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single rack conveyor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can convey sample racks in different directions (forward, backward, left, right) and can also perform directional changes at intersections. By making the single conveyor universal and multi-functional, the system achieves the same adaptability as multiple specialized conveyors would provide, but with reduced complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rack conveyors are used for directional change, then complete directional control is achieved, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectional control capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple rack conveyors into a single integrated system, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining complete directional control capability through the coordinated operation of the single conveyor's multiple sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If multiple drivers are used to control rack conveyors, then precise directional control is achieved, but the operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectional control precisionVSAvoidnumber of drivers
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple drivers into a single driver system that controls the different sections of the single rack conveyor. This single driver can independently control each section to achieve precise directional changes, maintaining operational precision while reducing the complexity associated with coordinating multiple independent drivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single rack conveyor is designed with dynamically controllable sections that can adjust their operation in real-time. The single driver can dynamically allocate power and control to different sections based on the required direction of travel, enabling precise directional control without the need for multiple fixed drivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3336555B1Sample rack conveying apparatus and automated analysis system
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 JEOL LTD
  • EP3336555B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3336555B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3336555B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This sample rack conveying apparatus is provided with a pusher unit (53), a linear motion guide (55), and a conveyance drive mechanism (54). The pusher unit (53) has a base portion (101), a moving member (103), and a base-side guide (102). The base portion (101) is supported by the linear motion guide (55) so as to be movable in a first guide direction. The moving member (103) is provided with a pusher (106a) that pushes a sample rack (90). The base-side guide (102) supports the moving member (103) such that the moving member (103) is movable in a second guide direction that crosses the first guide direction.