Specimen Transport Chain Holder for Upright Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen transport systems face challenges in maintaining the upright position of cup-like specimen containers during transport, which can lead to tilting or toppling, especially in complex transport paths with changes in direction and reciprocating motions.
Innovation Solution
A specimen transport apparatus utilizing a chain member with a supporting portion to maintain the upright position of holders along a predetermined path, combined with a stirring unit for specimen rotation and an aliquoting/dispensing unit for processing, ensures stable transport and processing of specimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a belt conveyor system is used to transport specimen containers, then the transport mechanism is simple and easy to operate, but the containers may tilt or topple over due to misalignment during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple functional segments: a holding portion that grips the container, a neck portion that provides structural support, and a turntable portion that enables rotation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, maintaining container upright position while enabling controlled rotation during transport
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary component between the belt conveyor system and the specimen container. It provides a stable interface that secures the container in an upright position on the moving belt, preventing tilting and toppling while allowing the container to be transported reliably
2Device complexity
If holders are placed on a belt to be transported, then the transport system is simple in structure, but the holders may become misaligned and cause containers to topple
Solution Approach 1:
The turntable portion of the holder is designed to be rotatable, allowing the holder to dynamically adjust its orientation. The neck portion can pivot relative to the holding portion, enabling the holder to adapt to movements of the belt conveyor while maintaining container alignment and preventing toppling
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is constructed as a composite structure combining rigid portions (holding and neck) with a rotatable portion (turntable). This composite design provides both structural stability for alignment and rotational flexibility to prevent misalignment-induced toppling during transport
3Productivity
If the specimen container needs to be stirred, then the container must be rotated, but rotating the container may cause it to tilt or spill the specimen
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation function is extracted from the container itself and transferred to the turntable portion of the holder. The container remains stationary and upright in the holding portion, while the turntable rotates beneath it to achieve the stirring effect. This separation ensures the specimen is stirred without the container tilting or spilling
Solution Approach 2:
The turntable acts as an intermediary between the stirring requirement and the container. By rotating the turntable while the container remains secured in the holding portion, the stirring action is achieved without causing the container to tilt or the specimen to spill
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen transport apparatus according to an aspect is provided with a holder which holds a cup-like specimen container accommodating a specimen in an upright position, a chain member disposed along a predetermined transport path, and a supporting portion provided in a predetermined position on the chain member and configured to support the holder.