Self-Propelled Carriage for Biological Sample Conveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analysis systems for in vitro diagnosis face challenges with high complexity, cost, and downtime due to complex conveying systems, which hinder high conveying and analysis cadence and complicate maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A conveying system featuring a self-propelled carriage that moves along a guide track, allowing for simple and rapid conveyance of containers supports between loading, unloading, and analysis stations, with a drive element that secures and releases the containers support, enabling easy replacement and reducing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conveyor belts or magnetic conveying devices are used, then conveying function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying carriage is equipped with its own drive mechanism (motor, drive wheels) enabling it to move autonomously along the guide track without requiring external conveyor belts or magnetic devices. The carriage independently propels itself and the container support it carries, eliminating the need for complex centralized conveying infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying system is divided into independent modular units - multiple self-propelled carriages operate independently on a simple guide track. Each carriage functions as a separate conveying entity, replacing the monolithic complex conveyor belt system with multiple simple, independent modules.
2Productivity
If complex conveying systems are used, then conveying capacity is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each conveying carriage is a self-contained unit with integrated drive mechanism, guide wheel assembly, and container support interface. This modular self-service design allows standardized mass production of identical units, reducing manufacturing costs compared to custom-built complex conveying systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide track is designed as a simple, inexpensive passive structure without complex mechanical components. While individual carriages have limited service life and can be replaced, the track itself remains a durable, low-cost infrastructure that guides multiple carriages, reducing overall system cost.
3Reliability
If conveyor belts are used, then conveying function is achieved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying function is segmented across multiple independent carriages rather than relying on a single continuous conveyor belt. If one carriage fails, others continue operating, and the failed carriage can be replaced without stopping the entire conveying system, greatly simplifying maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Each carriage is a self-contained modular unit with integrated drive and guidance components. When a carriage fails, it can be quickly detached and replaced as a complete module, eliminating the need for complex repairs to conveyor belts, motors, or control systems. The simple guide track requires minimal maintenance.
4Productivity
If complex conveying systems are used, then analysis cadence is maintained, but downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent self-propelled carriages operate simultaneously on the guide track, enabling parallel conveying operations. This maintains high analysis cadence while reducing downtime, as one carriage can be replaced or maintained without affecting others.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous conveying operation through multiple carriages in circulation. While one carriage is being replaced or maintained, others continue transporting container supports, ensuring uninterrupted analysis workflow and minimizing downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
The conveying system includes a support guide element defining a guide track, the support guide element being configured to receive a containers support and guide said containers support in translation along the guide track; and a self-propelled conveying carriage displaceable along a conveying track extending along the support guide element, the self-propelled conveying carriage comprising a drive element movably mounted between at least one drive position in which the drive element is configured to transmit a drive movement to the containers support so received on the support guide element, and a release position in which the drive element is configured to release the containers support, the self-propelled conveying carriage being configured to displace the containers support in translation along the guide track when the drive element is in the drive position and the self-propelled conveying carriage is displaced along the conveying track.