Laboratory Automation Handover Position Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual calibration of gripping devices in laboratory automation systems is time-consuming and prone to errors, as small displacements can lead to malfunction or destruction of sample containers.
Innovation Solution
A method using a position determining device with a magnetically active component, interacting with electro-magnetic actuators to automatically determine the handover position on a transport plane, allowing for precise and efficient calibration of gripping devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration of gripping devices is performed, then calibration can be done with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration procedures with an automated system that uses magnetic fields. A position determining device with a magnet interacts with electro-magnetic actuators to automatically determine the handover position, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system performs self-calibration automatically without requiring manual intervention. The position determining device is automatically positioned and the electro-magnetic actuators automatically determine the handover position through magnetic field interactions, making the system self-sufficient for calibration purposes.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration of gripping devices is performed, then equipment complexity is reduced, but the calibration process is error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a position determining device as an intermediary component that facilitates automatic calibration. This device includes a magnet that interacts with the electro-magnetic actuators to transfer position information, enabling accurate handover position determination without direct manual measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-magnetic actuators serve multiple functions: they transport sample containers during normal operation and simultaneously determine the handover position during calibration through magnetic field interactions with the position determining device, eliminating the need for separate calibration equipment.
3Reliability
If gripping devices are highly precise, then sample container handling reliability improves, but calibration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual calibration procedures with an automated magnetic field-based system. The position determining device with its magnet interacts with electro-magnetic actuators to automatically determine precise handover positions, making high-precision calibration accessible and straightforward.
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
Enables faster, less error-prone calibration of gripping devices, improving the accuracy of sample container handling and reducing the risk of damage during operation.
Implementation Method 1
activating the handover electro-magnetic actuator such that it generates a magnetic field interacting with a magnetic field generated by the magnetically active device such that an attractive force is applied to the position determining device
Implementation Method 2
activating the handover electro-magnetic actuator such that it generates a magnetic field interacting with a magnetic field generated by the magnetically active device such that an attractive force is applied to the position determining device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a handover position of a gripping device and to a laboratory automation system being able to perform such a method. A position determining device is used in order to determine a handover position based on magnetic forces of a handover electro-magnetic actuator that is part of a laboratory sample distribution system of the laboratory automation system.