Specimen Holder Positioning With Magnetic Drive and Pressing Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing specimen transport systems face issues with inaccurate centering of specimen holders due to weight and frictional forces, leading to potential specimen container mishandling during insertion or removal.

Innovation Solution

A specimen transport apparatus utilizing electromagnetic actuators for initial positioning, combined with mechanical pressing mechanisms to correct positional errors, ensuring accurate placement of specimen holders at specific locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If only electromagnetic attraction and repulsion forces are used for centering the specimen holder, then the device complexity is reduced, but the centering accuracy deteriorates due to weight and frictional forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcentering accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A pressing mechanism with a pressing member is introduced as an intermediary device between the electromagnetic actuator and the specimen holder. The pressing member contacts the specimen holder to apply mechanical pressure, correcting positional errors caused by weight and friction. This intermediary mechanical connection ensures accurate centering without requiring complex electromagnetic control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the specimen holder is positioned inaccurately, then the ease of operation is improved by reducing control complexity, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential specimen container mishandling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing mechanism serves as a reliable intermediary that mechanically ensures the specimen holder is accurately positioned at the center of the electromagnetic actuator. This mechanical guarantee prevents specimen container mishandling during insertion or removal operations, thereby improving reliability without complicating the control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing member applies mechanical pressure beforehand to correct any positional deviations before the specimen holder is used. This preventive measure ensures that the specimen holder is accurately centered prior to any operations, preventing potential mishandling and ensuring reliable specimen container insertion or removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Ensures high reliability and stability in specimen handling by accurately positioning specimen holders, preventing mishandling and maintaining specimen integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of electromagnetic actuators fixed and arranged under the transport surface generate a magnetic field to attract or repel the magnet in the specimen holder to enable the specimen holder to slide on the transport surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a pressing mechanism comprising a pressing member that presses the specimen holder in a direction crossing the transport surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3992123B1Specimen carrier device
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • EP3992123B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3992123B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3992123B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable specimen carrier device with which it is possible to position a specimen holder in a specific place with high accuracy, thereby enabling the stable performance of a treatment. In order to achieve this purpose, the present invention provides a specimen carrier device that is equipped with: a specimen holder which retains a specimen container and which is equipped with a magnetic body; and a first positioning means which is disposed beneath a carrier surface and which conveys and stops the specimen holder by attracting and repelling the magnetic body, wherein a second positioning means for pressing the specimen holder or the specimen container is provided on the carrier surface.