Segmented Transport Wheel for Reaction Vessels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automatic analysis devices face challenges in producing transport wheels for reaction vessels that are both accurate and cost-effective, as they require complex and expensive one-piece designs to ensure high positioning accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The device features an annular base plate with detachable annular segment holders, where the base plate provides stability and the holders, made of plastic, offer easy replacement and manufacturing, allowing for flexible configuration and reduced production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a transport wheel is made massive and in one piece to ensure high positioning accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but production complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport wheel is divided into a base plate and multiple detachable holder segments. Each holder segment can be independently manufactured and then assembled to form the complete transport wheel. This segmentation allows for simpler, more cost-effective production while maintaining the overall structural integrity and positioning accuracy of the transport wheel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If a transport wheel is made massive and in one piece to ensure high positioning accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The transport wheel is divided into a base plate and multiple detachable holder segments. Each holder segment can be independently manufactured using simpler, more cost-effective processes and then assembled to form the complete transport wheel. This segmentation allows for standardized production and reduced manufacturing costs while maintaining the overall structural integrity and positioning accuracy of the transport wheel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the entire transport wheel is replaced to change vessel types, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevessel type flexibilityVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transport wheel is divided into a base plate and multiple detachable holder segments. Different types of holder segments can be manufactured for different vessel types, and only the relevant holder segments need to be detached and replaced when changing vessel types. This segmentation enables quick adaptation to different vessel types without requiring replacement of the entire transport wheel, significantly reducing the time required for changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Holder segments that are no longer needed for a particular vessel type can be easily detached and set aside, while new holder segments for the desired vessel type are attached. This allows for efficient replacement of only the necessary components rather than the entire transport wheel, reducing downtime and enabling quick adaptation to different analytical requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP2755036B1Device for transporting reaction vessels
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS PRODS
  • EP2755036B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2755036B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2755036B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The device has several receiving positions which are provided for receiving in each case a reaction vessel. A toothed ring (10) is provided for engaging in a motorized toothed wheel (28). Several circular-ring-segment-shaped holders (2) are connected releasably to circular base plate. The circular-ring-segment-shaped holders are comprised of the receiving positions. The toothed ring is formed by releasably connecting the circular-ring-segment-shaped holders to base plate with toothed edge.