Modular Tiled Driving Surface for Adaptable Lab Sample Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory sample distribution systems lack flexibility and adaptability to various requirements, with limited ability to accommodate different configurations and maintenance of malfunctioning components.
Innovation Solution
A modular transport device with a tiled driving surface comprising detachable driving surface modules and electro-magnetic actuators, allowing for flexible design and easy replacement or adjustment of components, along with a sealing mechanism to prevent liquid spillage and ensure precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular tiled driving surface design is implemented, then adaptability and ease of maintenance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving surface is divided into multiple detachable driving surface modules that can be independently removed and replaced. Each module contains a subset of electro-magnetic actuators and can be detached to access individual actuators for maintenance or to reconfigure the system layout, thereby improving adaptability and ease of maintenance while managing complexity through modular organization.
2Ease of repair
If driving surface modules are made detachable for maintenance access, then ease of repair is improved, but manufacturing precision alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features such as guide rails, positioning pins, or coded patterns are pre-integrated into the driving surface modules and support elements during manufacturing. These preliminary alignment mechanisms ensure that when modules are reattached after maintenance, they automatically return to their correct positions with precise alignment, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly calibration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the driving surface is tiled with multiple modules, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but the risk of liquid ingress between modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sealing cords or gaskets are integrated between adjacent driving surface modules to create flexible sealing barriers. These sealing elements conform to the interface between modules and prevent liquid spillage from reaching the electro-magnetic actuators and wiring boards, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of liquid ingress while preserving the modular configuration flexibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If support elements are provided in a grid pattern for module mounting, then ease of manufacture and assembly are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements serving as mounting structures are combined with alignment features and positioning mechanisms into a single integrated grid pattern structure. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining ease of assembly and manufacturing.
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 modular design enables adaptability to diverse laboratory systems, facilitates quick maintenance, and maintains precise alignment and functionality while preventing liquid ingress into the device's components.
Implementation Method 1
The electro-magnetic actuators are adapted to move a sample container carrier placed on top of the driving surface by applying a magnetic force to the sample container carrier
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators being stationary arranged below the driving surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Transport device for a laboratory sample distribution system with a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators (30) and with a driving surface arranged above the actuators (30), which driving surface is adapted to carry sample container carriers, wherein the driving surface is tiled comprising a plurality of driving surface modules (4) with driving surface elements (41), wherein support elements arranged in a grid pattern are provided, and wherein each driving surface module (4) is detachably mounted to a subset of the support elements. The application further relates to a laboratory sample distribution system and to a laboratory automation system comprising a laboratory sample distribution system.