Magnetic Grid Sample Distribution System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laboratory sample distribution systems face challenges in flexibility and simultaneous independent movement of multiple specimen containers due to mechanical constraints and limitations in transporting individual containers to desired locations.

Innovation Solution

A laboratory sample distribution system featuring a two-dimensional transport plane with stationary electro-magnetic actuators and magnetically active container carriers, allowing for independent and simultaneous movement of multiple containers along a grid, with a flexible grid arrangement to optimize transport flexibility and reduce the number of required actuators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical constraints are used to move specimen containers, then the system structure is simple, but the flexibility and ability to independently move multiple containers is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical drive mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. Electro-magnetic actuators generate magnetic fields that interact with magnetically active devices on container carriers, enabling contactless and independent movement of multiple containers across the transport plane without mechanical constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the transport plane into a grid of addressable locations and uses individually controllable electro-magnetic actuators at each grid position. This segmentation allows independent control and movement of multiple container carriers simultaneously to different destinations without mechanical interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple container carriers are moved simultaneously, then transport productivity increases, but the risk of collisions and positioning accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport performanceVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect the presence and position of container carriers on the transport plane. This feedback information is used by the control device to coordinate the activation of electro-magnetic actuators, ensuring that multiple carriers can be moved simultaneously without collisions while maintaining accurate positioning at destination locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically activates electro-magnetic actuators based on real-time carrier positions and destination requirements. The magnetic field activation is controlled in a sequence that ensures carriers are moved to their destinations without interference, allowing simultaneous movement while maintaining positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If a dense grid of electro-magnetic actuators is used to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning precision increases, but the number of required actuators and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system activates only the necessary electro-magnetic actuators at specific times and positions based on the current state of container carriers and their destinations. Rather than requiring all actuators to be simultaneously active or precisely positioned, the system uses selective partial activation to achieve accurate positioning with a manageable number of actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 high transport performance and flexibility, allowing single containers to be transported independently to desired locations, improving positioning accuracy and reducing the risk of collisions while maintaining mechanical stability and magnetic shielding.

Implementation Method 1

A number of electro-magnetic actuators, e.g. 50 to 5000 electro-magnetic actuators, are arranged stationary or fixed below the transport plane. The electro-magnetic actuators are adapted to move a container carrier on top of the transport plane in at least two different directions by applying or causing a magnetic force to the container carrier, i.e. to the magnetically active device of the container carrier.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2773968B1Laboratory sample distribution system

Publication Date: 2020.03.25 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS GMBH

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AI summary

A laboratory sample distribution system (100) comprises: a number of container carriers (1), said container carriers each comprising at least one magnetically active device, preferably at least one permanent magnet, and being adapted to carry a sample container (3), a transport plane (4) being adapted to carry said container carriers, and a number of electro-magnetic actuators being stationary arranged below said transport plane, said electro-magnetic actuators being adapted to move a container carrier on top of said transport plane by applying a magnetic force to said container carrier.