Laboratory Module Optical Alignment for Drift Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated laboratory systems face challenges in precisely and efficiently aligning modular components due to mechanical limitations, which are time-consuming and impractical, especially when dealing with mechanical or thermal drift, and require complex manual alignment.
Innovation Solution
A module for an automated laboratory system equipped with a detector to identify markers, a processor to calculate position deviations, and an alignment device to adjust the module to a target position, enabling precise and automated alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical alignment methods are used for module positioning, then high reproducibility can be achieved, but very high precision cannot be obtained without manual alignment and the system cannot react to changes due to mechanical or thermal drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods with an optical measurement system. A measurement device with detectors and markers creates an optical field to detect module positions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms and manual alignment operations. This substitution enables high precision alignment while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measurement device continuously monitors module positions relative to the transport system, and the system automatically adjusts positions based on detected deviations. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to react to mechanical or thermal drift automatically, maintaining high precision without manual intervention.
2Ease of repair
If modules are designed to be detachable for service and maintenance, then accessibility is improved, but alignment precision and system stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment markers and measurement reference points directly into the module structures during manufacturing. These preliminary positioning features ensure that when modules are reattached after maintenance, their positions can be quickly and accurately restored without complex realignment procedures, maintaining both accessibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical interlocking and positioning mechanisms with optical measurement and detection systems. This allows modules to be easily detached and reattached while maintaining precise positioning through optical reference markers, rather than relying on complex mechanical alignment features that would compromise ease of repair.
3Productivity
If the transport system width and module depth are increased to accommodate more samples, then processing capacity is improved, but serviceability and maintenance accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large transport system into modular sections with standardized interfaces. Each module can be independently accessed, removed, or maintained without affecting the entire system. This segmentation allows the transport system to maintain large dimensions for high capacity while preserving serviceability through modular architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A module (106) for an automated laboratory system (100) is disclosed. The module (106) comprises a module connector (120) configured to releasably connect to a component (106, 108) of the automated laboratory system (100), a detector (146) at least configured to detect at least one component marker (148) located at the component (106, 108) so as to obtain position data of the module (106) indicating an actual position of the module (106), a processor (156) configured to calculate a position deviation of the module (106) from a target position defined by the component (106, 108) based on the position data and to calculate position alignment data based on the position deviation, and a alignment device (164) configured to align the module (106) to the target position based on the position alignment data. Further, an automated laboratory system (100) and a method for aligning a module (106) are disclosed.