Dual-Drive Linear Movement for Relative and Block Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear movement devices require multiple drives to manage relative and block movements of pipetting channels along a common axis, which can be complex and inefficient, especially when dealing with varying distances between channels, such as when handling different titer plates.
Innovation Solution
A linear movement device with only two linear drives that can operate each linear movement unit independently or together, allowing for relative speed between units when one drive is activated and simultaneous activation for block movement without relative speed, using a combination of rolling tracks and belts for precise positioning and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple linear drives are used to manage relative and block movements of pipetting channels, then the ability to perform both individual and block movements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple linear drives into a single linear drive unit that can simultaneously control multiple pipetting channels. The linear drive is coupled to all linear movement units via a common coupling mechanism, allowing one drive to perform both individual and block movements of multiple channels, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The single linear drive is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple operations: it can move all linear movement units individually, move them as a block together, and adjust distances between channels. The coupling mechanism enables this one drive to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate drives, achieving universality in movement control
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple linear drives are used to handle varying distances between channels, then the adaptability to different titer plates is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism between the linear drive and linear movement units is designed to be dynamically adjustable. The coupling can be selectively engaged or disengaged with each movement unit, allowing the system to adapt its configuration for different operating modes (individual movement, block movement, or distance adjustment) without requiring complex control of multiple drives, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability
3Measurement precision
If each linear movement unit has its own drive, then the precision of individual positioning is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
While using a single linear drive, the patent segments the coupling mechanism into multiple independently controllable coupling points, each associated with a specific linear movement unit. This segmentation allows the single drive to precisely control each unit's position independently through the coupling mechanism, maintaining individual positioning precision without requiring separate drives for each unit, thus avoiding increased device complexity
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 precise movement of multiple linear units along a common axis with reduced complexity, allowing for both block and individual movements with varying distances between units, enhancing the flexibility and accuracy of pipetting operations.
Implementation Method 1
the first linear drive is connected by a first rolling track to a plurality of first rolling means in a manner that transmits movement, wherein each of the at least two linear movement units is connected to at least one first rolling means
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a linear movement device with at least two linear movement units (12, 14) which are movably guided along a common linear movement axis (L), the linear movement device (10) having a first linear drive (28) and a second linear drive (30) such that that each linear movement unit (12, 14) can be driven both only by the first linear drive (28) and only by the second linear drive (30) and also by both linear drives (28, 30) together to move along the linear movement axis (L), wherein the first and the second linear drive (28, 30) are coupled to the linear movement units (12, 14) in such a way that they transmit driving force such that when only the first linear drive (28) or only the second linear drive (30) is activated, the linear movement units (12, 14) are drivable for movement in a common direction along the linear movement axis (L) at a relative speed to one another, w Whilst the first and second linear drives (28, 30) are activated simultaneously, all linear movement units (12, 14) can be driven at least for the same direction of joint movement along the linear movement axis (L) without relative speed to one another.