Photoelectric Sensor for Sample Container Detection in Gripper Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analysis systems lack an effective method to detect the presence of a sample container between gripper arms, leading to potential damage due to excessive gripping force and inaccurate detection of motor current variations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a photoelectric sensor that emits light into the gripping space and detects its presence or absence, allowing the controller to determine whether a sample container is present, thereby optimizing the detection process without direct contact and minimizing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If motor current detection is used to determine sample container presence, then the detection method is simple, but the detection precision is insufficient due to small current variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical detection method (motor current measurement) with an optical detection method (photoelectric sensor). The photoelectric sensor emits light through the gripper arm to detect the presence of the sample container, providing significantly higher detection precision without complex mechanical modifications to the gripper structure.
2Reliability
If strong gripping force is applied to detect sample container presence, then the detection reliability is improved, but the sample container may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the detection system and the sample container. The photoelectric sensor uses light transmission through the gripper arm to detect sample presence without requiring physical contact or application of force to the sample container, thus eliminating the risk of damage while maintaining detection reliability.
3Measurement precision
If photoelectric sensor is used to detect sample container presence, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the photoelectric sensor into the existing gripper arm structure, allowing the gripper to perform both its original gripping function and the new detection function. The light source is positioned within the gripper arm structure, utilizing existing structural elements to support the detection components, thereby minimizing additional complexity.
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 solution enables accurate detection of sample containers, preventing damage and ensuring reliable handling by using a non-contact method that is specific to the characteristics of the analysis system, improving the precision and safety of sample handling.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric sensor configured to emit light to the gripping space and detect the light from the gripping space
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis system includes a gripper arm for conveying a sample container, and a controller for controlling the gripper arm. The gripper arm includes a first gripper and a second gripper for holding the sample container by pinching the sample container, a drive mechanism that changes a size of a gripping space between the first gripper and the second gripper, and a photoelectric sensor for emitting light to the gripping space to detect the light from the gripping space. The controller determines the presence or absence of the sample container in the gripping space based on the presence or absence of a detection signal of the photoelectric sensor.