An electric pipetting device and method based on a pressure sensor

Abstract

This invention relates to an electric pipetting device and method based on a pressure sensor. The device includes a manual pipette with a suction / dissipation rod pressing part, a tap tube pressing part, and a pipette tip, and a disposable pipette tube that engages with the manual pipette tip. It also includes a fixing assembly for supporting and fixing the manual pipette. The fixing assembly has two pushing parts: a first pushing part and a second pushing part. The telescopic end of the first pushing part is sequentially equipped with a pressure sensor mounting bracket and a pressure sensor. This invention uses the pressure sensor to detect that the resistance encountered by the suction / dissipation rod pressing part is within a target value range. The first pushing part pauses and then continues to extend, simulating manual operation. It first presses to the first position, pauses for a period of time to allow the remaining liquid to accumulate, and then presses to the second position to expel all the remaining liquid. This method better expels all the liquid, thereby achieving precise control of the pipetting volume and reducing liquid loss during the pipetting process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of pipette technology, specifically relating to an electric pipetting device and method based on a pressure sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Manual pipettes require manual pressing of the aspiration and dispensing levers for aspiration and dispensing operations. The pipette tip also needs to be manually pressed to extend, thus pushing the disposable pipette attached to the pipette tip away. This frequent manual pressing is inconvenient, especially when handling large volumes of pipettes.

[0003] To address this, patent CN202311334590.7 invented an automated pipetting device based on a manual pipette, specifically disclosing that the automated pipetting device includes an automatic pipetting push rod unit, an automatic tip removal push rod unit, a manual pipette, a push rod unit fixing component, a pipette clamp, a pipette clamp fixing component, and a measurement and control system. Its working principle is as follows: driving the electric pipetting push rod to move, causing the manual pipette to draw a quantitative amount of liquid; driving the electric pipetting push rod to move, causing the manual pipette to discharge a quantitative amount of liquid; driving the tip removal push rod to move, removing the used tip from the manual pipette. However, technical problems still exist during its use, specifically…

[0004] When discharging liquid, it is difficult to simulate manual operation. The operation method is to first press the first position, pause for a period of time (1-3 seconds), wait for the remaining liquid to accumulate, and then press the second position to squeeze out all the remaining liquid. There is no structure to tighten and fix the connection between the manual pipette tip and the disposable pipette, and the sealing effect at the connection between the manual pipette tip and the disposable pipette is weak. There is no structure to clean the connection between the manual pipette tip and the disposable pipette. After each replacement of the disposable pipette, residual liquid stains are easy to remain on the manual pipette tip, which will cause liquid contamination and affect the test results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electric pipetting device and method based on a pressure sensor in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solutions:

[0007] An electrically powered pipetting device based on a pressure sensor includes a manual pipette with a suction / discharge rod pressing part, a tap tube pressing part, and a pipette tip, a disposable pipette that engages with the manual pipette tip, and further includes...

[0008] A fixing component is provided for supporting and fixing a manual pipette. The fixing component is provided with a first pusher and a second pusher. The telescopic end of the first pusher is provided with a pressure sensor mounting bracket and a pressure sensor in sequence.

[0009] A clamping assembly is used to clamp and fix the connection between the manual pipette tip and the disposable pipette tube;

[0010] A cleaning assembly for cleaning the manual pipette tip after the disposable pipette is separated from the manual pipette tip;

[0011] The controller controls the pusher to move or stop the pusher based on the resistance detected by the pressure sensor on the suction rod pressing part. The controller also controls the clamping assembly to close or open and controls the pusher to move the tap tube pressing part to separate the disposable pipette from the manual pipette tip.

[0012] As a further optimization of the present invention, the fixing component includes a support base, at least one connecting plate detachably connected to the support base, a temporary storage bracket, and a robotic arm connecting seat disposed on the support base, wherein the manual pipette is located between the support base and the connecting plate.

[0013] As a further optimization of the present invention, the clamping assembly includes a mounting plate detachably connected to the fixing assembly, a fixing plate fixedly disposed on the mounting plate near the end of the manual pipette tip, a third pusher fixedly disposed on the mounting plate, a push rod connected to the telescopic end of the third pusher, a push block connected to the push rod, and two clamping members slidably connected to the fixing plate. The push block and the two clamping members are rotatably connected by several connecting rods.

