Autosampler Needle Positioning Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle moving devices in autosamplers and fraction collectors cannot detect faults when the signal from the arithmetic processing device changes, leading to incorrect needle positioning and potential sampling errors due to the inability to differentiate between signal changes and physical obstructions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a determining portion in the arithmetic processing device to receive and compare measurement signals from encoders, allowing for the detection of needle position discrepancies and distinguishing between signal-related faults and physical obstructions by utilizing X-direction and Y-direction driving motors with encoders, and a signal processing portion to assess normal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the needle moving device uses encoder signals to determine needle position, then the device can track needle movement, but it cannot detect faults when the control signal changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by comparing the actual needle position (measured by encoder) with the target position (from control signal). The determining portion continuously monitors whether the needle has reached the designated position and feeds this information back to detect faults, enabling the system to identify both signal changes and physical obstructions through position verification
Solution Approach 2:
The determining portion acts as an intermediary between the control signal and the needle moving device. It receives both the control signal indicating the target position and the measurement signal from the encoder, then compares these two sources to detect discrepancies, serving as a mediator that identifies faults before they cause sampling errors
2Productivity
If the needle moves according to changed control signals, then the device operates continuously, but the needle moves to incorrect positions without fault detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by checking whether the needle has reached the designated position before executing the sampling operation. The determining portion validates the needle position in advance using the comparison between control signal and encoder feedback, preventing incorrect sampling even if the needle moves continuously according to changed control signals
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 accurate detection of needle positioning faults, preventing incorrect sampling and allowing for operator intervention to correct signal-related issues or physical obstructions, ensuring the needle moves to the designated position.
Implementation Method 1
an encoder provided to the motor to measure a moving distance of the needle based on a rotation number of the motor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a needle moving device which can detect a fault in a signal provided by a system controller to a performing device. An X-direction driving motor (4a) and a Y-direction driving motor (4b) in a driving portion (4) of an autosampler (1a) are provided with encoders (12a, 12b) for measuring moving distances of a needle (2) in respective directions from rotation numbers of the respective driving motors (4a and 4b). A determining portion (20) provided to a system controller (1b) locates a position of the needle (2) after the movement based on signals from the encoders (12a, 12b) and determines whether the position is a position of a designated sample vessel.