Magnetic Movable Dock for Reliable Sample Carrier Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory automated instruments face challenges in efficiently transporting and processing sample receptacle carriers due to the lack of reliable and efficient mechanisms for securing and moving these carriers between different positions within the laboratory system.
Innovation Solution
The use of a movable dock equipped with magnets, such as neodymium magnets or electromagnets, to securely couple with magnetic portions of the sample receptacle carriers, combined with a drive assembly and sensors to facilitate precise movement and processing, allowing for simultaneous magnetic coupling and decoupling of the carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable dock with magnets is used to secure sample receptacle carriers, then the reliability of carrier attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening mechanisms (clamps, latches, or friction-based holders) with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets embedded in the movable dock securely hold the sample receptacle carrier through magnetic attraction, eliminating complex mechanical fastening structures while maintaining reliable attachment during transport and processing operations.
2Ease of operation
If magnets are used to couple the dock with the carrier, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of energy increases due to electromagnet activation
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnets are activated only during specific operational phases when the dock needs to secure or release carriers, rather than remaining continuously active. The system controller activates electromagnets during carrier loading, transport, and unloading operations, and deactivates them when not needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If a sensor and controller system is added to activate electromagnets, then the productivity is improved through automated carrier handling, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect the presence and position of sample receptacle carriers, triggering electromagnet activation without requiring manual intervention or complex control programming. The sensor-controller-electromagnet system operates autonomously, with the sensor detecting carrier proximity and the controller automatically activating the appropriate electromagnets, thereby improving productivity while keeping the control system relatively simple.
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 reliable and efficient transport and processing of sample receptacle carriers, ensuring secure attachment during movement and enabling automated pipetting and manipulation of samples within laboratory instruments.
Implementation Method 1
The dock may include a magnet to magnetically couple a magnetic portion of the sample receptacle carrier to secure the sample receptacle carrier to the dock
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnet configured to couple the magnetic portion of the sample receptacle carrier with the magnet on the dock when the electromagnet is activated
Data Source
AI summary
A laboratory automated system includes a conveyor assembly, a dock that that is movable between first and second positions, a drive assembly for moving the dock between the first and second positions, and a diverter for diverting a sample receptacle carrier from the conveyor assembly to the dock. The dock includes a first carrier support portion having a planar surface for supporting the sample receptacle carrier as the dock moves between the first and second positions. The dock includes an upwardly extending second carrier support portion situated adjacent the first carrier support portion. The second carrier support portion has a contoured side surface. The dock includes one or more magnets fixedly contained within or disposed on the second carrier support portion to magnetically couple with a magnetic portion of the sample receptacle carrier.