Opposite Magnetic Orientation Sample Carriers for High Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory sample distribution systems face limitations in increasing sample throughput due to the inability to simultaneously move sample container carriers with different magnetic field orientations along a line, leading to inefficient use of space and power.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a set of sample container carriers with permanently magnetized devices having opposite magnetic field orientations, allowing simultaneous movement along a line by controlling electro-magnetic actuators to attract and repel carriers based on their specific orientations, and a control unit to manage the movement and orientation of these carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sample container carriers with the same magnetic field orientation are used, then the system structure is simple, but the throughput is limited because carriers cannot move simultaneously when positioned at distances corresponding to actuator centers
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments carriers into different types (first type with first magnetic field orientation, second type with second magnetic field orientation) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows multiple carriers to be moved simultaneously at different positions along the transport plane, increasing throughput while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized carrier designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which carrier type to activate based on the required movement direction and position. By having carriers with different magnetic field orientations available in the set, the system can adaptively choose the appropriate carrier type for each transport task, enabling simultaneous movement of multiple carriers without interference.
2Productivity
If multiple sample container carriers are positioned close together to increase throughput, then power consumption increases due to magnetic field interference, but spacing them out reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different magnetic field orientations to different carrier types based on their specific movement requirements. By matching the magnetic field orientation to the desired movement direction, the system minimizes unnecessary magnetic field interactions between closely positioned carriers, reducing power consumption while maintaining high movement density.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses asymmetric magnetic field orientations (different directions for first and second carrier types) to enable selective activation. This asymmetry allows the system to create directed magnetic forces that move carriers efficiently in specific directions without causing interfering forces on neighboring carriers, enabling close positioning without excessive power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all sample container carriers have the same magnetic field orientation, then manufacturing is simpler, but routing flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the magnetic field orientation parameter of carriers based on routing requirements. By having a set of carriers with different magnetic field orientations (first orientation for one direction, second orientation for another direction), the system can flexibly route samples to different destinations without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration of each carrier's magnetic properties.
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
This configuration enables higher throughput by allowing multiple carriers to move simultaneously with minimal distance between them, reducing power consumption and optimizing routing and loading/unloading processes.
Implementation Method 1
Each sample container carrier comprises a single magnetically active device in form of a permanent magnet that is typically used to interact with a magnetic field generated by the electro-magnetic actuators, such that a drive force is caused to the sample container carrier
Implementation Method 2
a number of electro-magnetic actuators being arranged below the transport plane and being adapted to move the sample container carriers on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the sample container carriers
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a set of sample container carriers, a laboratory sample distribution system comprising such a set of sample container carriers, and to a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system. The set of sample container carriers comprises sample container carriers of a first type and a second type, wherein magnetic fields generated by respective magnetically active devices of the sample container carriers having the first type are oriented opposite to magnetic fields of respective magnetically active devices of the sample container carriers having the second type.