Universal Plug Chuck for Mixed Rubber and Resin Sample Tubes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sample pretreatment systems require multiple unplugging units to handle sample tubes with different types of plugs, leading to inefficiencies and increased workload due to the need for mode switching and material-specific deformation considerations during unplugging operations.

Innovation Solution

A system with a single unplugging unit equipped with a clamp device and a plug chuck device featuring interchangeable chucks for rubber and resin plugs, allowing for flexible handling of both types without mode switching, utilizing shape and material-specific designs to prevent deformation errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional unplugging unit is used that is exclusive to a specific plug type, then the unplugging operation is simple and reliable for that specific type, but the system cannot handle mixed groups of sample tubes with different plug types without requiring multiple unplugging units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle mixed plug typesVSAvoidnumber of unplugging units required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unplugging unit is designed with a universal plug chuck device that can accommodate multiple plug types (rubber, resin, seal-type) through a single standardized interface. The clamp device and plug chuck device work together to provide a unified unplugging mechanism that handles different plug materials and configurations without requiring separate dedicated units for each plug type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple unplugging units are prepared to handle all plug types, then all sample tube types can be processed, but the space and cost requirements become unrealistic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive plug type coverageVSAvoidspace required for multiple units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple unplugging units into a single integrated device. The clamp device and plug chuck device are combined in one unit that can handle rubber-plugged, resin-plugged, and seal-type-plugged sample tubes, eliminating the need for separate unplugging stations for each plug type and reducing overall system footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If mode switching is implemented to handle different plug types, then versatility is improved, but processing capacity decreases due to time wasted during mode switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-mode unplugging capabilityVSAvoidprocessing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The unplugging unit employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the clamp device and plug chuck device to adapt to different plug types in real-time during operation. Rather than requiring mode switching between static configurations, the device dynamically adjusts its parameters and mechanics to accommodate rubber, resin, or seal-type plugs continuously, maintaining high processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If an identical unplugging device is used for both rubber and resin plugs, then device simplicity is maintained, but unplugging may be unsuccessful due to different deformation states of the plugs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunplugging device uniformityVSAvoidunplugging success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The plug chuck device incorporates local quality variations in its design to accommodate different plug materials. While the overall device structure remains unified, the plug chuck device has specific geometric features and material properties optimized for different plug types (rubber vs. resin). The clamp device similarly adjusts its local characteristics to match the deformation requirements of each plug material, ensuring reliable unplugging across all types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2282212B1System for pretreating sample
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • EP2282212B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2282212B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2282212B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B

AI summary

The present invention provides a system for pretreating sample that can unplug a rubber-plugged sample tube and a resin-plugged sample tube in one unplugging unit. The system for pretreating sample includes a sample rack on which a plugged sample tube can be mounted, a conveyor line for conveying the sample rack, and an unplugging unit that has a clamp device for holding the plugged sample tube at the time of unplugging and a plug chuck device for chucking the plug of the plugged sample tube held by the clamp device and unplugging the sample tube. The plug chuck device can unplug both the rubber-plugged and resin-plugged sample tubes. More specifically, the plug chuck device has a combination of an unplugging chuck having a suitable shape for unplugging the rubber-plugged sample tube and another unplugging chuck having a suitable shape for unplugging the resin-plugged sample tube.