Optical Covering State Detection for Lab Sample Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory sample containers often fail to be properly sealed during transport, leading to potential spills and contamination due to inadequate detection methods for the covering state of foils or other covers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving injecting light into the sample container and measuring optical power at a specific location to determine if the orifice is fully, partially, or not covered, using a light-emitting means and sensing means to detect the covering state without complex technology or manual intervention, and integrating this into a laboratory sample distribution system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light-based detection is used to detect covering state, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with an optical detection system. A light source emits light through the container wall, and a sensor detects the transmitted light intensity. This optical system is simpler and more reliable than mechanical sensors or image recognition systems, directly resolving the contradiction by substituting a complex mechanical approach with a simpler optical one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) to detect the covering state. The light passes through the container wall and sample, and its transmission characteristics change based on whether the container is properly covered. This intermediary enables reliable detection without direct contact with the sample or complex sensing mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If image recognition is used to detect covering state, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces image recognition systems with a simple optical intensity measurement system. Instead of capturing and analyzing images, the system merely measures the intensity of light transmitted through the container. This substitution maintains sufficient detection precision while dramatically improving ease of operation, as the optical sensor requires no complex processing or calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for detection (light transmission intensity) rather than processing complete visual data. By measuring only the transmitted light intensity rather than analyzing full images, the system achieves adequate precision with much simpler operation and processing requirements.
3Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used to check covering state, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated optical detection system that performs covering state verification without human intervention. The light source and sensor automatically detect whether containers are properly covered as they pass through the system, maintaining high detection accuracy while dramatically increasing productivity by processing multiple containers simultaneously and continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous automated detection of covering states as containers move through the distribution system. Unlike manual inspection which is intermittent and slow, the optical detection system operates continuously, maintaining constant monitoring and immediate detection of improperly covered containers, thereby大幅提升 productivity while preserving detection accuracy.
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 detection of the covering state of sample containers, preventing spills and contamination by automatically identifying and addressing improperly sealed containers within the distribution system, ensuring secure transport and processing.
Implementation Method 1
The light is injected into the laboratory sample container at a longitudinal end opposite to the orifice, such that the light is conducted along a longitudinal extension of the sample container
Implementation Method 2
measuring an optical power of light at a measuring location, wherein the measuring location is chosen such that the measured optical power depends on the optical power of the light injected into the laboratory sample container and depends on the covering state
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting a covering state of a laboratory sample container, wherein light is coupled into the laboratory sample container and an optical power is measured at a measuring location. The invention relates further to a corresponding laboratory sample distribution system.