Laboratory Station Positioning via Magnetic Field Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory automation systems require precise alignment of laboratory stations with transport planes, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the large dimensions of transport planes, necessitating accurate metering and manual intervention for reliable sample transfer.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses magnetically active devices and electro-magnetic actuators to automatically determine the handover position of laboratory stations relative to the transport plane, allowing for arbitrary placement of stations and selecting the corresponding electro-magnetic actuators for sample transfer, thereby simplifying the configuration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laboratory stations are placed exactly at a specific position adjacent to the transport plane to ensure reliable sample transfer, then the reliability of sample transfer is improved, but the configuration time and complexity increase due to the need for accurate metering of large distances
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting the position of the reference magnet using position sensors and autonomously determining which electro-magnetic actuator corresponds to the handover position, eliminating the need for manual measurement and alignment by operators
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical alignment process is replaced by an automated system using position sensors to detect magnetic fields and a control device to calculate the correct actuator position, substituting physical measurement with electromagnetic detection
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment and accurate metering are used to position laboratory stations correctly, then the precision of station positioning is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to labor-intensive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the reference magnet position and determines the corresponding handover electro-magnetic actuator without requiring operator intervention for measurement and calculation
Solution Approach 2:
A reference magnet is introduced as an intermediary object that enables the position sensors to detect the handover position indirectly through magnetic field sensing, simplifying the positioning process
3Productivity
If the transport plane has large dimensions to provide high throughput, then the productivity is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to the need for accurate metering of large distances
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical measurement methods are replaced by electromagnetic detection using position sensors that detect the magnetic field of the reference magnet, eliminating the need for physical measurement tools and procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The reference magnet serves as an intermediary that translates the physical handover position into a detectable magnetic signal, allowing the position sensors to locate the handover position without direct measurement
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
This approach significantly reduces setup time and eliminates the need for precise manual alignment, enabling faster and more efficient configuration of laboratory automation systems while ensuring reliable sample transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a number of electro-magnetic actuators being stationary arranged below the transport plane and being adapted to move a sample container carrier on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the sample container carrier
Implementation Method 2
a number of position sensors being equally distributed over the transport plane and being adapted to sense magnetic fields generated by the magnetically active devices
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of configuring a laboratory automation system, wherein the position of a laboratory station is detected automatically. The invention relates further to a laboratory sample distribution system and to a laboratory automation system being adapted to perform such a method.