Sample Vessel Receiving With Alignment Chutes for High-Throughput Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to efficiently receive and segregate a large volume of sample vessels from upstream processes with minimal human interaction and at high speed.
Innovation Solution
A collection bank system comprising alignment components and encasing panels forms chutes that reorient vessels from horizontal to vertical orientation, directing them to specific collection containers based on identifying indicia, using a support structure to house these components and containers, and incorporating a collection-transport apparatus for further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual receiving and sorting of sample vessels is used, then human interaction can identify and segregate vessels by parameter, but the process speed is slow and productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the identifying indicia already present on the vessels (barcodes, labels, colors) to automatically direct them to the correct collection containers without requiring human reading or decision-making. The vessels essentially sort themselves based on their own identifying features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated optical/mechanical guidance system that uses light sources, sensors, and aligned chutes to direct vessels automatically based on their identifying indicia, eliminating the need for human visual inspection and manual placement
2Productivity
If high-speed automated receiving is implemented, then productivity increases, but the system complexity increases with multiple alignment components and encasing panels
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving system is divided into multiple independent receiving stations, each equipped with its own alignment components and collection containers. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple vessel types simultaneously, increasing overall productivity while keeping each individual station relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses vertically oriented chutes and collection containers arranged in multiple dimensions, allowing vessels to be sorted and collected in three-dimensional space. This efficient use of spatial dimensions increases capacity without proportionally increasing horizontal footprint or structural complexity
3Ease of operation
If vessels are received without reorientation, then the receiving process is simpler, but vessels cannot be properly directed into collection containers requiring specific orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment components and chutes are pre-configured to automatically reorient vessels as they enter the receiving system. This preliminary action ensures vessels are properly oriented before they reach the collection containers, eliminating the need for complex active orientation mechanisms during the receiving process
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are high-throughput vessel receiving systems and methods of receiving sample vessels, such as samples stored in test tubes. A system for receiving a plurality of individual vessels that each contains a sample, and systems and apparatus for guiding, reorienting, collecting, and transporting a plurality of articles, including vessels, are disclosed.