Electromagnetic Transfer Device for Modular Sample Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory sample handling systems are limited by fixed stroke lengths and single gripper configurations, which restrict modularity and throughput, necessitating larger system sizes to increase handling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device with an array of electromagnetic actuators and a moving unit with a permanent magnet, allowing for modular and flexible handling of sample containers through magnetic interaction, combined with a gripper unit for perpendicular movement, enabling independent and simultaneous handling of multiple containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed stroke length and single gripper configuration are used, then device complexity is reduced, but modularity and throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device is divided into multiple independent gripper units, each capable of handling sample containers separately. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple grippers, increasing throughput while maintaining modular architecture that simplifies individual component design
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs electromagnetic actuators with adjustable stroke lengths for each gripper unit, allowing dynamic adaptation to different sample container positions and orientations. This dynamic capability enables flexible handling configurations without requiring fixed complex mechanical structures
2Productivity
If larger system size is used, then handling capacity increases, but the system becomes less compact and harder to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper units operate in multiple degrees of freedom including vertical movement perpendicular to the transport plane, allowing compact arrangement of multiple grippers in three-dimensional space rather than requiring large horizontal footprint. This dimensional utilization enables high handling capacity within a compact system volume
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple gripper units are arranged in a compact configuration where smaller gripper assemblies can be positioned within or adjacent to larger structural elements, optimizing space utilization while maintaining independent operational capability of each gripper unit
3Adaptability or versatility
If single gripper configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but modularity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Each gripper unit is designed as a universal module that can handle various sample container types and orientations through electromagnetic actuation. The standardized interface and control mechanism across all gripper units enable easy reconfiguration and adaptation to different handling requirements without increasing overall system 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
The solution provides a compact, modular, and highly flexible system that can expand to meet various size constraints, achieving high throughput with multiple gripper units and independent sample container handling, enhancing the efficiency of sample handling processes.
Implementation Method 1
the moving unit is movable in at least one movement plane, specifically in at least one movement plane of the moving unit defined by at least two moving directions, through the array by magnetic interaction of the permanent magnet with the electromagnetic actuators
Implementation Method 2
at least one transport device comprising an array of electromagnetic actuators, specifically electromagnetic actuators comprising electromagnetic coils
Implementation Method 3
a gripper unit for positioning at least one of the sample containers, wherein the gripper unit is movable in at least one gripping direction essentially perpendicular to the movement plane
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer device (110) for transferring sample containers in a sample handling system (112) is disclosed. The transfer device (110) comprises:at least one transport device (114) comprising an array (116) of electromagnetic actuators (118), specifically electromagnetic actuators (118) comprising electromagnetic coils (120);at least one moving unit (122) comprising at least one permanent magnet (124), wherein the moving unit (122) is movable in at least one movement plane (126), specifically in at least one movement plane (126) of the moving unit (122) defined by at least two moving directions (128), through the array (116) by magnetic interaction of the permanent magnet (124) with the electromagnetic actuators (118); andat least one gripper unit (130) for positioning at least one of the sample containers, wherein the gripper unit (130) is movable in at least one gripping direction (132) essentially perpendicular to the movement plane (126), wherein the gripping unit (130) is attached to the moving unit (122).Further disclosed is a sample handling system (112) for handling a plurality of sample containers and a method for transferring sample containers in a sample handling system (112).