Specimen Holder Transport Using Inductance-Based Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen transport systems suffer from human errors during the transport of specimens due to manual identification of specimen holders, which can lead to misplacement and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A specimen transport device utilizing magnetic bodies with distinct inductance characteristics and an electromagnetic actuator system to automatically identify and transport specimen holders, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual identification of specimen holders is used, then the system is simpler to operate, but human errors occur leading to misplacement and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual identification with an automated electromagnetic identification system. Magnetic bodies with distinct inductance characteristics are embedded in specimen holders, and an electromagnetic actuator automatically detects and identifies holders based on their electromagnetic properties, eliminating manual intervention and reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The specimen holders are equipped with embedded magnetic bodies that automatically provide identification information when passing through the detection zone. The system self-identifies holders without requiring manual input, with the magnetic bodies serving as self-contained identification tags that interact with the electromagnetic actuator.
2Productivity
If automated electromagnetic identification system is implemented, then human errors are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator serves multiple functions: it generates the magnetic field for transport, detects the presence of magnetic bodies, and identifies specific holders based on inductance characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate identification hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses variations in inductance characteristics of magnetic bodies as the basis for identification. By detecting changes in electromagnetic parameters (inductance values) rather than using complex visual or RFID systems, the patent achieves automated identification with relatively simple sensing mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic bodies with distinct inductance characteristics are used, then identification accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different inductance characteristics are achieved by varying local properties of magnetic bodies (such as material composition, size, or shape) rather than requiring completely different components. This allows for precise identification while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes for magnetic components.
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 significantly reduces human errors by accurately identifying and transporting specimen holders, improving operational efficiency and reducing misplacement, thereby enhancing the overall performance of specimen analysis systems.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic actuators being adapted to moving the tube carriers on the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the tube carriers
Implementation Method 2
magnetic bodies having different inductance characteristics
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided are a specimen transport device, a specimen analysis system, a specimen pretreatment system, and a specimen transport method that can reduce human errors as compared with the related art. There are a plurality of magnetic bodies 203 having different inductance characteristics, and a calculation unit 210 calculates inductance characteristic values 403A and 403B at a predetermined current value flowing through a magnetic pole 207 detected by a current detection unit 209 and specifies the type of the magnetic body 203 having different inductance characteristics based on the obtained characteristic values 403A and 403B to identify a holder 202.