Vessel Dispensing System with Cam Disc and Crank Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smaller and low-throughput in-vitro diagnostic systems face challenges with complex and costly hardware due to the need for precise consumable loading and positioning, while existing solutions are prone to jamming and vessel damage.
Innovation Solution
A vessel dispensing system featuring a cam disc and drum with elongated slots for compact and efficient dispensing, utilizing a crank mechanism for linear motion to rotate the cam disc and actuate a resilient vessel retainer, allowing vessels to be loaded and dispensed quickly without clipping, minimizing jamming and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If racks are used for consumable loading with automated lifting and separation mechanisms, then precise positioning and automation are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the consumable storage into multiple slots within a cartridge, with each slot independently capable of holding and dispensing consumables. This segmentation allows the system to process multiple consumables simultaneously, reducing the need for complex sequential handling mechanisms while maintaining high automation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge design serves multiple functions: it stores multiple consumables, provides precise positioning through slot geometry, enables automated dispensing through gravity feed, and interfaces with the analyzer system. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms into a single integrated component.
2Productivity
If bulk-loading of vessels into a compartment is used, then loading speed is improved, but jamming and breakage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-organizes consumables into individual slots within the cartridge before loading into the analyzer. This preliminary arrangement ensures that each consumable is properly positioned and supported, preventing jamming during the bulk-loading process while maintaining high loading speed through the gravity feed mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot structure acts as an intermediary between the bulk-loaded consumables and the dispensing mechanism. It provides individual compartments that guide and support each consumable, preventing direct contact and potential damage between consumables during bulk loading, while still allowing gravity-driven dispensing.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical levering is used for cuvette separation, then separation is achieved, but cuvette damage and alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing mechanism uses periodic gravitational force to release consumables one at a time from the slots. This periodic action replaces mechanical levering, achieving separation without contact forces that could damage the consumables, while the slot geometry ensures proper alignment during each dispensing cycle.
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 provides a simple, cost-effective, and compact solution for vessel loading, enabling fast and precise dispensing with reduced risk of jamming or damage, suitable for smaller in-vitro diagnostic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The output interface comprises a resilient vessel retainer
Implementation Method 2
a crank translatable in a linear forwards and backwards direction orthogonal to the cam disc axis between a first, a second and a third position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3C
AI summary
A vessel dispensing system (100) for dispensing vessels (1) to an analyzer (200) is disclosed. The vessel dispensing system (100) comprises a cam disc (10) rotatable about an axis (11) and comprising a guide groove (12), a drum (20) arranged above the cam disc (10) and coupled to the cam disc (10) such as to be rotatable together with the cam disc (10) about the same axis (11), the drum (20) comprising a plurality of elongated slots (21) arranged along and around the axis (11), each slot (21) comprising at one end an input interface (22) for loading the slot (21) with a plurality of vessels (1) in a stacked manner and at another end an output interface (23) for dispensing the vessels (1) from the slot (21), the output interface (23) comprising a resilient vessel retainer (24), a crank (30) translatable in a linear forwards and backwards direction orthogonal to the cam disc axis (11) between a first, a second and a third position. The crank (30) comprises a drive pin (31) slidable through the guide groove (12) for rotating the cam disc (10) and bringing a slot (21) at a time in a dispensing position (40) upon translation of the crank (30) between the first position and the second position, the crank (30) further comprising an actuator pin (32) translatable with respect to the drive pin (31) for actuating the resilient vessel retainer (24) of the output interface (23) of the slot (21) in the dispensing position (40) upon translation of the crank (30) between the second position and the third position, thereby allowing the vessels (1) to be dispensed from the slot (21). An automated in-vitro diagnostic system (300) comprising an analyzer (200) and the vessel dispensing system (100) for carrying out analytical tests with the use of the vessels (1) is also disclosed.