Stationary Beam Focus Control for Rotating Disc Cartridges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifuge systems face challenges in precisely controlling the focus point of a focusing sensor system when analyzing processing results in cartridges, due to variations in cartridge production tolerances and temperature changes, leading to inaccuracies in detecting properties of samples.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a stationary focusing sensor system with a controller to determine and adjust the angular positions of a rotating cartridge and disc to precisely align the focus point with the target point on a processing result, using a combination of motor control and image capture to ensure accurate positioning and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stationary focusing sensor system is used to analyze processing results in rotating cartridges, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements for cartridge positioning and focus point alignment become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs image capture devices to visually detect the actual focus point position on the processing result and compares it with the intended target point. Based on the detected position deviation, the controller adjusts the angular positions of the cartridge and disc to realign the focus point with the target point, thereby compensating for manufacturing tolerances and achieving precise measurement.
2Measurement precision
If the cartridge and disc are rotated to precise angular positions to align the focus point, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional motor control and positioning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The motor control system performs multiple functions: it controls the rotation of the cartridge around its own axis, controls the rotation of the disc, and coordinates both rotations to achieve precise angular positioning for focus point alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated positioning mechanisms for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image capture to detect the actual focus point position and feeds this information back to the controller, which then adjusts the angular positions of both the cartridge and disc. This coordinated feedback control simplifies the overall system by using a single control loop to manage multiple rotational degrees of freedom.
3Measurement precision
If image capture is used to detect and adjust the focus point position, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases due to additional positioning adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning by rotating the cartridge and disc to predetermined angular positions based on the known geometry of the cartridge and the intended target point location. This preliminary action brings the focus point close to the target position before the final image capture and adjustment, reducing the total adjustment time needed.
Solution Approach 2:
After the preliminary positioning, the system captures an image to detect the actual focus point position and uses this feedback information to make small corrective adjustments to the angular positions. This two-stage approach (preliminary positioning + feedback correction) minimizes the total time compared to continuous fine-tuning.
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 precise and accurate control of the focus point, allowing for reliable detection and analysis of properties within the cartridge, improving the accuracy of sample analysis and reducing errors caused by production tolerances and temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
direct a light source towards the cartridge and use a camera for imaging resulting light transmitted through the cartridge or light reflected from a processing result inside a cartridge
Implementation Method 2
direct a light source towards the cartridge and use a camera for imaging resulting light transmitted through the cartridge
Implementation Method 3
accelerating samples for performing sedimentation of cells, particles and precipitates and separation of liquids or cells with different density
Implementation Method 4
accelerating samples for performing sedimentation of cells, particles and precipitates
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods and apparatuses for controlling a position of a target point on a processing result relative to a focus point of a focusing sensor system for determining properties of the processing result. The method includes the steps of determining an initial focus point of the focusing sensor system, controlling rotation of the cartridge and disc, checking whether the initial focus point of the focusing sensor system corresponds to the target point on the processing result, comparing (x, y) target positions in captured images with the initial focus point of the focusing sensor system, adjusting rotation of the cartridge and disc such that the focus point of the focusing sensor system corresponds to the target point on the processing result, and detecting and examining signals received from the focusing sensor system for determining properties of the processing result.