Sample Carrier Position Detection for High-Density Centrifuges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifuges cannot precisely position sample carriers with more than 384 containers, limiting their application range due to slippage between the drive motor and flexible belt, which affects accurate liquid dispensing into specific containers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a detection device to accurately detect the position of the sample carrier within a defined detection region, allowing for precise positioning and enabling the use of carriers with more than 384 containers, including features like a magnetic position sensor and a computer device to control the drive device for precise liquid dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible belt and stepper motor are used to displace the sample carrier, then the sample carrier can be moved along the displacement path, but slippage occurs between the drive motor and flexible belt resulting in imprecise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
A detection device with a step counter is introduced to continuously monitor the position of the sample carrier during displacement. The step counter counts the revolutions of the drive shaft and provides feedback signals to a control unit, enabling real-time position tracking and correction of any slippage deviations, thus achieving precise positioning despite the use of a flexible belt transmission system
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical position determination method (relying solely on stepper motor steps) is supplemented by an optical or electromagnetic detection system. The detection device uses non-contact sensing methods to directly measure the sample carrier position, replacing the indirect mechanical counting method and eliminating errors caused by belt slippage
2Adaptability or versatility
If the centrifuge is designed to handle sample carriers with more than 384 containers, then the application range is expanded, but precise positioning becomes necessary which the current system cannot provide
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device provides continuous position feedback that enables the control unit to accurately determine the position of individual containers within the sample carrier. This feedback mechanism allows the system to handle larger sample carriers with more containers (up to 1536 containers) by ensuring that each container can be precisely located and addressed for liquid dispensing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device and control system are designed to be universally applicable to sample carriers of various sizes and configurations. By implementing a robust position detection and control system, the centrifuge can accommodate different sample carrier types (including those with more than 384 containers) while maintaining precise positioning accuracy across all container positions
3Device complexity
If liquid is dispensed into containers without precise position detection, then the dispensing process is simplified, but liquid may be dispensed into the wrong container or adjacent regions
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device continuously monitors the sample carrier position and provides feedback to the control unit, which uses this information to accurately control the dispensing apparatus. This ensures that liquid is dispensed into the correct container by precisely aligning the dispensing nozzle with the target container based on real-time position data, eliminating the risk of misdispensing into wrong containers or adjacent regions
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 the use of sample carriers with up to 1536 containers, ensuring accurate liquid dispensing and washing operations, expanding the centrifuge's applicability and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the detection device (7) has a first measuring means (13) which is arranged on the sample carrier (2) and a second measuring means (14) which is arranged on the receiving portion (3). The first measuring means (13) moves together with the sample carrier (2) when the sample carrier (2) is displaced in a displacement direction (V) by the displacement device (6)
Implementation Method 2
As a result of the rotation of the rotor, some of the liquid sample is ejected from the sample carrier because of the centrifugal force acting on the liquid sample
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a centrifuge for rotating a sample carrier, having a receiving portion for receiving the sample carrier, which has at least one container for receiving a liquid sample, a rotor for rotating the sample carrier, which has a rotor receiving portion for receiving the sample carrier, and a displacement device for displacing the sample carrier along a displacement path from the receiving portion into the rotor receiving portion or vice versa. The invention is characterized in that the centrifuge has a detection device for detecting a position of the sample carrier within a detection region in the displacement path of the sample carrier.