Multidimensional Force Sensor for Sample Container Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
In in-vitro diagnostic laboratories, sample containers are prone to spillage during transport due to inadequate detection methods, leading to contamination, as existing systems are slow to detect spills and only indicate after they occur.
Innovation Solution
A sample container transport system equipped with a gripping apparatus, a robotic movement apparatus, and a multidimensional-force sensor that detects forces in multiple directions, combined with a signal-processing unit and artificial intelligence to determine if the detected forces satisfy pre-defined conditions, allowing for real-time spillage prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If volume and/or weight detection is used for spillage detection, then spillage can be detected, but the detection is slow and only indicates spillage after it has occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of spillage conditions before actual spillage occurs by monitoring force changes in real-time during transport. The multidimensional force sensor detects anomalies in force patterns that indicate impending spillage, allowing preventive action to be taken before the spillage event itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors force signals from the multidimensional force sensor during transport and provides real-time feedback about the sample container's condition. This feedback loop allows the system to detect changes in force patterns that indicate spillage risk and respond immediately, rather than waiting for spillage to occur and be detected by slower volume/weight methods.
2Reliability
If a multidimensional-force sensor is used to detect forces in multiple directions, then real-time spillage detection is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multidimensional force sensor serves multiple functions: it detects forces in multiple directions (x, y, z translations and rotations), monitors sample container condition during transport, and provides real-time spillage detection. By consolidating these multiple detection functions into a single sensor system, the overall device complexity is managed more effectively than using separate sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple force detection capabilities (translation and rotation forces in three dimensions) into a single multidimensional force sensor. This merging of detection functions reduces the number of separate components needed compared to using individual sensors for each measurement direction, thereby managing system complexity while achieving comprehensive monitoring.
3Productivity
If the sample container is moved without adequate detection, then transport efficiency is maintained, but contamination occurs due to spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting force anomalies that indicate spillage risk before actual spillage and contamination occur. The real-time monitoring allows the system to identify problematic conditions during transport and take preventive measures, maintaining transport efficiency while preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous feedback from the multidimensional force sensor allows the system to monitor sample container conditions during transport and respond to anomalies in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain efficient transport operations while preventing contamination by detecting and responding to spillage risks before they occur.
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 system effectively prevents spillage by detecting anomalies in force signals and adjusting the transport process in real-time, reducing contamination risks and improving transport efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a multidimensional-force sensor that is designed for detecting a multidimensional-force signal indicative of forces in multiple directions acting on a sample container gripped by the gripping apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample container transport system (1) for moving sample containers in an in-vitro diagnostic ("IVD") laboratory system is proposed, the sample container transport system (1) comprising - a gripping apparatus (3) for gripping sample containers (5), and - a robotic movement apparatus (2) for moving the gripping apparatus (3) in multiple directions, characterized in that the sample container transport system (1) comprises - a multidimensional-force sensor (4) that is designed for detecting a multidimensional-force signal indicative of forces in multiple directions acting on a sample container (5) gripped by the gripping apparatus (3). Further, a method for using the sample container transport system (1) is proposed.