Syringe Actuator Liquid Transfer with Anti-Foam Pressure Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medicine dispensing systems face challenges in automating liquid transfer tasks without increasing facility size, as they are often dedicated to specific tasks and lack versatility.
Innovation Solution
A robot system comprising a multi-jointed robot and a syringe actuator, controlled by a controller that performs a series of actions to puncture, aspirate, and transfer liquids between vessels, allowing for automated liquid handling while minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If dedicated apparatuses are used for each liquid transfer task, then automation and precision are improved, but facility size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is designed to perform multiple liquid transfer tasks using a single integrated apparatus. The robot can handle different vessels (vials, bottles, flasks), different syringes, and perform various operations (transfer, mixing, dispensing) through programmable control, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated apparatuses and reducing facility size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-jointed robot is used for versatile liquid handling, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-jointed robot is programmed to perform multiple liquid handling operations including transferring liquids between vessels, mixing contents, and dispensing precise amounts. The system's versatility is achieved through software control that can adapt to different vessel types and transfer protocols, managing complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe acts as an intermediary tool between the robot and the vessels. The robot controls the syringe to perform liquid transfer operations, simplifying the interaction between the robot and various vessel types. This intermediary approach allows the system to handle diverse vessels without requiring complex end-effectors for each vessel type.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If air is sent into the vessel before liquid absorption, then foaming is reduced, but additional control steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by sending air into the vessel before absorbing the liquid. This pre-conditioning step pressurizes the vessel contents, preventing vacuum formation and reducing foaming during subsequent liquid absorption. The control sequence is programmed to automatically execute this preliminary air injection step before liquid transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by introducing air pressure into the vessel before liquid absorption occurs. This counteracts the potential vacuum effect that would cause foaming during rapid liquid uptake, preventing the harmful effect before it occurs. The control system manages this sequence to minimize foaming while maintaining operational efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A robot system (1) includes a multi-jointed robot (20), a syringe actuator (30) which pulls and pushes a plunger (17c) of a syringe (17) having a needle (17e), and a controller (100) which controls operation of the multi-jointed robot (20) to handle a vial (16) and the syringe (17) and controls operation of the syringe actuator (30). The controller (100) performs control of the multi-jointed robot (20) such that the needle (17e) of the syringe (17) punctures a cap (16c) of the vial (16), and then control of the syringe actuator (30) such that the air in the syringe (17) is sent into the vial (16) by pushing the plunger (17c) in a state where the vial (16) is positioned on the upper side of the syringe (17) and the tip portion of the needle (17e) is positioned on the upper side from the liquid in the vial (16), and then control of the syringe actuator (30) such that the liquid in the vial (16) is absorbed through the needle by pulling the plunger (17c) in a state where the tip portion of the needle (17e) is positioned in the liquid in the vial (16).