Probe Auto-Alignment via Electrical Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current alignment systems for differential scanning calorimeters require manual intervention or optical sensors for precise alignment, which can be complex and prone to errors, leading to sample damage and compromised analysis results due to imprecise placement of sample pans within furnaces.
Innovation Solution
An autosampler system with an automatic alignment sub-system that uses controlled electrical contact between a movable probe and target wells to determine x, y, and z axial dimensions, allowing for precise calibration and alignment of the probe with the center of the wells, thereby ensuring accurate placement of samples and lids within the furnaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment by eye or optical sensors is used, then alignment can be performed, but the alignment precision is insufficient and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual alignment and optical sensor-based alignment with an automated electrical contact system. A probe with electrical contact points physically touches the well surfaces to detect coordinates, substituting mechanical measurement methods for less reliable optical or manual techniques, thereby achieving higher precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting well coordinates through electrical contact without requiring manual intervention. The probe autonomously moves to predetermined positions, makes contact, detects coordinates, and calculates center positions automatically, enabling the system to align itself without external assistance
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment is performed, then alignment can be achieved, but the operation complexity increases and requires skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system operates autonomously without requiring skilled technicians. The automated probe performs all alignment operations including moving to predetermined positions, making electrical contact, detecting coordinates, and calculating center positions automatically, greatly simplifying the operation while managing system complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex alignment task from manual operation and isolates it into an automated subsystem. By separating the alignment function into a dedicated automated probe system with predetermined positions and automatic coordinate detection, the complexity is contained within the subsystem while simplifying the overall operation
3Reliability
If alignment is not precise, then the system can operate, but sample damage and analysis errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical contact measurement instead of manual visual alignment to achieve precise well coordinate detection. This substitution enables accurate determination of well centers and dimensions, ensuring reliable sample placement that prevents sample damage and analysis errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment and calibration by detecting well coordinates and calculating center positions before sample placement operations. This preliminary action ensures that all subsequent sample handling operations are based on accurate positional data, preventing damage and errors
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 system enables precise and automated alignment of samples and lids, reducing the risk of damage and improving analysis accuracy by determining the center locations of wells through controlled contact, allowing for efficient and reliable operation of the differential scanning calorimeter.
Implementation Method 1
determining x, y and z axial dimensions of the target well based on controlled contact between the probe and the target well... maintained the probe at a low DC potential and the target well at ground potential... contact being indicated by a change in potential at the probe
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system of aligning a probe to wells includes holding the probe at one potential and holding the wells at a different potential, moving the probe to an estimated center position above a selected well, lowering the probe into the selected target well, moving the probe in positive and negative directions along first and second axial dimensions until changes in potential are detected at the probe to indicate electrical contact between the probe and the selected well, and calculating a center location of the selected well along the first and second axial dimensions as mid-points between the points of contact for the respective axial dimensions. The method and system further include lowering the probe into contact with a floor of the selected well and calculating a center location along a third axial dimension as a predetermined distance above the position of the probe. The method and system determine center locations for other wells based on known spacing between wells and the calculated center locations of one or more selected wells.