Lab Sample Transport Device Magnetic Drive Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory sample distribution systems face challenges in achieving reliable and precise position detection of sample carriers, which is crucial for efficient automation in laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with an electromagnetic actuation assembly generating a magnetic field for driving sample container carriers, combined with a sensor board and elastic elements for precise position detection, ensures reliable and accurate positioning of sample containers on the transport surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the sensor board is rigidly mounted to the support structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the position detection precision deteriorates due to forces acting on the transport surface causing sink marks and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor board is designed as a flexible component that can elastically deform under forces acting on the transport surface. This flexibility allows the sensor board to maintain contact with the inside surface of the top cover while accommodating deformations without causing sink marks or bending that would compromise position detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor board transitions from a rigid, static mounting to a dynamic, elastic mounting that can adapt to changing forces. The elastic elements allow the sensor board to dynamically adjust its position and maintain optimal contact with the inside surface during operation, ensuring continuous reliable position detection.
2Reliability
If the sensor board is pressed against the inside surface with high force, then the position detection reliability is improved, but the risk of damaging the transport surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
Elastic elements are pre-installed between the sensor board and support structure to provide cushioning before any damaging forces can occur. These elastic elements absorb and distribute forces, preventing direct transmission of high forces to the transport surface while ensuring the sensor board maintains sufficient contact pressure for reliable position detection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple elastic elements are distributed around the sensor board, then the evenness of contact is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple identical elastic elements are distributed evenly around the sensor board to create a homogeneous force distribution. This symmetric arrangement ensures uniform contact pressure across the sensor board, maintaining flatness and even contact with the inside surface while using simple, repeatable components that reduce overall assembly complexity.
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 solution enables precise and reliable position detection of sample carriers, maintaining the flatness and stability of the transport surface, thereby enhancing the overall precision and efficiency of sample distribution in laboratory automation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic actuation assembly (4) is adapted to generate a magnetic field at the transport surface (3) for magnetic drive-interaction with a sample container carrier (60) placed thereon
Implementation Method 2
The transport device has elastic elements (7), for example rubber bumpers. The elastic elements are biased in between the sensor board (6) and the support structure (5) so that the sensor board (6) is held flush against an inside surface (8) of the top cover (2) by a biasing force resulting from the biasing of the elastic elements (7)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a transport device for a laboratory sample distribution system, the transport device comprising a top cover having a transport surface, the transport surface being adapted to carry sample container carriers, an electromagnetic actuation assembly, the electromagnetic actuation assembly being adapted to generate a magnetic field at the transport surface for magnetic drive-interaction with a sample container carrier placed thereon, a support structure for carrying the actuation assembly, a sensor board being arranged in between the support structure and the top cover, the sensor board being adapted to detect a position of a sample container carrier placed on the transport surface with respect to the transport device, and elastic elements which are biased in between the sensor board and the support structure so that the sensor board is held flush against an inside surface of the top cover by a biasing force resulting from the biasing of the elastic elements.