[0014] The push rod passes through the fixed plate and is slidably connected to the fixed plate. The sliding path of the clamping member is perpendicular to the moving path of the push rod.

[0015] As a further optimization of the present invention, the clamping member includes a connecting part and a clamping part that are connected to each other, and the connecting part is slidably connected to the fixing plate through a slide groove and a slide rail.

[0016] As a further optimization of the present invention, each of the clamping parts has a storage groove on its inner wall, and a push plate is fixedly provided on the push rod;

[0017] The cleaning component includes an inflatable airbag strip detachably connected inside the storage compartment, a liquid-absorbing component disposed on the outer wall of the inflatable airbag strip, a gas delivery pipe detachably connected to the liquid-absorbing component, and a press-type inflatable component connected to the gas delivery pipe.

[0018] During the process of the two clamping members moving and opening in opposite directions, the press-type inflatable member inflates the storage slot under the pressure of the push plate;

[0019] During the process of the two clamping members moving towards each other and closing, the press-type inflatable member draws gas from inside the storage slot under the pull of the push plate.

[0020] A method for pipetting using a pressure sensor-based electrically powered pipetting device includes the following steps:

[0021] Step 1: Move the manual pipette and support base to the disposable pipette installation position, so that the manual pipette tip snaps into the disposable pipette, and close the clamping assembly to clamp and fix the connection between the manual pipette tip and the disposable pipette;

[0022] Step 2: Move the manual pipette and support base to the aspiration position. Extend the pusher to push the aspiration rod pressing part towards the manual pipette tip. During the retraction of the pusher, the manual pipette aspirates liquid through the disposable pipette under negative pressure. The aspiration is complete.

[0023] Move the manual pipette and support base to the discharge position, and extend the pusher again to push the suction rod pressing part towards the manual pipette tip to discharge the liquid. The pressure sensor detects that the resistance of the suction rod pressing part is within the target value range, and the pusher pauses and then continues to extend.

[0024] Step 3: Move the manual pipette and support base to the position where the disposable pipette can be removed. The clamping component opens, and the second pusher extends to push the tap tube pressing part towards the manual pipette tip, thereby pushing off the disposable pipette that is stuck on the manual pipette tip and detaching it from the manual pipette tip. After the clamping component opens, clean the liquid stains on the manual pipette tip using the cleaning component.

[0025] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0026] This invention uses a pressure sensor to detect that the resistance encountered by the suction and discharge rod pressing part is within the target value range. The pushing part first pauses and then continues to extend, which can simulate manual operation. It first presses to the first position, pauses for a period of time, and after the remaining liquid accumulates, it presses to the second position to squeeze out all the remaining liquid. This operation mode can better discharge all the liquid, thereby achieving precise control of the liquid volume and reducing liquid loss during the liquid transfer process.

[0027] This invention uses the retraction of the pusher to drive the pusher rod and pusher block to retract and move. The connecting rod pulls the two clamping parts to move towards each other, thereby closing the two clamping parts to press and fix the connection between the manual pipette tip and the disposable pipette. This increases the connection stability between the manual pipette tip and the disposable pipette, making the disposable pipette less likely to loosen.

[0028] In this invention, during the opening process of the two clamping members moving in opposite directions, the press-type inflation member inflates the air bag strip under the pressure of the push plate. The inflation causes the air bag strip to gradually expand and bulge, thereby allowing the liquid suction member to come into contact with the manual pipette tip and absorb the liquid stains on the manual pipette tip.

[0029] During the closing process of the two clamping members moving towards each other, the press-type inflation member draws gas from the inside of the storage slot under the pull of the push plate. The air extraction causes the inflation bladder strip to gradually deflate. When the two clamping members are pressed and fixed at the connection between the manual pipette tip and the disposable pipette, the inflation bladder strip and the suction member are located between the clamping members and the disposable pipette, which can better press the disposable pipette against the manual pipette tip. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention (without the clamping component and cleaning component installed).

[0031] Figure 2 This is the invention Figure 1 A bottom view.

[0032] Figure 3 This is the invention Figure 1 Top view.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the clamping component and the cleaning component of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a top view of the partial structure of the clamping component and cleaning component of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a side cross-sectional view of the clamping part of the present invention.

