Specimen Carrier Asymmetric Friction Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated specimen inspection systems require a direction control mechanism to orient cylindrical specimen carriers for barcode or two-dimensional code reading, leading to increased costs and prolonged inspection times.
Innovation Solution
A specimen carrier design where the center of the bottom surface contact with the conveyance surface and the center of the frictional force are offset, allowing for automatic alignment without the need for a rotation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a direction control mechanism is installed to orient cylindrical specimen carriers for barcode reading, then the specimen ID can be read accurately, but the system cost increases and inspection time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom surface of the specimen carrier is designed with an asymmetric friction distribution, where the center of frictional force is offset from the geometric center. This asymmetric friction characteristic causes the carrier to automatically rotate and align itself in a specific orientation during conveyance, eliminating the need for complex direction control mechanisms while ensuring accurate barcode reading positioning
2Measurement precision
If a rotation mechanism is installed to orient the specimen carrier, then the barcode can be read, but the inspection time increases and processing throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen carrier is equipped with an asymmetric friction structure on its bottom surface that enables it to automatically orient itself without external rotation mechanisms. The offset between the center of frictional force and the geometric center creates a self-aligning effect during conveyance, allowing the carrier to position the barcode for reading autonomously, thereby maintaining high inspection throughput while ensuring accurate specimen ID reading
3Stability of the object's composition
If the center of frictional force coincides with the center of the bottom surface, then the carrier is stable, but the carrier cannot automatically align for barcode reading
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom surface of the specimen carrier features an asymmetric friction distribution where the center of frictional force is deliberately offset from the geometric center. This asymmetric design creates a torque during conveyance that automatically rotates the carrier to align the barcode for reading, while the overall structure maintains sufficient stability for reliable conveyance and positioning
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
This design eliminates the need for direction control means, reducing system costs and improving processing throughput by enabling immediate ID reading without rotation.
Implementation Method 1
the center of a bottom surface that is a contact surface with a conveyance surface that conveys the specimen container and a center of a frictional force between the conveyance surface and the bottom surface are offset
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention makes a directional control means for a specimen carrier unnecessary, reduces costs, and saves time. A high friction member 102 is provided on the bottom surface of a specimen carrier 100, thereby offsetting the center 14 of the frictional force 11 between the bottom surface and a conveyance surface, at a position separate from the rotational center of the bottom part of the specimen carrier 100. As a result, the friction between the conveyance surface and the bottom surface during conveyance of the specimen carrier 100 aligns the orientation of the specimen carrier 100 with respect to a conveyance direction 10, and makes it possible to make a carrier ID 101 and a specimen ID label 151 face towards a barcode reader.