Dispensing Probe Positioning via Electrical Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic analytical devices with dispensing drive mechanisms require a large number of steps to position a probe accurately, especially when using a two-dimensional horizontal movement mechanism with rotation drive shafts, which is inefficient for positioning a probe with a dispensing drive mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analytical device employs a dispensing drive mechanism with two or more drive shafts, including at least one rotation drive shaft, to position a dispensing probe using a reduced number of steps and time by detecting multiple contact points and calculating the center position through coordinate calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dispensing drive mechanism with rotation drive shafts is used for two-dimensional horizontal movement, then the device can perform positioning, but the number of steps required for positioning increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical sequential checking method with an electrical field-based detection system. The probe tip detects contact points on the side wall of the locator well through electrical sensing rather than mechanical scanning, significantly reducing positioning time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detection unit as an intermediary between the probe drive mechanism and the positioning target. This detection unit senses contact points electrically, allowing the system to determine probe position without requiring multiple mechanical movement steps, thus resolving the time-loss problem.
2Manufacturing precision
If a probe drive system with linear drive shafts is used to detect contact points on the side wall, then positioning can be achieved, but the method is not applicable to dispensing drive mechanisms with rotation drive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning method that works with both linear and rotational drive mechanisms. The detection unit senses contact points regardless of the drive type, and the control unit calculates the center position based on the detected contact points and the specific drive mechanism characteristics, making the system adaptable to different drive types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the positioning parameters and calculation methods based on the drive mechanism type. For rotational drives, the system calculates angles and arc positions; for linear drives, it calculates straight-line distances. This parameter adaptation allows the same detection unit to work with different drive mechanisms while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If sequential checking of possible stop positions is performed, then the probe can be positioned at the center, but the number of steps required becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of contact points on the side wall before final positioning. The detection unit identifies the location of the locator well by sensing contact points in advance, allowing the control unit to calculate the center position directly without requiring sequential checking of multiple stop positions, thus reducing the number of steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the locator well position based on detected contact points. By sensing the contact points and calculating the geometric relationship, the system reconstructs the center position information without physically scanning to the center, reducing the number of mechanical steps required.
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 approach allows for precise and rapid positioning of the dispensing probe at a predetermined position, reducing the number of steps and time required compared to conventional methods, even with a mechanism involving rotation drive shafts.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit that detects contact between the probe tip and the side wall of the locator well
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Positioning of a dispensing probe, which uses a horizontal drive mechanism using at least one rotation drive shaft, is realized automatically and in a short time. The device uses a dispensing probe; a dispensing probe drive mechanism having at least one rotation drive shaft as a horizontal drive mechanism for the dispensing probe, a positioning member with a portion, which is contacted by the dispensing probe during positioning, is formed in a circular shape; a contact detection mechanism for detecting contact between the dispensing probe and the positioning member, and a control unit. The control unit drive-controls only one drive shaft into contact with the circular portion of the positioning member, and then drive-controls only one drive shaft other than the previously drive-controlled shaft into contact with the circular portion of the positioning member, and then calculates position information on a center point at a desired position where the dispensing probe is to be positioned, on the basis of position information on each point at which the contact has been detected, or the like.