Centrifuge Transceiver Antenna Overlap for Rotor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifuge rotor detection systems face challenges in reliably transmitting data between transceiver units, especially when using different rotors, due to varying rotor sizes and designs, leading to inconsistent data transmission quality and potential rotor damage from exceeding maximum speed or cycle limits.
Innovation Solution
A centrifuge design with concentrically arranged transceiver units where the carrier of one unit has a smaller diameter than the other, allowing overlapping antennas parallel to the axis of rotation, ensuring consistent data transmission regardless of rotor type and compensating for manufacturing tolerances, with redundant transmission using magnets and Hall sensors for rotor identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transceiver units are arranged on rotors of different sizes and designs, then the centrifuge can accommodate multiple rotor types, but data transmission quality becomes inconsistent and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar antenna arrangement to three-dimensional concentric arrangement. The transmitting antenna and receiving antenna are positioned at different radial distances from the rotation axis, creating overlapping electromagnetic fields in the axial direction. This dimensional change ensures consistent data transmission across rotors of varying sizes and designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested antenna configuration where the transmitting antenna and receiving antenna are concentrically arranged one inside the other relative to the rotation axis. This nesting ensures that the electromagnetic fields overlap consistently regardless of the specific rotor dimensions, solving the reliability issue while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between transmitting and receiving antennas varies with rotor type, then different rotor sizes can be used, but data transmission becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining constant planar distance between antennas, the patent uses axial separation with concentric arrangement. The transmitting antenna is positioned at a first radial distance and the receiving antenna at a second radial distance from the rotation axis, with their fields overlapping in the axial direction. This eliminates the need for precise radial spacing while supporting varying rotor dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric antenna positioning where the transmitting and receiving antennas are deliberately placed at different radial distances from the rotation axis rather than symmetrically. This asymmetric concentric arrangement creates consistent field overlap across different rotor types without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances for antenna spacing.
3Measurement precision
If magnets and Hall sensors are used for rotor identification, then rotor type can be detected, but the system cannot track individual rotor usage cycles when multiple identical rotors are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-identification system: a first transceiver unit provides general rotor type identification using magnets and Hall sensors, while a second transceiver unit provides unique individual rotor identification. This copying approach allows the system to both classify rotor types and track individual usage cycles, even when multiple identical rotors are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the identification system into two functional parts: a first transceiver unit for rotor type classification and a second transceiver unit for individual rotor identification and tracking. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of accurate rotor type detection and individual rotor cycle tracking.
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 design ensures reliable and consistent data transmission between transceiver units, preventing rotor damage by accurately monitoring speed and cycle limits, and is suitable for use with multiple rotor types without requiring rotor design changes, enhancing operational safety and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a first transceiver unit (48) with a transceiver antenna (52)
Implementation Method 2
magnets (50) arranged at a distance from the first transceiver unit (48)
Implementation Method 3
The second carrier (60) is provided with at least one Hall sensor (66) for determining the rotor identification
Implementation Method 4
a rotor (32), which rests on the drive shaft (22), is provided concentrically to the axis of rotation (30) for centrifuging different samples and sample containers
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a centrifuge (10) with a housing (12), in which a rotor (32) for receiving a sample that is to be centrifuged is arranged. The rotor (32) sits detachably on a drive shaft, which is connected to a drive. The rotor (32) is driven by the drive shaft (22) during operation of the centrifuge (10) and rotates about a rotation axis (30). The rotor (32) has a first, rotor-side transceiver unit, which is excited by an electric field, thus inducing voltage in the first transceiver unit (48). The first transceiver unit (48) is associated with a second, housing-side transceiver unit (62), which is connected to a voltage source. The two transceiver units (48, 62) are connected to a transceiver antenna (52, 64) each, and the transceiver units (48, 62) and the transceiver antennas (52, 64) are in each case arranged on an annular support (46, 60) concentrically with the rotation axis (30). In accordance with the invention, the support (46) of one transceiver unit (48) has a smaller diameter than the support (60) of the other transceiver unit (62) and the transceiver antenna (52) of one transceiver unit (48) overlaps in part with the transceiver antenna (64) of the other transceiver unit (62) in a direction parallel to the rotation axis (30).