Laboratory Sample Transport Plane Cleaning Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory sample distribution systems face contamination issues due to dust and spilled samples on the transport plane, leading to decreased performance and potential contamination of samples, which can result in incorrect analysis.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory sample distribution system equipped with a cleaning device that includes a microfiber cleaning cloth and a control system to automatically clean the transport plane, allowing continuous operation without manual intervention, using electrostatic discharge means to manage electrostatic charges and ensuring uninterrupted sample transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the transport plane is continuously operated without cleaning, then productivity is maintained, but contamination accumulates leading to decreased system performance and potential sample contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device performs preliminary cleaning actions on the transport plane before contamination can affect sample carriers. The system proactively removes dust and spills as they accumulate, preventing contamination rather than reacting to it after samples are affected.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device operates continuously or periodically on the transport plane during system operation, ensuring that cleaning action is ongoing without interrupting sample transport. This maintains a clean surface continuously rather than through periodic stoppages.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual cleaning of the transport plane is performed, then contamination is removed, but system operation must be halted resulting in loss of productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is autonomously controlled by the control unit and performs cleaning operations without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically navigating the cleaning device to appropriate locations and activating cleaning functions based on detected contamination or scheduled intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical cleaning operations are replaced with an automated cleaning device that can be precisely positioned and controlled electronically. The cleaning device replaces human operators in performing cleaning tasks, enabling automation of the cleaning process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cleaning device is added to the system, then contamination is removed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can clean different areas of the transport plane, accommodate different cleaning methods (wiping, suction), and integrate with various detection systems. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive contamination management.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device acts as an intermediary component between the transport plane and the control system. It mediates the contamination removal process by receiving commands from the control unit and executing cleaning operations, thereby simplifying the overall control architecture despite adding a physical component.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the cleaning device moves along the complete transport plane, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but cleaning time increases potentially affecting sample transport speed
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device focuses cleaning efforts on specific local areas of the transport plane where contamination is detected or most likely to occur, rather than uniformly cleaning the entire surface. This targeted approach maintains cleaning effectiveness while reducing overall cleaning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device performs cleaning operations on selected portions of the transport plane rather than the complete surface, using partial action sufficient to maintain sample safety. The control unit determines appropriate cleaning coverage based on contamination risk assessment.
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 system effectively removes dust and contamination from the transport plane, maintaining system performance and preventing sample contamination, ensuring accurate analysis results while allowing for continuous operation without halting the sample distribution process.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning device (200)... adapted to clean the transport plane (110)... cleaning means adapted for cleaning the transport plane
Implementation Method 2
using electrostatic discharge means to manage electrostatic charges
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a laboratory sample distribution system comprising a transport plane and a cleaning device for cleaning said transport plane. The cleaning device is adapted to automatically clean the transport plane similar to sample container carriers moving also on the transport plane. The invention relates further to a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system.