Shuttle Microplate Conveying System Parallel Path Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microplate handling devices face challenges such as complex lid removal mechanisms, contamination risks during processing, low conveying throughput, labor-intensive microplate stacking, and increased device complexity, particularly in handling large numbers of microplates for biochemical assays.

Innovation Solution

A shuttle-type conveying device with elevated conveying tables and multiple receiving/delivery tables allows for efficient microplate lifting, placement, and movement along a single or closed conveying path, enabling rapid and accurate conveyance while preventing contamination, and a microplate pickup device that sandwiches the lid and body together to prevent separation during handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a ceiling-traveling robot-type plate conveying mechanism is used to individually convey microplates, then microplates can be taken out and transferred one by one, but the conveying throughput is low and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroplate transfer capabilityVSAvoidconveying throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying system is divided into multiple independent conveying paths (first conveying path, second conveying path, etc.), each capable of independently conveying microplates. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple paths, significantly increasing overall conveying throughput while maintaining the individual transfer capability of each path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each conveying path is designed as a universal module that can perform multiple functions: conveying microplates from storage shelves to processing stages, returning processed microplates to shelves, and coordinating with lid attachment/detachment operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized mechanisms for each task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conveyer type microplate conveying mechanism is used with lid removal devices, then lid attachment/detachment can be performed, but the device complexity increases and contamination risk arises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid handling capabilityVSAvoidconveying mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid attachment/detachment function is merged with the conveying mechanism by positioning lid processing devices at strategic locations along the conveying paths. This integration allows lid operations to be performed during the natural flow of microplate conveyance without requiring separate handling mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Lid processing devices are positioned as intermediary components between storage shelves and processing stages. These intermediaries perform lid attachment/detachment operations while microplates are in transit or at intermediate stopping points, preventing direct exposure of open microplates to the environment and reducing contamination risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If microplates are stacked and contained in a first stock portion then moved to a second stock portion, then storage capacity is improved, but the device complexity and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroplate storage capacityVSAvoidstock portion mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple horizontal stock portions that require complex transfer mechanisms, the system utilizes vertical stacking of microplates within single stock portions. Microplates are stacked vertically in storage shelves and automatically fed one by one by elevation portions, eliminating the need for complex horizontal transfer between multiple stock portions while maintaining high storage capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The elevation portions are designed to automatically elevate and feed stacked microplates from the storage shelves without requiring external intervention or complex transfer mechanisms. The stacked arrangement itself enables the self-service feeding mechanism, where gravity and simple elevation work together to deliver microplates to the conveying paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8118153B2Shuttle-type conveying device, microplate feeding and collecting device, pickup device for microplate, cassette for microplate, and shelf for containing microplate

Publication Date: 2012.02.21 RORZE LIFESCI INC

AI summary

A shuttle-type conveying system to convey an article. The system includes a feeding and collecting device capable of setting a cassette in which articles to be conveyed are stacked as they are on a rotating and feeding table, a pickup device taking out the article and placing it on a receiving/delivery table, and a conveying device feeding the article on the receiving/delivery table to another receiving/delivery table by a shuttle conveying portion traveling on conveying paths below the receiving/delivery table. After the article is lifted up by the shuttle conveying portion and moved to outside the receiving/delivery table, the article is lowered below the receiving/delivery table and made to travel under the receiving/delivery table to another receiving/delivery table.