Magnetic Sample Conveyance Using Inductance-Based Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyance systems in sample analysis systems face reliability and size constraints due to the need for multiple detection devices and increased weight and size of electromagnetic actuators, which limits high-speed, mass simultaneous conveyance, and directional flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance apparatus utilizing magnetic circuits with current detection units and computation units to control the position of a permanent magnet, eliminating the need for intermediate detection devices by using inductance changes to determine the magnet's position and adjust the current supply, thereby enhancing reliability, reducing size, and improving conveyance force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detection devices are distributed over the transfer surface to detect the position of the magnetically active device, then position detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the position detection function with the electromagnetic actuator itself. The actuator serves dual purposes: generating magnetic force for conveyance and detecting position through current measurements. This eliminates the need for separate detection devices distributed over the transfer surface, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates magnetic force to move the container carrier and simultaneously detects the position of the magnetically active device through current measurements. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Measurement precision
If detection devices are distributed over the transfer surface, then position detection is enabled, but the distance between the magnetically active device and electromagnetic actuator must be maintained, reducing conveyance force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function into the electromagnetic actuator, allowing the magnetically active device to be positioned directly above the actuator without requiring intermediate detection devices. This direct positioning maximizes the magnetic force while enabling position detection through current measurements.
3Force
If electromagnetic actuators are made larger to improve conveyance force, then conveyance performance is improved, but the weight and size of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the current flowing through the electromagnetic actuator and using this information to determine the position of the magnetically active device. The computation unit adjusts the current supplied to the actuator based on this feedback, optimizing the conveyance force without requiring oversized actuators. This enables precise control with smaller, lighter components.
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 provides a compact, lightweight, and reliable conveyance apparatus with improved conveyance performance, enabling high-speed and flexible movement of samples without the need for additional detection mechanisms, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
two or more magnetic circuits, each including a core formed of a second magnetic body and a winding wound around an outer periphery of the core
Implementation Method 2
two or more current detection units, each detecting a value of a current flowing in the winding, and a computation unit that computes a position of the first magnetic body based on the current value detected by each of the current detection units
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises: an object to be conveyed that has at least one permanent magnet 10; a magnetic pole 25 that has a core 22 comprising a second magnetic body and a winding 21 wound around the outer periphery of the core 22; a drive circuit 50 for supplying a current to the winding 21 of the magnetic pole 25; a current detection unit 30 for detecting the value of the current flowing through the winding 21; and a computation unit 40 for estimating the position of the permanent magnet 10 on the basis of the current value detected by the current detection unit 30 and controlling the value of the current supplied from the drive circuit 50 to the winding 21 on the basis of information about the estimated position of the permanent magnet 10.