[0039] In the diagram: 1. Manual pipette; 101. Pressing part of the suction / discharge rod; 102. Pressing part of the tap tube; 2. Support base; 201. Opening; 3. Connecting plate; 4. Temporary storage bracket; 5. Pushing component one; 6. Pressure sensor mounting bracket; 7. Pressure sensor; 8. Pushing component two; 9. Controller; 10. Robotic arm connector; 11. Mounting plate; 12. Fixing plate; 13. Pushing component three; 14. Pushing rod; 15. Pushing block; 16. Clamping component; 161. Connecting part; 162. Clamping part; 17. Connecting rod; 18. Pushing plate; 19. Press-type inflation component; 20. Storage slot; 21. Inflatable air bag strip; 22. Suction component; 23. Gas delivery tube. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following specific embodiments are only used to further illustrate the present application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present application. Those skilled in the art can make some non-essential improvements and adjustments to the present application based on the above application content.

[0041] like Figure 1-9 As shown, an electric pipetting device based on a pressure sensor includes a manual pipette 1 with a suction / discharge rod pressing part 101, a pipette pressing part 102, and a pipette tip; a disposable pipette that engages with the pipette tip of the manual pipette 1; and further includes...

[0042] A fixing component is provided to support and fix the manual pipette 1. The fixing component is provided with a pusher 5 and a pusher 8. The telescopic end of the pusher 5 is provided with a pressure sensor mounting bracket 6 and a pressure sensor 7 in sequence.

[0043] A clamping assembly is used to clamp and fix the connection between the manual pipette tip 1 and the disposable pipette tube;

[0044] A cleaning assembly for cleaning the tip of the manual pipette 1 after the disposable pipette is separated from the tip of the manual pipette 1;

[0045] The controller 9 controls the pusher 5 to move or stop the suction rod pressing part 101 based on the resistance detected by the pressure sensor 7. The controller 9 controls the clamping assembly to close or open and controls the pusher 8 to move the tap tube pressing part 102 to separate the disposable pipette from the manual pipette tip 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, the fixing component includes a support base 2, at least one connecting plate 3 detachably connected to the support base 2, a temporary storage bracket 4, and a robotic arm connecting seat 10 disposed on the support base 2. The manual pipette 1 is located between the support base 2 and the connecting plate 3.

[0047] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the support base 2 is provided with an opening 201 for the manual pipette handle 1 to pass through;

[0048] The pressure sensor 7 is a strain gauge pressure sensor, model R135;

[0049] The support base 2, on which the manual pipette 1 is fixed, can be connected and fixed to the external robotic arm via the robotic arm connector 10. This allows the robotic arm to move the manual pipette 1 and the support base 2, thereby achieving automated pipetting operations.

[0050] Preferably, the clamping assembly includes a mounting plate 11 detachably connected to the fixing assembly, a fixing plate 12 fixedly disposed on the mounting plate 11 near the end of the manual pipette 1, a pusher 13 fixedly disposed on the mounting plate 11, a push rod 14 connected to the telescopic end of the pusher 13, a push block 15 connected to the push rod 14, and two clamping members 16 slidably connected to the fixing plate 12. The push block 15 and the two clamping members 16 are rotatably connected by a plurality of connecting rods 17.

[0051] The push rod 14 passes through the fixed plate 12 and is slidably connected to the fixed plate 12. The sliding path of the clamping member 16 is perpendicular to the moving path of the push rod 14.

[0052] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the pusher 1 5, pusher 2 8, and pusher 3 13 are all electric push rods.

[0053] During the opening operation, the extension of the pusher 13 drives the pusher rod 14 and the pusher block 15 to extend and move. The connecting rod 17 pushes the two clamping parts 16 to slide relative to the fixed plate 12, that is, the two clamping parts 16 move in opposite directions and the two clamping parts 16 gradually open. Then the two clamping parts 16 no longer press and fix the connection between the manual pipette tip 1 and the disposable pipette, so that the disposable pipette can be pushed off and detached from the manual pipette tip 1 in the future.

