Automated Sample Bottle Gripper Control for Contamination-Free Sampling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trace element detectors in the semiconductor industry require significant human operation, increasing the risk of contaminant exposure.
Innovation Solution
A sampling control method and device that automates the sampling process by using a processor to control an actuator to manipulate a gripper and detector bar, minimizing human interaction and ensuring precise positioning and sample collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If human operation is used for sampling, then the operation is simple and direct, but the exposure to contaminants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system comprising a lift arm, gripper, and detector bar controlled by a processor. The gripper mechanically interacts with sample bottle caps while the detector bar performs sampling, eliminating direct human contact with potential contaminants and achieving full automation of the sampling process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a robotic intermediary system between the human operator and the sample bottles. The gripper and detector bar act as intermediaries that perform all sampling operations without human hands directly contacting samples, thereby preventing contaminant exposure while maintaining complete operational control
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automated sampling is implemented, then contaminant exposure is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the robotic system with multi-functional components: the lift arm provides both vertical lifting and horizontal positioning, the gripper performs both gripping and rotational operations, and the detector bar integrates both positioning and sampling functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, managing system complexity while achieving full automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The gripper and detector bar are merged on a common lift arm structure, allowing coordinated movement and operation. The processor integrates control of all components into a unified automated system, managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate independent systems
3Measurement precision
If multiple rotational and translational operations are performed, then positioning precision is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning operations with the lift arm to bring the gripper and detector bar into the general vicinity of the target sample bottle before executing precise rotational and translational movements. This preliminary coarse positioning reduces the distance and time required for subsequent precision operations, balancing accuracy with speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic motion control where the lift arm, gripper, and detector bar execute coordinated rotational and translational movements with optimized speed profiles. The system adjusts movement speeds dynamically, using faster movements for non-critical positioning phases and slower, more precise movements only when needed for final positioning, thereby reducing overall operation time while maintaining precision
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling control method is disclosed, which includes: controlling an actuator to drive a gripper to rotate; controlling the actuator to drive the gripper horizontally moving to adjust a horizontal position of the gripper to a horizontal target position in a placement position; controlling the actuator to drive the gripper vertically moving to grip a cap of a sample bottle; controlling the actuator to drive the gripper to rotate so that makes a setting direction of the gripper to be perpendicular to a setting direction of a detector bar; controlling the actuator to drive the detector bar horizontally moving to adjust a horizontal position of the detector bar to the horizontal target position; and controlling the actuator to drive the detector bar vertically moving to adjust a height of the detector bar to a liquid level for sampling.