Vial Capper Decapper Spindle Cam Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack a fully automated process for simultaneously opening, sampling, and re-capping multiple vials of biological fluids efficiently, which is necessary for diagnostic testing, especially when dealing with excess specimen amounts.

Innovation Solution

A liquid transfer system with a vial capper/decapper assembly that includes rotatable spindles with cam surfaces to breach seals and open vials, combined with a rotating arm assembly to retract caps, allowing for simultaneous decapping, sampling, and re-capping of multiple vials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual decapping and recapping of vials is performed, then each vial can be opened and closed individually, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecapping and recapping efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for manual operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple decapping and recapping stations into a single automated system that processes multiple vials simultaneously. The integrated system merges the functions of opening, sampling, and closing vials into one coordinated apparatus, eliminating the need for separate manual operations at each station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules including decapping stations with cam mechanisms, sampling stations with transfer devices, and recapping stations with closing mechanisms. Each module operates independently but coordinates with others to process multiple vials in parallel, improving overall throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If automated systems are used for decapping and recapping, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated processing speedVSAvoidcomplexity of automated mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system is designed to automatically perform decapping, sampling, and recapping operations without requiring manual intervention between steps. The system self-regulates the sequence of operations, with mechanisms automatically transitioning from one function to the next, reducing the need for complex control systems and manual monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated apparatus is designed to handle multiple vial types and perform multiple functions (decapping, sampling, recapping) using a unified platform. The system can process different volumes and configurations of vials through adjustable mechanisms, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple vials are processed simultaneously, then throughput increases, but the precision of seal breaching and cap placement decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of vials processed per unit timeVSAvoidprecision of seal breaching and cap placement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each decapping and recapping station within the automated system is equipped with locally optimized mechanisms tailored to its specific function. The cam surfaces at decapping stations are precisely engineered for controlled seal breaching, while recapping stations feature adjustable positioning mechanisms确保了 accurate cap placement. This localized optimization maintains precision even as overall throughput increases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary positioning and alignment of vials, caps, and sealing surfaces before the actual decapping or recapping action occurs. Vials are pre-aligned with the cam mechanisms, and caps are pre-positioned on the closing arms, ensuring that when the simultaneous operation occurs, each individual action maintains high precision despite the parallel processing of multiple vials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables efficient and automated decapping, sampling, and re-capping of multiple vials, optimizing the process for biological fluid analysis by reducing manual intervention and improving workflow efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The first projection also includes a cam surface that engages a cap of a vial so as to breach the seal and open the vial

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

The rotating arm assembly engages the opened cap of the vial and retracts the cap away from the vial body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9052299B2Vial capper/decapper for use with a liquid transfer system

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 CAPITOL VIAL INC

AI summary

A liquid transfer system is disclosed including a transport path that transports a plurality of vials through the liquid transfer system. Each of the plurality of vials has a cap that forms a seal with an open-ended vial body. The liquid transfer system is comprised of a vial capper/decapper assembly that is positioned adjacent to the transport path and includes a plurality of rotatable spindles. Each spindle has a rotatable shaft and a first projection supported by the shaft. The first projection also includes a cam surface that engages a cap of a vial so as to breach the seal and open the vial. The plurality of spindles is rotated simultaneously to simultaneously breach the seals and open the caps of the plurality of vials.