Self-Resetting Joint With Hall Sensor For In Vitro Diagnostic Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustment systems for in vitro diagnostic transfer systems face inaccuracies in positioning, requiring precise and sensitive components for automated processes, which can be time-consuming and prone to external interference.

Innovation Solution

A self-resetting joint element with a distance measuring sensor, utilizing a Hall sensor and magnet for contact detection, allows for faster and more precise automated adjustment without the need for rigid components, enabling multi-dimensional movement and resistance to external influences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If rigid and sensitive components such as needles are used for capacitive measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to external interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidcomponent sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical capacitive measurement system (needles making physical contact) with a magnetic field-based measurement system. The distance measuring sensor detects the position of the adjustment mark through magnetic field interaction without requiring rigid mechanical contact, thereby reducing device complexity and susceptibility to external interference while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the distance measuring sensor and the adjustment mark. Instead of direct mechanical contact between rigid components, the magnetic field serves as a mediator that transmits position information, reducing the need for sensitive mechanical components and lowering device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If manual adjustment with alignment marks is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustment time and productivity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment mechanismVSAvoidadjustment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated adjustment system where the control unit autonomously controls the movable element to move toward the adjustment mark based on signals from the distance measuring sensor. The system self-adjusts without requiring manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining relatively simple device structure through automated feedback control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the distance measuring sensor continuously monitors the distance to the adjustment mark and provides information to the control unit. The control unit processes this information and automatically adjusts the movable element's position, creating a closed-loop system that achieves fast automated adjustment without complex manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If capacitive contact elements are used for position detection, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability under external electromagnetic influence is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact detection accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the capacitive contact element (electrically sensitive needle) with a non-contact magnetic field-based distance measuring sensor. This substitution eliminates the electrical contact interface that is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, thereby improving reliability while maintaining measurement precision through magnetic field detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an electromagnetically inert measurement environment by using magnetic field interaction instead of electrical contact. The magnetic field-based measurement system is inherently more resistant to external electromagnetic influences compared to capacitive systems, providing a stable and reliable measurement environment不受external interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 faster and more precise automated adjustment of transfer systems in all spatial directions, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing accuracy by detecting relative changes in distance, thus improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the in vitro diagnostic system.

Implementation Method 1

The distance measurement sensor advantageously includes a Hall sensor and a magnet. The magnet is attached to one of the components and the Hall sensor is attached to the other component. A change in the position of the magnet relative to the Hall sensor causes a change in the magnetic field generated in the Hall sensor and thus enables contact detection of the contact element at an alignment mark.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2705929B1Adjustment system for a transfer system in an in-vitro diagnostic system
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS PRODS
  • EP2705929B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2705929B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The system (3) has a contact element (4) arranged on a movable element (2) of a transfer system (1) by a joint element (5), where the joint element has a self-resetting design. A distance measuring sensor measures distance between the contact element and the movable element. The distance measuring sensor is a Hall sensor (8) arranged on the movable element or magnet (7) arranged on the contact element. The joint element is designed for multi-dimensional movement, and comprises a rubber body, which connects the contact element and the movable element.