Laboratory Rack Positioning via RFID Teaching Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory sorting systems require manual input of rack type and position information for accurate handling of sample containers, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory system that uses a handling device, teaching devices with RFID tags, and a location information calculating device to determine the position and type of racks through multi-lateration and triangulation, allowing for automated recognition and handling of sample containers based on calculated location information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual input of rack type and position information is used, then the system can operate with simple hardware, but the efficiency is low and errors are prone
Solution Approach 1:
The rack automatically identifies itself to the handling device through RFID tags and geometric teaching devices. The system performs self-configuration by calculating rack position and type information autonomously using multi-lateration algorithms, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing operational errors while maintaining hardware simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical input methods are replaced with automated RFID recognition and optical/geometric measurement systems. The location information calculating device uses electromagnetic fields (RFID) and geometric calculations (multi-lateration) to automatically determine rack positions, substituting manual operations with automated sensing and computing mechanisms
2Extent of automation
If automated recognition systems are implemented, then efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device integrates multiple functions into a single system: it performs both the physical handling of sample containers and the automated recognition of rack positions through integrated RFID readers and teaching devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving high automation
Solution Approach 2:
Teaching devices serve as intermediaries between the physical rack structure and the automated recognition system. These geometrically-formed devices with RFID tags act as mediators that translate physical rack characteristics into machine-readable information, enabling automated recognition without requiring complex direct sensing of the rack structure itself
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 precise and automated handling of laboratory sample containers, improving efficiency and reducing manual errors in sorting operations by determining rack positions and types using RFID technology and geometric calculations.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID reader is adapted to determine distances between the RFID reader and the at least three teaching devices, wherein the location information calculating device is adapted to calculate the location information of the rack using conventional multi-lateration based on the determined distances.
Implementation Method 2
The RFID reader is adapted to determine angles, in particular in a RFID reader coordinate system, between the RFID reader and the at least three teaching devices, wherein the location information calculating device is adapted to calculate the location information of the rack also using triangulation based on the determined angles.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Laboratory system (100), comprising: - at least one rack (1) comprising retainers (2), wherein the at least one rack (1) is adapted to carry laboratory sample containers (3) inserted in the retainers (2), - a handling device (5), wherein the handling device (5) is adapted to insert laboratory sample containers (3) in the retainers (2) of the at least one rack (1) or remove laboratory sample containers (3) from the retainers (2) of the at least one rack (1) being placed at a processing position depending on location information indicating the location of the at least one rack (1) being placed at the processing position relative to the handling device (5), - a plurality of teaching devices (6), - wherein a respective teaching device (6) is geometrically formed such that it is insertable into a retainer (2) of the at least one rack (1), and - wherein at least two, in particular at least three, teaching devices (6) are inserted into a corresponding retainer (2) of the at least one rack (1) being placed at the processing position, and - a location information calculating device (7), wherein the location information calculating device (7) is adapted to calculate the location information of the at least one rack (1) being placed at the processing position depending on the location of the at least two teaching devices (6).