Optical Dry Stick Alignment for Precise Milk Sample Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of accurately aligning a needle with a narrow dry stick to apply a milk sample, especially when the dry stick width is reduced to 1-3 mm, leading to potential misalignment and failed biomarker measurements.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement that includes a carrier with a light source to create a shadow of the dry stick, a camera to capture the shadow, and a controller to analyze the image and adjust the position of the dry stick using a drive unit to ensure precise alignment of the needle with the dry stick, allowing for successful application of the milk sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the dry stick width is reduced to save material, then material cost is reduced, but alignment precision between needle and dry stick deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical copy (image) of the dry stick position rather than direct mechanical contact to determine alignment. The camera captures the dry stick's position, and the controller processes this visual copy to calculate the precise location, eliminating the need for physical alignment markers or widened sticks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods (physical markers, widened structures) with an optical system. The camera and image processing system substitute for mechanical guidance, allowing precise positioning without physical modifications to the narrow dry stick structure.
2Loss of substance
If the dry stick width is reduced to 1-3 mm, then material cost is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the dry stick position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes optical contrast (effectively color/brightness changes) to detect the narrow dry stick. The camera detects differences in light reflection or absorption between the dry stick and its background, enabling clear identification and position measurement even when the stick is very narrow (1-3 mm wide).
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
Ensures accurate application of the milk sample to the dry stick, even when it is very narrow, reducing the risk of misalignment and enhancing the reliability of biomarker measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source directed to illuminate the dry stick for creating a first shadow of the dry stick on the carrier
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for aligning a needle and dry stick when applying an animal milk sample. The dry stick indicates a biomarker value of the milk sample. The arrangement comprises a carrier supporting the dry stick, a tube element for receiving the milk sample, and a needle connected to the tube element. A light source illuminates the dry stick, while a camera captures images of the dry stick and its shadow. A drive unit moves the carrier with the dry stick, controlled by a controller. The controller triggers the camera to capture and analyze images, using the shadow analysis to precisely position the dry stick. Based on this image analysis, the controller signals the drive unit to move the dry stick into proper alignment, enabling accurate application of the milk sample by the needle.