Rotating Sample Carrier for Barcode Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory sample distribution systems face challenges in reliably reading barcodes on sample containers when the barcodes do not cover the entire horizontal circumference, as barcode reading devices can only detect less than 180° of the container.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sample container carrier and rotator elements with linear surfaces that exert a rotating force to orient the sample container carrier, allowing barcodes to be read by a barcode reading device regardless of their circumferential coverage, using a control device to manage the movement of the carrier and rotator elements on a transport plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barcodes are placed on sample containers for identification, then sample identification is enabled, but reliable reading cannot be ensured when barcodes do not cover the entire circumference and reading devices detect less than 180°
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by rotating the sample container carrier to predetermined angular positions before the barcode reading device attempts to read the barcode. This ensures that the barcode is positioned within the reading device's detection angle range, thereby guaranteeing reliable reading regardless of the initial barcode placement orientation on the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic rotation of the sample container carrier, transforming it from a static positioning system to a dynamic one. The carrier can be actively rotated to different angular positions based on control signals, allowing the barcode to be brought into the optimal reading position dynamically, thus ensuring reliable identification even when barcodes don't cover the full circumference.
2Reliability
If a rotator element is introduced to rotate the sample container carrier, then barcode reading reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotator element is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a rotation mechanism for positioning barcodes and as part of the overall transport system on the transport plane. By integrating multiple functions into a single component, the system achieves reliable barcode reading without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotator element acts as an intermediary between the sample container carrier and the barcode reading device. Rather than requiring complex integration between the carrier and reading device, the rotator mediates by adjusting the carrier's orientation, simplifying the overall system architecture while ensuring reliable barcode detection.
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 reliable and simplified barcode reading by rotating the sample container carrier to align the barcode within the reading device's field of view, ensuring accurate identification of samples in laboratory automation systems.
Implementation Method 1
moving the sample container carrier and/or the rotator element relative to each other on the transport plane such that the linear surface exerts a rotating force on the sample container carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A method of rotating a sample container carrier on a transport plane of a laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The sample container carrier is rotated by using a movement relative to a number of rotator elements. A laboratory sample distribution system being able to perform such a method and a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system are also presented.