Sample Rack Transport Junction with Bypass Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analytical instruments face inefficiencies in transporting sample racks of different formats between work cells, requiring complex and time-consuming reformatting operations.
Innovation Solution
A junction and transport device with multiple main transport lines, a turntable, and bypass lines that allow for efficient transportation of sample racks of varying sizes by rotating rotatable transport lines and using controllable switches to guide racks between lines, enabling flexible and efficient movement of both single and multi-vessel racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex reformatting operations are performed to accommodate different rack formats, then different work cells can use different rack formats, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is segmented into multiple dedicated transport lines, each optimized for specific rack formats. This allows different rack types to be transported simultaneously on different lines without requiring reformatting operations, thereby maintaining adaptability while eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The junction device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle multiple rack formats through a single unified structure. It provides universal access to different work cells regardless of rack type, eliminating the need for complex reformatting while maintaining versatility.
2Productivity
If dedicated transporting devices are used for different rack formats, then transport efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dedicated transport lines are merged into a single junction device that provides unified control and coordination. This combining approach maintains the productivity benefits of dedicated lines while reducing overall system complexity through centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The junction acts as an intermediary device that coordinates between different dedicated transport lines and work cells. It simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a single point of control rather than requiring complex direct connections between each transport line and work cell.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bypass lines are added to enable selective rack transport, then flexibility in routing different rack types improves, but the number of transport components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system incorporates dynamic switching capabilities at the junction that allow flexible routing of different rack types through bypass lines or main lines based on real-time requirements. This dynamic adaptability provides routing flexibility without requiring permanent, complex infrastructure for every possible configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention pertains to a junction for transporting sample racks for a system comprising one or more work cells for processing samples, comprising: plural main transport lines for transporting first and second sample racks, wherein said first sample racks have a bigger rack size than said second sample racks with respect to transporting directions of said main transport lines; a turntable provided with at least one rotatable transport line for transporting said first and second sample racks, said rotatable transport line being coupled to said main transport lines so as to alternately connect said rotatable transport line to said main transport lines and/or to interconnect at least two main transport lines; and one or more bypass transport lines, each of which interconnecting two main transport lines bypassing said turntable and being curved in a manner to enable transport of said second sample racks and disable transport of said first sample racks and being associated with at least one controllable main/bypass line switch operable to guide said second sample racks from one main transport line to said bypass transport line or to keep said second sample racks on said main transport line. The invention further relates to an automated transport device comprising or more such junctions and a system provided with such automated transport device. It yet further relates to a process for transporting said first and second sample racks, comprising the steps of: transporting said first sample racks from one main transport line to another main transport line by rotating at least one rotatable transport line in a manner to alternately connect it to said main transport lines and transporting said second sample racks from said one main transport line to said another main transport line by means of a bypass transport line, said bypass transport line interconnecting said main transport lines bypassing said rotatable transport line and being curved in a manner to enable transport of said second sample racks and disable transport of said first sample racks.