Stackable Closure Caps for Automated Sample Vessel Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for automatically closing sample vessels, particularly those with medical laboratory samples, are inefficient and cumbersome due to the need to manage and handle various types of closure caps with different dimensions, leading to logistical complexity and space inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing identically formed, stackable closure caps with convex outer and concave inner sides, a closure gripper with a centering piece, and a magazine system for automated closure, allowing for secure and space-saving closure of sample vessels with varying dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of closure caps with varying dimensions are used to close sample vessels of different sizes, then the sample vessels can be properly sealed, but the logistical complexity and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized closure cap that can close multiple sample vessel types with different opening diameters. The closure cap incorporates an adjustable closure element that can be positioned at different radial distances from the center, allowing one cap design to universally fit various vessel sizes without requiring multiple specialized cap types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by making the closure element's radial position variable rather than fixed. The closure element can be moved radially inward or outward depending on the sample vessel's opening diameter, allowing the same closure cap to adapt to different vessel dimensions by changing the closure element's position parameter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of closure caps are stored and managed, then sample vessels of different dimensions can be closed, but the space requirements and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need to store multiple types of closure caps by using a single universal cap design. The closure cap's closure element can be adjusted to match different sample vessel opening diameters, so only one type of closure cap needs to be stored and managed, significantly reducing storage space requirements.
3Extent of automation
If automated closure systems handle various closure cap types, then sample vessels can be automatically closed, but the system complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated closure system is simplified by using a single universal closure cap design rather than multiple specialized caps. The system only needs to handle one type of closure cap with an adjustable closure element, reducing the complexity of automated selection, sorting, and handling mechanisms required.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system controls the closure element's radial position as a variable parameter based on the detected sample vessel opening diameter. This allows the system to automatically adapt to different vessel sizes by adjusting the closure element position, eliminating the need for complex manual intervention or multiple pre-configured cap types.
4Adaptability or versatility
If closure caps are designed to fit different opening diameters, then versatility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing complexity is reduced by designing the closure element with adjustable positioning features rather than creating multiple cap variants. The closure element can be positioned at different radial distances through simple mechanical adjustments or movable components, allowing a single manufacturing process to produce versatile closure caps that fit various opening diameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automatic closure of sample vessels such as vessels with medical laboratory samples, having a plurality of identically shaped, stackable closure caps with a convex outer face and concave inner face that are stacked in a closure cap stack such that an upper closure cap in the stack bears with its convex outer face on the concave inner face of a lower closure cap lying immediately below in the stack. The system includes a closure gripper for gripping an uppermost closure cap from the stack, for transferring the gripped closure cap to the sample vessel to be closed, and for introducing the gripped closure cap into an opening of the sample vessel in order to tightly close the opening. The closure gripper has a centering piece insertable into a closure cap such that it bears on the concave inner face of the closure cap.