Automated Test Tube Sorting via Pneumatic Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of test tubes containing samples between sampling and analyzing locations is labor-intensive and costly, requiring significant manual and logistic effort, and existing solutions for automated sorting are not efficient.
Innovation Solution
A test tube managing system that pneumatically transports test tubes to a carrier infeed station where they are opened, and using vision detection and analysis to identify and sort test tubes based on dimensions and markings, determining whether they are accepted for automated or manual processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sorting of test tubes is performed at the testing and analyzing location, then test tubes can be sorted according to various criteria, but the cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated optical sorting system that uses cameras to capture images of test tube markings and a processing unit to analyze and sort test tubes based on predefined criteria, eliminating manual labor while maintaining sorting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables test tubes to be automatically identified and sorted through their own markings (barcodes, colors, text) without requiring external manual intervention, with the processing unit autonomously making sorting decisions based on captured images
2Ease of operation
If automated loading and unloading of test tubes is implemented, then labor effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic tube system to automatically transport test tubes between collection locations and the testing facility, using air pressure to move carriers through a network of tubes, thereby reducing manual handling while utilizing established pneumatic technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces carriers as intermediary containers that hold multiple test tubes, allowing the system to manage and transport groups of test tubes efficiently through the pneumatic network, simplifying the overall system architecture
3Productivity
If test tubes are conveyed jointly from multiple sampling locations, then logistics are simplified, but the effort and cost for separation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary marking to test tubes at the time of sampling, with each test tube bearing unique identifiers and information about its origin and contents, enabling automatic identification and sorting later without requiring complex separation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from image analysis of test tube markings to automatically determine sorting decisions, with the processing unit continuously monitoring and adjusting sorting operations based on real-time analysis of test tube characteristics
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 system effectively reduces labor and costs by automating the sorting and processing of test tubes, ensuring secure and efficient distribution to designated testing locations.
Implementation Method 1
A test tube managing system (1) that pneumatically transports test tubes (7) to a carrier infeed station (2)
Implementation Method 2
using vision detection and analysis to identify and sort test tubes based on dimensions and markings
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method of managing test tubes wherein test tubes containing samples are collected in a carrier (6) and are pneumatically transported to a carrier infeed station (2) of a test tube managing system (1), whereby the carrier is opened at the carrier infeed station, collected test tubes are removed from the carrier, dimensions of each removed test tube are detected, each test tube is identified according to a sample contained therein and test tubes are sorted after dimensions and identification and are manipulated for further processing according to said sorting. A system for managing test tubes is also provided.