Magnetic Carrier Alignment for Lab Automation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory sample distribution systems face challenges in being energy efficient and reliable, particularly in the movement of sample container carriers over transport planes, which often result in inefficient energy consumption and unstable movement due to lack of preferred orientation and increased friction.
Innovation Solution
A sample container carrier equipped with a magnetically active device, such as a permanent magnet or electromagnet, and a ferromagnetic cover with a relative permeability greater than 1, which interacts with the magnetic field generated by the laboratory sample distribution system to reduce electric power consumption and stabilize movement by aligning magnetic field lines, thereby reducing friction and preventing involuntary rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetically active device is used to move the sample container carrier over the transport plane, then the carrier can be moved magnetically, but the energy consumption increases and the movement becomes unstable due to lack of preferred orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform magnetic field distribution through the strategic placement of magnets with different polarities (north and south poles) at specific positions on the transport plane. This localized magnetic field configuration provides directional guidance and stable positioning for the magnetically active carrier, ensuring reliable movement along predetermined paths while reducing energy consumption through efficient magnetic interaction.
2Reliability
If the magnetic field is strengthened to improve movement control, then the carrier movement becomes more stable, but the electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using electro-magnetic actuators that can dynamically adjust the magnetic field strength and distribution in real-time. The system activates specific magnets (north or south poles) based on the carrier's position and movement requirements, providing optimal magnetic interaction only when needed. This dynamic control ensures stable carrier movement while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding continuous full-power operation.
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 enhances energy efficiency and movement stability by concentrating magnetic field lines, reducing electric power consumption, and preventing unwanted rotation, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of the laboratory sample distribution system.
Implementation Method 1
The sample container carrier comprises a magnetically active device being adapted to interact with a magnetic field generated by means of the laboratory sample distribution system such that a magnetic move force is applied to the sample container
Implementation Method 2
The cover may be made of or comprise ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material. The cover aligns and concentrates magnetic field lines originating from the magnetically active device such that a magnetic field line density is increased in a desired direction towards the transport plane
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Sample container carrier (10) for a laboratory sample distribution system having a cover (40) above a magnet (30) in order to suitably align magnetic field lines. Laboratory sample distribution system having such a sample container carrier and laboratory automation system containing such a laboratory sample distribution system.