Punching Device Illuminated Receiving Plate for Sample Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing punching devices for processing dried samples lack the ability to effectively verify if sample pieces have been correctly punched out and received in the desired receiving containers, leading to potential errors in analysis.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a receiving plate with a light source for backlighting and an image capturing device to visually confirm the presence of sample pieces in the receiving containers, allowing for real-time verification of the punching operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If punching devices process samples without verification, then productivity is maintained, but reliability of sample placement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements verification of sample piece presence in receiving containers immediately after the punching operation, before the system proceeds to the next processing step. This preliminary verification ensures that sample placement accuracy is confirmed while maintaining continuous operation flow, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a verification mechanism that provides feedback on whether sample pieces have been correctly placed in receiving containers. This feedback loop allows the system to detect and correct placement errors while maintaining overall processing efficiency, thereby improving reliability without significantly compromising productivity.
2Reliability
If punching devices add verification systems, then reliability of sample placement improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system is integrated into the existing punching device structure, allowing the same hardware components to serve multiple functions. The receiving plate and imaging system are used both for sample collection and verification purposes, reducing the need for separate verification equipment and thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by using its own imaging capabilities to check sample piece presence in receiving containers. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external verification equipment, improving reliability while keeping the device complexity increase minimal.
3Measurement precision
If punching devices implement real-time verification, then measurement precision of sample presence improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification is performed as a preliminary check immediately following the punching operation, using quick imaging techniques that capture sample piece presence in real-time. This preliminary verification provides high measurement precision while minimizing the time added to the overall process, as the system does not need to wait for separate verification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification process is integrated into the continuous operation flow of the punching device, allowing verification to occur without interrupting the overall processing sequence. The imaging and detection systems operate continuously or in rapid succession, maintaining measurement precision while reducing the perceived time loss by keeping the useful action continuous.
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 precise and reliable verification of sample piece placement, reducing errors and ensuring accurate assignment of samples to analysis containers.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (212) for illuminating the receiving plate (210), wherein the light source (212) is arranged such that at least a part of a receiving container (12) located on the receiving plate (210), in particular receiving recesses (28) provided in said receiving container (12), can be illuminated from the direction of the receiving plate (210), in particular from below
Data Source
AI summary
A punching device for processing samples applied to a sample card is provided. The punching device includes a movable gripper unit and an image capturing device and at least one punching head having a punch and a lower die. The punching head has a receiving opening into which a sample card is introducible by means of the movable gripper unit and is positionable relative to the punching head. The punching device further includes a punching drive which is couplable or coupled to the punch of the punching head. The punching device further includes a receiving plate supporting the receiving container and having a light source illuminating at least a part of the receiving plate. The light source is arranged such that at least a part of the receiving container located on the receiving plate can be illuminated from the direction of the receiving plate. The punching device further includes an image processing device configured to use data about positioning of the receiving container relative to the image capturing device to determine an analysis set of receiving recesses of the receiving container.