[0054] During the closing operation, the retraction of the pusher 13 causes the pusher rod 14 and the pusher block 15 to retract and move. The connecting rod 17 pulls the two clamping parts 16 to slide relative to the fixed plate 12, that is, the two clamping parts 16 move towards each other and gradually close, thereby pressing and fixing the connection between the manual pipette tip and the disposable pipette tube through the two clamping parts 16.

[0055] Preferably, the clamping member 16 includes a connecting part 161 and a clamping part 162 that are connected to each other, and the connecting part 161 is slidably connected to the fixing plate 12 through a slide groove and a slide rail;

[0056] Preferably, each of the clamping parts 162 has a storage groove 20 on its inner wall, and a push plate 18 is fixedly provided on the push rod 14;

[0057] The cleaning assembly includes an inflatable airbag strip 21 detachably connected inside the storage compartment 20, a liquid-absorbing component 22 disposed on the outer wall of the inflatable airbag strip 21, a gas delivery pipe 23 detachably connected to the liquid-absorbing component 22, and a press-type inflatable component 19 connected to the gas delivery pipe 23.

[0058] In this embodiment, the press-type inflatable component 19 includes an outer cylinder, a piston disposed inside the outer cylinder and in contact with the inner wall of the outer cylinder, and a piston rod connected to the piston and extending out of the outer cylinder, wherein the push plate 18 is connected and fixed to the piston rod, and the outer cylinder is connected and fixed to the fixing plate 12.

[0059] During the process of the two clamping members 16 moving and opening in opposite directions, the press-type inflation member 19 inflates the air bag strip 21 under the pressure of the push plate 18. The inflation causes the air bag strip 21 to gradually expand and bulge, thereby allowing the liquid suction member 22 to contact the manual pipette tip 1. The liquid suction member 22 absorbs the liquid stains on the manual pipette tip 1. The position where the liquid suction member 22 contacts the manual pipette tip 1 is the position where the disposable pipette is clamped and wrapped.

[0060] During the process of the two clamping members 16 moving towards each other and closing, the press-type inflation member 19 draws out the gas inside the storage slot 20 under the pull of the push plate 18. The air extraction causes the inflation airbag strip 21 to gradually deflate. When the two clamping members 16 are pressed and fixed at the connection between the manual pipette tip 1 and the disposable pipette, the inflation airbag strip 21 and the suction member 22 are located between the clamping member 16 and the disposable pipette, which can better press the disposable pipette against the manual pipette tip 1.

[0061] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the piston rod is both pressed and pulled by the push plate 18.

[0062] A method for pipetting using a pressure sensor-based electrically powered pipetting device includes the following steps:

[0063] Step 1: Move the manual pipette 1 and the support base 2 to the disposable pipette installation position, so that the tip of the manual pipette 1 is engaged with the disposable pipette, and close the clamping assembly to clamp and fix the connection between the tip of the manual pipette 1 and the disposable pipette;

[0064] Step 2: Move the manual pipette 1 and the support base 2 to the liquid aspiration position. The pusher 5 extends to push the aspiration and dissipation rod pressing part 101 towards the aspiration tip of the manual pipette 1. During the retraction of the pusher 5, the manual pipette 1 aspirates liquid through the disposable pipette under negative pressure. Liquid aspiration is completed.

[0065] Move the manual pipette 1 and the support base 2 to the drain position, and extend the pusher 5 again to push the suction and discharge rod pressing part 101 towards the suction tip of the manual pipette 1 to discharge the liquid. The pressure sensor 7 detects that the resistance of the suction and discharge rod pressing part 101 is within the target value range, and the pusher 5 pauses and then continues to extend.

[0066] It should be noted that the target range of resistance is set based on the actual situation;

[0067] Step 3: Move the manual pipette 1 and the support base 2 to the position where the disposable pipette can be removed. The clamping assembly opens, and the pusher 8 extends to push the tap tube pressing part 102 toward the tip of the manual pipette 1, thereby pushing off the disposable pipette that is stuck to the tip of the manual pipette 1 and detaching it from the tip of the manual pipette 1. After the clamping assembly opens, the cleaning assembly cleans the liquid stains on the tip of the manual pipette 1, that is, the liquid suction part 22 absorbs the liquid stains on the tip of the manual pipette 1.

