Lab Sample Carrier Centering via Magnetic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory sample distribution systems face challenges in accurately centering sample container carriers over electro-magnetic actuators, which can lead to inefficiencies in loading and unloading processes and potential movement errors during transport.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory sample distribution system equipped with magnetically active sample container carriers, a transport plane, and electro-magnetic actuators, controlled by a device that applies magnetic attractive and repulsive forces to center and stabilize the carriers, ensuring precise positioning and preventing inadvertent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electro-magnetic actuators are used to transport sample container carriers, then automation and efficiency are improved, but precise centering of carriers over actuators becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control device monitors the position of sample container carriers relative to electro-magnetic actuators and dynamically adjusts the magnetic drive forces to correct positioning deviations, ensuring precise centering during automated transport operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the strength and distribution of magnetic forces applied by electro-magnetic actuators based on the carrier's position, using increased magnetic force when misalignment is detected to pull the carrier back to the center position
2Reliability
If magnetic forces are used to move carriers, then contactless transport is achieved, but inadvertent movement or instability during transport may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously adjusts the magnetic forces applied by electro-magnetic actuators based on real-time carrier position feedback, dynamically compensating for disturbances and maintaining stable transport without physical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies counteracting magnetic forces to balance and compensate for inadvertent movements or external disturbances, using the electro-magnetic actuators to generate opposing forces that stabilize the carrier's position during transport
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 achieves precise centering and stabilization of sample container carriers, enhancing the efficiency of loading and unloading processes while preventing unintended movement, thereby ensuring smooth and accurate sample handling within the laboratory automation system.
Implementation Method 1
electro-magnetic actuators being adapted to move one of the number of sample container carriers on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic drive force to the sample container carrier
Implementation Method 2
the end-point electro-magnetic actuator applies or exerts a magnetic attractive centering force on the respective sample container carrier at the corresponding end of the transport path
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a laboratory sample distribution system in which a sample container carrier can be centered at a specific position. The invention further relates to a laboratory automation system with such a laboratory sample distribution system.