Universal Capper Decapper Gripper Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of removing and replacing screw-on caps from specimen containers in laboratory settings is time-consuming and labor-intensive, as existing technologies do not efficiently accommodate varying container sizes and require manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A universal container capper/decapper apparatus with a capper/decapper assembly and axial actuator, featuring pivotally coupled gripper arms that rotate radially and linearly, allowing for automatic cap removal and reinstallation, and accommodating different cap sizes through a spring actuator mechanism and rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cap removal and reinstallation is used, then flexibility in handling various container sizes is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a universal gripping mechanism with adjustable arms that can accommodate multiple container sizes and cap types through a single automated system, eliminating the need for different specialized tools for each container variant
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper arms are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the spacing and positioning of the gripping elements to be modified to match different cap diameters, enabling one automated device to handle varying container specifications
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size grippers are used in automated systems, then automation efficiency is improved, but adaptability to varying container sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping system is divided into separate adjustable components (gripper arms, positioning mechanisms) that can be independently modified to match different cap dimensions, allowing flexible adaptation without redesigning the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes adjustable parameters such as gripper arm spacing, gripping force, and positioning depth that can be modified to accommodate different cap sizes, enabling a single device to handle multiple container specifications through parameter adjustment rather than structural redesign
Data Source
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AI summary
A universal container capper/decapper includes a capper/decapper assembly, and an axial actuator. The capper/decapper assembly comprises a capper/decapper housing, and at least one gripper arm. The capper/decapper housing has an axis of rotation. Each gripper arm has a driven end, a gripper end, and a knee portion intermediate the driven end and the gripper end. Each gripper arm is pivotally coupled to the housing proximate the knee portion. The axial actuator is coupled to each driven end and is configured to drive each gripper end in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation by rotating each gripper arm about the respective knee portion relative to the housing.