Electromagnetic Sample Transport Using Coil Current Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample conveyance systems using electromagnetic actuators face reliability issues due to device failures, require additional space for detection devices, and are limited by temperature changes and electromagnetic noise, affecting accuracy and stability.
Innovation Solution
A sample conveyance system utilizing a grid pattern of coils with a magnetic material on holders, where coils attract and repel the holders using a combination of voltage polarities to enhance position detection accuracy, reducing the influence of temperature and electromagnetic noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electromagnetic actuators with detection devices are used for sample conveyance, then conveyance speed and automation can be improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to additional detection devices that may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate detection devices from the electromagnetic actuator system. Instead of using external sensors to detect holder positions, the system uses the current detection unit to measure current consumption of the coils, which indirectly provides position information. This removes the unreliable detection devices while maintaining automated high-speed conveyance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil serves dual functions: it generates the magnetic field for electromagnetic attraction/repulsion to move the holder, and simultaneously acts as a detection element by measuring current consumption to determine holder position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection devices, reducing system complexity and improving reliability while maintaining automated conveyance.
2Measurement precision
If detection devices are added to electromagnetic actuators for position detection, then conveyance accuracy can be improved, but the space required for the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil performs both actuation and detection functions. By measuring the current consumption of the coil, the system determines holder position without requiring additional detection devices. This eliminates the extra space that would be needed for separate sensors while maintaining position detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator system uses its own coil current characteristics to detect holder position. The current detection unit measures the current consumed by the coil, which varies based on holder position due to magnetic coupling effects. This self-service approach eliminates external detection devices and their associated space requirements.
3Loss of information
If conventional current detection methods are used in electromagnetic actuators, then position information can be obtained, but accuracy is reduced due to influence from temperature changes, electromagnetic noise, and hardware variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the current consumption of the coil and uses this feedback to determine holder position. The current detection unit provides real-time current values to the control unit, which calculates position based on current characteristics. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for environmental variations and maintain accurate position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects holder position by monitoring changes in current consumption parameters of the coil. As the holder moves relative to the coil, the magnetic coupling changes, causing characteristic variations in current consumption. By detecting these parameter changes, the system determines position accurately without being significantly affected by temperature or electromagnetic noise.
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 achieves stable and accurate sample conveyance by improving detection sensitivity and reliability, allowing for high-speed, mass, and flexible conveyance without the need for additional detection devices.
Implementation Method 1
a driving unit that applies a first voltage to a first coil among a plurality of coils arranged in a matrix in the vertical direction to generate a first magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic material provided on a conveyed object side, a magnetic circuit including a core made of a second magnetic material and a winding wound around an outer periphery of the core
Data Source
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AI summary
There are provided a sample conveyance system and a sample conveyance method capable of conveying a sample in a more stable manner than in the related art corresponding to a conveyance method using an electromagnetic actuator. A driving unit 208 applies a first voltage to a first coil 207a located on a front side in a traveling direction of a holder 202, which is selected to attract or repel the holder 202, to excite the first coil 207a and applies a second voltage having a polarity opposite to a polarity of the first voltage to at least one or more of second coils 207b among coils 207 adjacent to the first coil 207a except for the coils 207 in the front side in the traveling direction to excite the second coil 207b, and a control unit 210A estimates a position of the holder 202 based on a value of a current flowing through a winding 206 of the first coil 207a.