[0068] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure sensor-based electric pipetting device, comprising a manual pipette (1) having a suction / dispensing rod pressing part (101), a pipette pressing part (102) and a pipette tip, and a disposable pipette that engages with the pipette tip of the manual pipette (1), characterized in that: It also includes, The fixing component is used to support and fix the manual pipette (1). The fixing component is provided with pusher one (5) and pusher two (8). The extension end of pusher one (5) is provided with pressure sensor mounting bracket (6) and pressure sensor (7) in sequence. A clamping assembly is used to clamp and fix the connection between the manual pipette tip (1) and the disposable pipette tube; A cleaning assembly for cleaning the tip of a manual pipette (1) after the disposable pipette is separated from the tip of the manual pipette (1); The controller (9) controls the pusher (5) to move or stop the pusher (101) based on the resistance detected by the pressure sensor (7) on the suction rod pressing part (101). The controller (9) controls the clamping assembly to close or open and controls the pusher (8) to move the tap tube pressing part (102) to separate the disposable pipette from the manual pipette tip (1). The fixing assembly includes a support base (2), at least one connecting plate (3) detachably connected to the support base (2), a temporary storage bracket (4), and a robotic arm connecting seat (10) provided on the support base (2). The manual pipette (1) is located between the support base (2) and the connecting plate (3). The clamping assembly includes a mounting plate (11) detachably connected to the fixing assembly, a fixing plate (12) fixedly mounted on the mounting plate (11) near the end of the manual pipette (1) tip, a pusher three (13) fixedly mounted on the mounting plate (11), a push rod (14) connected to the telescopic end of the pusher three (13), a push block (15) connected to the push rod (14), and two clamping members (16) slidably connected to the fixing plate (12). The push block (15) and the two clamping members (16) are rotatably connected by several connecting rods (17). The push rod (14) passes through the fixed plate (12) and is slidably connected to the fixed plate (12). The sliding path of the clamping member (16) is perpendicular to the moving path of the push rod (14). The clamping member (16) includes a connecting part (161) and a clamping part (162) that are connected to each other. The connecting part (161) is slidably connected to the fixing plate (12) through a slide groove and a slide rail. Each of the clamping parts (162) has a storage slot (20) on its inner wall, and a push plate (18) is fixed on the push rod (14). The cleaning assembly includes an inflatable airbag strip (21) detachably connected inside the storage compartment (20), a liquid-absorbing component (22) disposed on the outer wall of the inflatable airbag strip (21), a gas delivery pipe (23) detachably connected to the liquid-absorbing component (22), and a press-type inflatable component (19) connected to the gas delivery pipe (23). During the process of the two clamping members (16) moving back to back and opening, the press-type inflatable member (19) inflates the storage slot (20) under the pressure of the push plate (18); During the process of the two clamping members (16) moving towards each other and closing, the press-type inflating member (19) draws out the gas inside the storage slot (20) under the pull of the push plate (18).

2. A method for pipetting using a pressure sensor-based electric pipetting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step 1: Move the manual pipette (1) and the support base (2) to the disposable pipette installation position, so that the tip of the manual pipette (1) is attached to the disposable pipette, and close the clamping assembly to clamp and fix the connection between the tip of the manual pipette (1) and the disposable pipette; Step 2: Move the manual pipette (1) and the support base (2) to the aspiration position. Extend the pusher (5) to push the aspiration rod pressing part (101) towards the aspiration tip of the manual pipette (1). During the retraction of the pusher (5), the manual pipette (1) aspirates liquid through the disposable pipette under negative pressure. The aspiration is completed. Move the manual pipette (1) and the support base (2) to the drain position, and extend the pusher (5) again to push the suction rod pressing part (101) towards the suction tip of the manual pipette (1) to drain the liquid. The pressure sensor (7) detects that the resistance of the suction rod pressing part (101) is within the target value range, and the pusher (5) pauses and then continues to extend. Step 3: Move the manual pipette (1) and the support base (2) to the position where the disposable pipette is removed. The clamping assembly opens, and the pusher (8) extends to push the tap tube pressing part (102) toward the tip of the manual pipette (1), thereby pushing off the disposable pipette that is stuck to the tip of the manual pipette (1) and detaching it from the tip of the manual pipette (1). After the clamping assembly opens, the cleaning assembly cleans the liquid stains on the tip of the manual pipette (1).

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