Eccentric Specimen Holder for Barcode Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen transport apparatuses become large-sized or experience a lowering of processing ability when a rotating apparatus is added to read bar code labels on specimen containers with circular horizontal sections.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a specimen holder with a transport magnetic body and positioning magnetic body, allowing for magnetic field-based transport and rotation without the need for additional rotating apparatuses, thereby maintaining a compact design and high processing ability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotating apparatus is additionally provided on the transport line to read bar code labels, then the bar code label can be identified, but the apparatus becomes large-sized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotation function and transport function into a single integrated mechanism. The specimen holder is designed with an eccentric rotation mechanism that utilizes the existing transport motion to achieve both transportation and rotation for bar code scanning, eliminating the need for a separate rotating apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The specimen holder structure serves multiple functions: it transports the specimen container, rotates the specimen container to present the bar code label to the reader, and positions the specimen for processing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function.
2Measurement precision
If a rotating apparatus is additionally provided on the transport line to rotate the specimen holder for scanning, then the bar code label can be read, but the processing ability is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous processing by integrating the rotation action into the transport flow. The specimen holder rotates continuously during transport through the eccentric mechanism, allowing bar code scanning to occur during normal transport operations without interrupting or pausing the processing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The specimen holder is pre-configured with the eccentric rotation mechanism and bar code label positioning, so that the rotation and scanning are automatically performed as part of the transport process itself, without requiring additional time or separate operations.
3Measurement precision
If the specimen holder is rotated each time scanning is performed using a dedicated rotating apparatus, then the bar code can be scanned, but the apparatus becomes complex and large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotation mechanism into the specimen holder structure itself, using an eccentric design that converts linear transport motion into rotational motion. This eliminates the need for separate rotating apparatus and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The specimen holder performs its own rotation function through the eccentric mechanism during transport, without requiring external rotating apparatus. The design allows the specimen holder to serve itself by converting its transport motion into the necessary rotation for bar code scanning.
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 efficient reading of specimen identifiers while preventing the apparatus from becoming large-sized and maintaining its processing ability, ensuring stable and efficient specimen transport and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic body provided in a specimen holder; and a plurality of electromagnets that are arranged under a transport surface to transport the specimen holder by attracting or repelling the magnetic body
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electromagnets that are arranged under a transport surface to transport the specimen holder by attracting or repelling the magnetic body
Data Source
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AI summary
A specimen transport apparatus capable of reading a specimen identifier is provided, by which an increase in the size of an apparatus and a decrease in processing ability are suppressed. In a specimen transport apparatus including: a specimen holder that holds a specimen container to which a specimen identifier is attached and that is provided with a transport magnetic body; and a plurality of electromagnets that are arranged under a transport surface to transport the specimen holder by attracting or repelling the transport magnetic body, a magnetic flux center of the transport magnetic body is eccentric with respect to a central axis of the specimen container.