Inductive Sensor Linearization for Sample Carrier Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory sample distribution systems face challenges with the non-linear and symmetric behavior of inductive sensors, which affect precise position detection and movement tracking of sample container carriers, due to issues like blind zones and high costs associated with Hall sensors.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory sample distribution system that incorporates inductive sensors with a linearization algorithm to convert non-linear output signals into linear signals, allowing for accurate distance and direction determination of sample container carriers, using a control unit to drive electro-magnetic actuators and an evaluation unit to compensate for conductive objects and changes in conductive characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Hall sensors are used for position detection, then position detection capability is provided, but the precision is lacking due to blind zones and the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical Hall sensors with an inductive sensing system that uses electromagnetic fields to detect position. The inductive sensor system eliminates the need for mechanical grooves and extensive sensor arrays, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining detection capability through electromagnetic interaction with conductive targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive sensor serves multiple functions: it detects position, determines direction of movement, and tracks motion of sample container carriers. This multi-functional sensor reduces the overall system complexity compared to specialized sensors for each function.
2Device complexity
If inductive sensors are used for position sensing, then cost and complexity are reduced, but the output signal is non-linear and symmetric causing inaccurate position determination
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple inductive sensors to continuously monitor the position of sample container carriers. By processing signals from multiple sensors and comparing their outputs, the system compensates for the non-linear and symmetric characteristics of individual sensors, achieving accurate position determination through collective information processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetric reference structures or asymmetric sensor arrangements to break the symmetry of the inductive sensor output. This allows the system to distinguish between different positions along the transport path, converting the symmetric signal characteristic into useful asymmetric position information.
3Reliability
If inductive sensors are used, then blind zones are eliminated, but signal intensity varies with vertical distance due to wear and manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from measuring only horizontal position to incorporating vertical distance measurement into the detection process. By sensing variations in vertical distance and compensating for them algorithmically, the system maintains measurement precision despite wear and manufacturing tolerances affecting the vertical gap between sensors and targets.
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 provides reliable and precise tracking of sample container carriers' movement, overcoming the limitations of inductive sensors' non-linear behavior, ensuring accurate positioning and direction monitoring while reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane, the electro-magnetic actuators being adapted to move the sample container carriers on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the sample container carriers
Implementation Method 2
inductive sensors distributed over the transport plane... inductive sensing technology utilizes a capacitor and an inductor to form an L-C resonator... Whenever a conductor interacts with an alternating current magnetic field, eddy currents are induced on the conductor's surface
Implementation Method 3
Whenever a conductor interacts with an alternating current magnetic field, eddy currents are induced on the conductor's surface. Lenz's Law states that induced currents will flow in a manner to oppose the magnetic field, weakening the original generated magnetic field in a measurable way
Data Source
AI summary
A laboratory sample distribution system comprising a plurality of sample container carriers, each adapted to carry one or more sample containers, each carrier comprising at least one magnetically active device and at least one electrically conductive member, a transport plane adapted to support the carriers, a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane, the actuators being adapted to move the carriers on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the carriers, a plurality of inductive sensors distributed over the transport plane, a control unit configured to control the movement of the carriers using an output signal provided by the inductive sensors by driving the actuators such that the carriers move along corresponding transport paths, and an evaluation unit configured to linearize the output signal from an inductive sensor by means of a linearization algorithm.