Tube Sorter Vertical Transfer Uninterrupted Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube sorting systems require stopping the transport line to remove sorted sample tubes, leading to inefficiencies in sample processing due to obstruction and increased transfer time.
Innovation Solution
A tube sorter design where the storing means is arranged at a higher level than the transporting means, allowing the sample rack to be lifted vertically, enabling sample tubes to be transferred without interrupting the transport line, with a gripper system to handle and position the tubes efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the storing means is arranged at the same level as the transporting means, then the sample tube can be transferred horizontally, but the transport line must be stopped to remove sorted sample tubes due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The storing means is arranged at a higher level than the transporting means, changing the transfer direction from horizontal to vertical. This dimensional change allows the transport line to operate continuously without stopping, as the storing means no longer obstructs the horizontal transport path of the sample rack
2Loss of time
If the storing means is arranged at a higher level than the transporting means, then the transport line can operate continuously, but the sample rack must be repeatedly moved vertically between the transport path and storing means
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting means is integrated with the transferring means, combining the vertical lifting function and horizontal transfer function into a single coordinated mechanism. This allows the sample rack to be lifted vertically and the sample tube transferred in one coordinated operation, reducing the number of separate movements required
3Loss of time
If the sample rack is lifted to a high position for transfer, then the vertical movement distance is reduced, but the stability of the sample rack during lifting is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A support platform is introduced as an intermediary structure between the lifting means and the sample rack. The support platform provides a stable base for the sample rack during the lifting process, maintaining stability while enabling vertical movement to the higher transfer position
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
This configuration allows for rapid transfer of sample tubes and uninterrupted transport line operation, reducing transfer time and enhancing processing efficiency by minimizing vertical movement and stabilizing the sample rack during transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting means is configured to lift the sample rack upward vertically from the transporting means
Implementation Method 2
The transferring means preferably includes a gripper configured to grip the sample tube
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a tube sorter comprising: a transporting section configured to transport a sample rack; a storage arranged at a higher level than the transporting section, capable of storing a plurality of sample tubes; a lifting section configured to lift up the sample rack transported by the rack transporting section; and a sample tube transferring section configured to remove a sample tube from the sample rack lifted up by the lifting section and set the removed sample tube in the storage.