Sample Container Spring Check via Accelerometer Angle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring the angle between a sample container's longitudinal axis and a reference ray in sample container carriers lack accuracy and reliability, particularly in determining the functionality and positioning of spring devices, leading to inefficiencies in container handling and processing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising first and second accelerometers fixed to the sample container and carrier, respectively, generating signals used by a calculation unit to calculate the angle via dot product, allowing for accurate determination of skewness and spring device functionality, enabling predictive maintenance and characterization of sample containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional angle measurement systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical angle measurement systems with an accelerometer-based measurement approach. The accelerometer measures gravitational acceleration components along three orthogonal axes, and the angle is calculated through signal processing algorithms rather than mechanical sensing, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct mechanical angle detection to acceleration component detection. By measuring the gravitational acceleration components (ax, ay, az) and calculating the angle through mathematical relationships, the system achieves higher measurement precision through parameter transformation
2Reliability
If existing measurement systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability in determining spring device functionality is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calculated angle information is used to determine spring device functionality. The system continuously monitors the angle between the sample container longitudinal axis and the reference ray, and uses this feedback to assess whether the spring device is functioning correctly, thereby improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the angle and skewness information before processing samples, allowing the system to pre-assess spring device functionality and potential positioning issues, enabling predictive maintenance before actual problems occur
3Measurement precision
If angle measurement accuracy is improved, then spring device functionality can be determined, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical angle measurement mechanisms with accelerometer-based sensing and computational geometry. The three-axis accelerometer provides direct measurements of gravitational components, and the angle calculation is performed through straightforward mathematical operations, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining high precision
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 apparatus provides high accuracy in measuring angles, ensuring proper positioning of sample containers, facilitating automated predictive maintenance, and improving handling and processing efficiencies by detecting deviations in spring device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first accelerometer being fixable to the sample container and being adapted to generate a number of first accelerometer signals being dependent on the orientation of the sample container
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring an angle between a longitudinal axis of a sample container inserted into an opening of a sample container carrier and a reference ray, the apparatus comprising a first accelerometer being fixable to the sample container and being adapted to generate a number of first accelerometer signals being dependent on the orientation of the sample container, and a calculation unit being coupled to the first accelerometer and being adapted to calculate the angle depending on the number of first accelerometer signals.