Specimen Carrier Synchronization for Positioning Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen container carriers in laboratory automation systems fail to consistently position specimens accurately, obscure the specimen ID, and limit access for processing tasks due to their design.
Innovation Solution
A specimen container carrier with a base circular body, synchronization rotor, and pivoting centering fingers that distribute elastic force to securely hold the container vertically, ensuring accurate positioning and visibility of the barcode while allowing ample access for processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a deformable gasket is used to hold the specimen container, then the holding capacity is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means is divided into multiple separate fingers instead of using a single deformable gasket. Each finger independently contacts the specimen container, distributing the holding force and maintaining precise positioning while adapting to different container sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingers are made movable relative to the carrier body, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and contact points based on the specimen container's dimensions, providing both adaptability and precision through controlled movement.
2Reliability
If the holding means is designed to secure the specimen container firmly, then the reliability is improved, but the access for processing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the carrier are designed with different characteristics: the fingers provide firm localized holding contact, while the rest of the carrier structure maintains open access pathways for processing operations, creating local optimization of both holding stability and operational access.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier structure is segmented into holding elements (fingers) and access pathways, allowing the holding function to be localized to specific contact points while maintaining overall accessibility for processing operations at other locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holding means obscures the specimen container ID, then the holding capacity is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holding function is segmented into discrete finger contacts that do not overlap with the barcode location. The fingers contact the container body while leaving the ID area clear, ensuring that holding capacity is maintained without obscuring the barcode for measurement purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger arrangement is asymmetrically positioned relative to the container geometry, with fingers contacting the container body in a configuration that preserves barcode visibility. The asymmetric layout ensures the holding contact areas and barcode reading areas do not interfere with each other.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The carrier ensures repeatable, precise positioning of specimens, maintains visibility of the barcode, and allows sufficient access for processing tasks, enhancing the efficiency of laboratory automation systems.
Implementation Method 1
four springs 14 further connected with spring coupling pintles 15 of the fingers 12
Implementation Method 2
The rotor 9 synchronizes and balances the inward force of each finger 12
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
It is described a specimen container carrier for conveyor in laboratory automation systems, comprising a circular body driven by said conveyor and container holding means (12) arranged in said circular body (3, 5). Said container holding means (12) are kept in a container holding position by respective elastic means (14) and are connected to each other by synchronization means (9) forcing the specimen container (2) to remain coaxially positioned with respect to the circular body (3, 5).