Magnetic Needle Teaching for Faster Sampling Position Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Visual teaching of needle positioning in sampling apparatuses is labor-intensive, particularly in adjusting the depth direction, and requires prolonged time for multiple positions, increasing operator workload.

Innovation Solution

A teaching method using a magnet placed at the sampling position to attract and position the needle, eliminating the need for visual fine adjustments by using a three-dimensionally movable arm and a control unit to store the needle's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If visual teaching method is used for needle positioning, then the operator can check the needle position, but the workload and time required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle position accuracyVSAvoidteaching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual checking method with a magnetic field-based automatic positioning system. The magnet positioned at the sampling location attracts the needle tip, automatically guiding it to the correct position without requiring visual verification by the operator. This substitutes manual visual inspection with an automated magnetic attraction mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The needle positioning system performs self-alignment through magnetic attraction. When the needle approaches the sampling position, the magnet automatically attracts and positions the needle tip at the correct location without external intervention or visual checking, enabling the system to self-correct its position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If visual teaching method is used for needle positioning, then the operator can check the needle position, but the operator workload increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle position accuracyVSAvoidoperator workload

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual checking operation with an automated magnetic positioning system. The magnet automatically attracts and positions the needle tip at the sampling location, eliminating the need for the operator to visually verify and manually adjust the needle position in three directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system performs self-alignment through magnetic attraction between the magnet at the sampling position and the needle tip. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for operator intervention in fine-adjusting the needle position, significantly reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sampling positions require teaching, then complete coverage is achieved, but the teaching time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-position teaching capabilityVSAvoidtotal teaching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual teaching for each position with an automated magnetic positioning system. For each sampling position, a magnet is placed at that location, and the needle automatically positions itself through magnetic attraction, eliminating the time-consuming visual checking process for each of the multiple positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for multi-position teaching by pre-placing magnets at each sampling position before the teaching process begins. This preliminary setup enables rapid sequential teaching of multiple positions without requiring visual verification for each one, as the magnetic attraction automatically guides the needle to each pre-prepared position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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

Reduces operator workload by automating needle positioning, simplifying the teaching process and reducing time required for multiple positions.

Implementation Method 1

moving the arm by a user to a position where a magnetic force of the magnet acts on the needle; positioning the tip of needle with respect to the sampling position by using the magnetic force of the magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20260023092A1Teaching method and teaching auxiliary jig

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

A teaching method for a sampling apparatus, the sampling apparatus comprising a three-dimensionally movable arm that holds a metal needle for performing sampling from a sample container in a vertical orientation, and a control unit that controls an operation of the arm, the method comprising: placing a magnet at a sampling position where a tip of the needle is to be placed during the sampling; after the placing, moving the arm by a user to a position where a magnetic force of the magnet acts on the needle; after the moving, positioning the tip of the needle with respect to the sampling position by using the magnetic force of the magnet; and after the positioning, storing, in the control unit, a position of the arm in a state where the tip of the needle is positioned at the sampling position.