Magnetic Sample Conveyance with Hybrid Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample conveyance devices in sample analysis systems face inefficiencies in position detection, particularly when switching coils, leading to potential misalignment, collision risks, and reduced throughput due to additional waiting times for position confirmation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a conveyance container with a magnetic body, multiple coils, a coil drive unit, an arithmetic unit for position estimation based on current information, and additional sensing units like optical sensors or physical switches to detect the container's position beyond magnetic field detection, enabling precise control and collision avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If position detection is performed only using magnetic field detection with coils, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because position cannot be detected when no voltage is applied to the coil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic field detection (coils) with non-magnetic field detection (optical sensors, physical switches) to create a hybrid detection system. This merging allows position detection to function both when voltage is applied to coils and when it is not, eliminating the detection gap while maintaining reasonable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to perform multiple functions: magnetic field detection for general position tracking and non-magnetic field detection for confirming position when coils are not energized. This multi-functionality ensures continuous and accurate position detection across all operational states
2Productivity
If the sample is conveyed at high speed to improve throughput, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased collision risk at intersection points
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary position detection using non-magnetic field methods before samples reach intersection points. This advance detection allows the control system to prepare collision avoidance maneuvers, ensuring safe passage even at high conveyance speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system provides continuous feedback on sample position, enabling real-time control adjustments. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high throughput while dynamically responding to potential collision risks at intersection points
3Reliability
If additional waiting time is added for position confirmation before starting conveyance, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to reduced throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous position detection using non-magnetic field methods during the entire conveyance cycle, eliminating gaps where position information is unavailable. This continuity removes the need for additional waiting time while maintaining reliable position confirmation
Solution Approach 2:
Position detection is performed in advance using non-magnetic field methods before voltage is applied to coils. This preliminary detection provides position information early in the cycle, eliminating the need for waiting time and maximizing throughput
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
Enhances conveyance efficiency by allowing accurate position detection and collision avoidance, reducing waiting times, and improving throughput compared to previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of coils 21 that generate thrust for conveying the conveyance container 11
Implementation Method 2
an arithmetic unit 30a that estimates a position of the conveyance container 11 by estimating a position of the permanent magnet 10 based on current information when a voltage pulse is applied to the coil 21
Data Source
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AI summary
There are provided a conveyance container 11 provided with a permanent magnet 10, a plurality of coils 21 that generate thrust for conveying the conveyance container 11, a drive unit 50 that applies a voltage to each of the plurality of coils 21, a position detection unit 30a that estimates a position of the conveyance container 11 by estimating a position of the permanent magnet 10 based on current information when a voltage pulse is applied to the coil 21, a sensing unit that detects the position of the conveyance container 11 by a method other than magnetic field detection, and a control unit 40 that controls the drive unit 50 that drives based on position information of the conveyance container 11 estimated by the position detection unit 30a or detected by the sensing unit. Accordingly, a conveyance device and a conveyance method capable of improving conveyance efficiency compared to a configuration in related art can be provided.