Laboratory Sample Carrier Handling with Halbach Magnetic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory automation systems face challenges in efficiently handling and aligning laboratory sample container carriers, particularly open containers, for seamless integration with distribution systems and optical readers.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory sample container carrier handling apparatus with a revolving device and a guiding surface, combined with a force-applying device, ensures defined rotation and alignment of sample containers, utilizing a Halbach array for contactless magnetic force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a revolving device pushes sample container carriers along a guiding surface, then the carriers can be moved and aligned, but the carriers may not rotate consistently around their own center
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container carrier is designed with a round, circular shape that allows it to roll smoothly along the guiding surface. This curvature enables the carrier to rotate consistently around its own center when pushed by the revolving device, ensuring both precise alignment and easy handling without requiring complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the guiding surface completely surrounds the revolving device, then the carriers are well-guided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding surface is designed as an open ring shape that partially surrounds the revolving device rather than forming a complete circle. This segmented approach provides sufficient guidance for the round sample container carriers to roll smoothly and align properly, while reducing the structural complexity and material requirements compared to a fully enclosed guiding surface.
3Force
If mechanical contact is used to apply force to the carriers, then the carriers can be forced against the guiding surface, but the system requires more complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field is used to apply force to the sample container carriers, replacing traditional mechanical contact systems. The magnetic field can force the carriers against the guiding surface without requiring complex mechanical actuators, levers, or springs, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the necessary forcing capability for proper alignment.
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 reproducible, automatic, and easy handling of laboratory sample containers, facilitating alignment with optical readers and preventing misalignment, thereby enhancing system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The force-applying device comprises a Halbach array. The Halbach array is adapted to apply the force contactlessly to the laboratory sample container carrier supplied to the revolving device.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laboratory sample container carrier handling apparatus 1 comprising a revolving device 2, a guiding surface S, and a force-applying device FA, wherein the force-applying device FA is adapted to apply a force FO to a laboratory sample container carrier 3 supplied to the revolving device 2 to such an extent that the laboratory sample container carrier 3 is forced against the guiding surface S to such an extent that the laboratory sample container carrier 3 rolls off at the guiding surface S pushed by the revolving device 2. The invention further relates to a laboratory automation system 100 comprising such a laboratory sample container carrier handling apparatus 1 and to a use of such a laboratory sample container carrier handling apparatus 1 for handling a laboratory sample container carrier 3 in, in particular such, a laboratory automation system 100.