Laboratory Sample Distribution Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory sample distribution systems face inefficiencies in accurately determining the positions of sample container carriers on a transport plane, which affects reliable and cost-effective operation.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory sample distribution system utilizing magnetically active sample container carriers, electro-magnetic actuators, a touch panel to generate position signals, and a position determination unit to determine carrier positions, along with a control unit to manage system operations, enabling efficient and reliable position detection and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If IR based reflection light barriers are used to sense carrier positions, then the system can detect presence and position of carriers, but the measurement precision and reliability of position determination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensing (IR light barriers) with electromagnetic sensing (touch panel technology). The touch panel detects carriers through capacitive or electromagnetic fields, providing more reliable and precise position determination without the limitations of optical reflection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical reflection properties to electromagnetic field properties. By using touch panels that detect changes in capacitance or electromagnetic fields caused by carriers, the system achieves improved measurement precision and reliability in determining carrier positions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensing devices are added to improve position determination accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch panel serves multiple functions: it determines carrier positions, provides user interface capabilities, and can potentially serve as a control interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensing devices, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the position sensing function with the user interface function by integrating touch panel technology into the system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate optical sensors and control interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining or improving position determination accuracy.
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 accurate and efficient determination of sample container carrier positions, facilitating reliable and cost-effective operation by using capacitive or electromagnetic touch panels to power and communicate with carriers, thereby optimizing system control and data exchange.
Implementation Method 1
a touch panel arranged below the transport plane being adapted to generate position signals (PS) depending on positions of the sample container carriers located on top of the transport plane
Implementation Method 2
a touch panel arranged below the transport plane being adapted to generate position signals (PS) depending on positions of the sample container carriers located on top of the transport plane
Implementation Method 3
a number of electro-magnetic actuators being stationarily arranged below said transport plane, said electro-magnetic actuators being adapted to move a corresponding sample container carrier located on top of said transport plane by applying a magnetic force to said sample container carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A laboratory sample distribution system with a number of sample container carriers, each comprising at least one magnetically active device and adapted to carry a sample container; a transport plane adapted to support the carriers; a number of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane and adapted to move a corresponding carrier located on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the carrier; a touch panel arranged below the transport plane adapted to generate position signals (PS) depending on positions of the carriers located on top of the transport plane; a position determination unit adapted to determine the positions of the carriers located on top of the transport plane in response to the position signals (PS); and a control unit adapted to control the operation of the laboratory sample distribution system in response to the determined positions of the carriers.