Vial Picking Module Mirrors for Barcode Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample storage systems face challenges in efficiently retrieving and managing large quantities of samples across different locations within a facility, particularly in maintaining temperature integrity, minimizing exposure to environmental changes, and optimizing access for multiple users, while also dealing with the limitations of existing vial picking mechanisms that require rotation for bar code reading.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage system with a refrigerated compartment, a tray shuttle, and independent modules that allow for simultaneous processing and retrieval of samples without rotating the vials, using a vial picking module with a claw and mirrors to read bar codes on vials without rotation, and a modular design that enables flexible access and processing across different elevations and locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vials are rotated to read bar codes, then bar code reading is achieved, but the retrieval process time increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an optical solution using mirrors. Instead of rotating the vial mechanically to present different faces to the barcode reader, the system uses mirrors positioned at different angles to reflect the barcode reader's beam onto different sides of the stationary vial, achieving the same information gathering without mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mirrors as intermediary elements between the barcode reader and the vial. The mirrors act as mediators that redirect the optical beam to capture barcodes on multiple faces of the vial without requiring the vial itself to rotate, thus decoupling the reading function from mechanical rotation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple die cutting tools are available for different container sizes and shapes, then all container types can be processed, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal die cutting tool that can handle multiple container types through programmable control. Instead of having separate dedicated tools for each container size and shape, a single multi-functional tool is used that can be reconfigured via software to accommodate different sealing and cutting requirements for various vial and container formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable die cutting tooling that can change its configuration based on the container type being processed. The tooling system includes adjustable components that can be repositioned or reconfigured to match different container geometries, allowing one tool to perform the function of multiple fixed tools.
3Ease of operation
If robotics are placed in the ultra-low temperature storage compartment, then sample access is simplified, but reliability decreases due to lubricant inefficiency at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into two separate temperature zones: an ultra-low temperature storage compartment for sample containers and a warmer compartment for the robotics and electromechanical devices. The tray shuttle acts as a bridge between these zones, allowing the robotics to operate in a temperature-appropriate environment while still accessing samples in the cold compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tray shuttle as an intermediary mechanism that transfers trays between the ultra-low temperature storage compartment and the warmer robotics compartment. This mediator allows the system to maintain the benefits of centralized cold storage while protecting the temperature-sensitive robotic components from extreme cold that would compromise their reliability.
4Ease of operation
If the storage compartment is frequently opened for sample retrieval, then sample access is enabled, but temperature integrity and sample stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a robotic tray shuttle system that pre-positions and pre-retrieves trays before manual access is needed. The system can prepare trays in advance, transfer them to warmer compartments for processing, and only open the ultra-low temperature compartment when a tray is already staged and ready for retrieval, minimizing the frequency and duration of compartment openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an automated robotic system that performs sample retrieval operations without requiring manual opening of the storage compartment. The robotics can autonomously locate, retrieve, and transfer trays using the tray shuttle mechanism, enabling the system to service itself and reducing the need for human operators to open the temperature-controlled compartment.
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 solution enables rapid and efficient retrieval of samples with minimal exposure to environmental changes, supports continuous operation, and allows for flexible access and processing across different elevations and locations, improving reliability and reducing downtime in sample management.
Implementation Method 1
reading bar codes on vials without rotating the vials using a bar code reader and a set of mirrors positioned in an angled configuration
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An optical reading device for scanning bar codes on an object within a scanning area, the device comprising: a pick head for moving the object along a translation axis within the scanning area; a bar code reader disposed at a fixed position within the scanning area, the bar code reader projecting a reading beam toward the translation axis; and a plurality of mirrors attached to the pick head that move with the object along the translation axis, each mirror being disposed at a different angle and a different location relative to the object to reflect the reading beam at one of a plurality of different positions along the translation axis so that when each mirror intersects the reading beam, the plurality of mirrors reflects the reading beam so that all sides of the object are viewed such that at least one of the positions will produce a signal corresponding to the bar code.