RFID Diverting Unit for Continuous Biological Container Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated laboratory systems for conveying biological product containers face inefficiencies in diverting and returning conveying devices, leading to slowed down processes and potential collisions, especially when multiple devices arrive simultaneously, due to the need for stopping gates and sensor-based systems that cause bottlenecks and errors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an RFID-based identification system with a cam-driven diverting unit and an elastic belt return mechanism allows for continuous flow without stopping, enabling real-time identification and diversion of conveying devices without stopping, and smooth return to the main lane by using a vertically-placed belt to manage the flow and prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stopping gate and sensor-based system are used to identify and divert conveying devices, then the identification and diversion function is achieved, but the process speed decreases and bottlenecks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stopping gate system with an RFID-based identification system. The RFID reader continuously reads identification data from conveying devices as they pass through the process station, eliminating the need to stop devices for identification. This substitution of mechanical stopping with electromagnetic field-based continuous reading resolves the contradiction by maintaining high throughput while achieving accurate identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-identifying conveying devices that need diversion using RFID readers positioned before the diversion point. The control unit processes identification data in advance and activates diversion mechanisms (such as air jets or mechanical pushers) only for devices requiring diversion. This allows continuous flow while ensuring accurate diversion, resolving the contradiction between identification accuracy and throughput.
2Measurement precision
If a stopping gate is used to block conveying devices for identification, then the identification function is achieved, but collisions may occur when devices return to the main lane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stopping gate with an RFID-based continuous flow identification system. Conveying devices are identified by RFID readers as they pass through without stopping, eliminating the blocking action that causes collisions. The control unit manages diversion and return operations based on continuous RFID data, ensuring reliable collision-free operation while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining continuous flow of conveying devices through the process station. RFID readers continuously read identification data without interrupting device movement, and diversion mechanisms operate continuously based on real-time identification. This continuous operation eliminates stopping and blocking, preventing collisions during return to the main lane while maintaining accurate identification.
3Ease of operation
If sensor-based blocking is used to manage returning conveying devices, then the return function is achieved, but the process is slowed down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sensor-based blocking systems with RFID-based continuous flow management. RFID readers continuously track conveying devices returning to the main lane, and the control unit manages their integration into the main flow without stopping. This eliminates the blocking action that slows down the process while maintaining easy return management through continuous RFID monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining uninterrupted flow of conveying devices during return operations. RFID readers continuously monitor returning devices, and the control unit seamlessly integrates them back into the main lane without blocking or stopping the overall process. This continuous operation maintains high throughput while ensuring proper return management.
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 significantly increases the throughput of conveying devices within process stations and the entire automation system, ensuring error-free diversion and preventing collisions, even at high incoming frequencies, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the laboratory automation system.
Implementation Method 1
it is based on a Radio Frequency identification (RFID) technology consisting of a network of antennas distributed underneath the conveyor belt of the conveying system which, upon the passage of the conveying device, are capable of receiving the data transmitted by a transponder contained in the body of the conveying device
Implementation Method 2
Upon the passage of the conveying device on the belt close to an antenna, the electromagnetic field generated by the antenna powers the transponder which, modulating such an electromagnetic field, transmits the data stored on its memory to this antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a process station (1) of devices (3, 31, 32, 35-37) for conveying biological product containers (4) comprising a main lane (2) for the flow of said conveying devices (3, 31, 32, 35-37) and a secondary lane (5) for the flow of said conveying devices (3, 31, 32, 35-37) connected to each other by connection stretches (7a, 7b). Said process station (1) comprises a diverting unit (20) of said conveying devices (3, 31, 32) from said main lane (2) to said secondary lane (5) and a return unit (30) of said conveying devices (3, 35-37) from said secondary lane (5) to said main lane (2), said diverting (20) and return units (30) being provided with means (6, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 13) adapted to allow the continuous flow without stop of said conveying devices (3, 31, 32, 35-37) between said main lane (2) and said secondary lane (5).