Electromagnetic Grid for Independent Laboratory Sample Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory sample distribution systems face challenges in independently and simultaneously moving multiple specimen containers due to mechanical constraints, limiting flexibility and efficiency in transferring samples between different laboratory stations.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory sample distribution system utilizing container carriers with magnetically active devices and a two-dimensional transport plane supported by electro-magnetic actuators, allowing for independent movement of multiple sample containers along a grid, combined with an automatic transfer device that can interface with various laboratory stations without modification, enabling flexible and efficient sample handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a magnetic truck assembly with permanent magnets is used to move specimen containers, then the containers can be moved together in rack quantities, but independent simultaneous movements of multiple racks are difficult to implement due to mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample transfer task into independent units by assigning individual electro-magnetic actuators to each container carrier. Instead of moving entire racks together, each carrier with its magnetically active device can be independently actuated by its own actuator, enabling parallel and independent movement of multiple containers simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical coupling system of the magnetic truck assembly with a distributed electro-magnetic actuation system. Each container carrier is equipped with a magnetically active device that interacts with a corresponding electro-magnetic actuator, eliminating the need for mechanical coupling between racks and enabling independent control of each container.
2Ease of operation
If conventional belt-driven container carrier conveyors are used, then they can transport container carriers, but they cannot provide flexible independent movement of individual containers along arbitrary paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional belt-driven mechanical conveyor system with a field-based electro-magnetic actuation system. Container carriers are moved by electro-magnetic forces acting on their magnetically active devices, allowing arbitrary path planning and independent control of each container's movement trajectory without mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static belt conveyors to a dynamic field-based actuation system where electro-magnetic fields can be activated and deactivated independently. This enables dynamic path planning, acceleration, deceleration, and precise positioning of individual containers along arbitrary trajectories within the transport plane.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electro-magnetic actuators are used to move container carriers, then independent simultaneous movement of multiple containers is enabled, but the system complexity increases due to the number of actuators required
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the transport plane into discrete control zones, each served by a dedicated electro-magnetic actuator. This modular approach allows independent control of multiple containers simultaneously while keeping each actuator's control logic simple and manageable. The segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple container movements without creating complex inter-dependent control scenarios.
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 high flexibility and throughput in transferring samples between pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical stations, optimizing the processing of samples by allowing independent movement of individual containers and adapting to different rack formats, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and flexibility of laboratory operations.
Implementation Method 1
The electro-magnetic actuators are adapted to move a container carrier on top of the transport plane in at least two different directions by applying or causing a magnetic force to the container carrier, i.e. to the magnetically active device of the container carrier
Implementation Method 2
A number of electro-magnetic actuators, e.g. 50 to 5000 electro-magnetic actuators, are arranged stationary or fixed below the transport plane. The electro-magnetic actuators are adapted to move a container carrier on top of the transport plane by applying or causing a magnetic force to the container carrier
Data Source
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AI summary
A Laboratory sample distribution system (100) comprises: a number of container carriers (1), said container carriers each comprising at least one magnetically active device, preferably at least one permanent magnet, and being adapted to carry a sample container (3) containing a sample, a transport plane (4) being adapted to carry said multiple container carriers, a number of electro-magnetic actuators being stationary arranged below said transport plane, said electro-magnetic actuators being adapted to move a container carrier on top of said transport plane by applying a magnetic force to said container carrier, and at least one transfer device (33) being arranged to transfer a Sample-Item, said Sample-Item being a container carrier, a sample container, part of the sample and/or the complete sample, between said transport plane and a laboratory station (22), preferably a pre-analytical, an analytical and/or a post-analytical station.