Magnetic Specimen Container Conveyor for Contactless High-Speed Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyors for specimen containers face limitations in conveyance force due to the size constraints of the magnets used, leading to inefficient and potentially contact-based conveyance.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with multiple holders and magnets arranged to create a strong attractive force between a holder magnet and a conveyor magnet, allowing for high-speed, contactless conveyance of specimen containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a magnet is mounted on the holder to enable contactless conveyance, then the holder and belt are kept contactless, but the conveyance force is limited by the size of the magnet
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic force generation is segmented between two components: a magnet mounted on the holder and a magnet mounted on the belt. This segmentation allows each component to have a smaller, more manageable magnet while collectively providing sufficient conveyance force, resolving the contradiction between force magnitude and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the magnetic force generation function into both the holder and the belt, creating a combined magnetic propulsion system. This merging allows the system to achieve higher conveyance force than a single magnet could provide while maintaining contactless operation.
2Reliability
If contactless conveyance is used, then wear is reduced, but the available magnetic force is limited by holder magnet size
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic force is segmented between holder and belt magnets, allowing contactless conveyance to be maintained while achieving sufficient force through combined magnetic attraction, thus resolving the contradiction between wear resistance and conveyance force.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the holder and belt, enabling contactless force transmission. This intermediary allows the system to maintain wear resistance while achieving adequate conveyance force through the combined magnetic fields of both components.
3Force
If a larger magnet is used on the holder, then conveyance force is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic force requirement is segmented between two magnets (holder and belt), allowing each to be smaller and thus reducing the volume of the moving object (holder) while still achieving the necessary total conveyance force.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-point force generation (one large magnet on holder) to a distributed force generation system (two magnets in different locations), effectively using spatial distribution to achieve the required force without increasing individual magnet sizes.
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 system enables high-speed, contactless conveyance of specimen containers with improved positional accuracy and reduced wear, maintaining processing speed and preventing contact-induced damage.
Implementation Method 1
the first magnet and the second magnet being adapted to produce an attractive force therebetween
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an aspect of the present invention, a conveyor is configured so that a plurality of holders are arranged, the holders each being configured to hold a specimen container in an upright state and includes a first magnet, the conveyor including an advancing member including a second magnet and configured to move along a conveyance path, the first magnet and the second magnet being adapted to produce an attractive force therebetween.