A biochip carrier for an automated workstation

Abstract

This invention provides a biochip carrier for an automated workstation, comprising a bottom tray and several upper carriers spaced apart on the bottom tray. The upper carriers have a composite coating on their upper surfaces, including a conductive layer and a superhydrophobic layer disposed on the conductive layer. Grooves are provided in the middle of both sides of each upper carrier in the width direction, and multiple support feet are spaced apart on the lower surface of each upper carrier. This invention provides stable support for the biochip, preventing stress cracks or damage caused by uneven stress during operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automation technology, and in particular relates to a biochip carrier for automated workstations. Background Technology

[0002] Biochips present numerous challenges during manual handling due to their ultra-thin structure (typically between 0.1-1 mm thick) and low mechanical strength. On one hand, direct contact with the chip surface easily introduces contaminants such as sweat and oil, and their open-pore design (50-500 μm pore size) further increases the risk of contamination. On the other hand, non-uniform stress can lead to stress cracks in brittle substrates (such as silicon-based and glass-based chips). Experimental data show that the chip breakage rate due to manual handling is as high as 3%-5%. Furthermore, traditional manual pipetting methods are not only time-consuming (15-20 minutes for a single 96-well chip), but also prone to causing the sample temperature to drop too rapidly due to excessive handling time, inducing nucleic acid renaturation (alteration of secondary structure). This inefficient and high-risk sample transfer method significantly increases labor costs (approximately 30%-40%) and experimental failure rates (approximately 15%-25%).

[0003] Automated workstations, as key equipment for improving laboratory efficiency, effectively solve the problem of low efficiency in traditional pipetting operations. However, they have specific requirements for the compatibility of consumables. For special sample carriers like biochips, their inherent physical fragility, ultra-thin structure, and surface sensitivity directly limit their application on standard workstation platforms. Existing support frames typically cannot meet the high requirements of automated workstations for accuracy, compatibility, and throughput. They are primarily designed for standard microplates and lack dedicated support structures for ultra-thin consumables like biochips. Forcing a fit not only easily leads to chip damage but also reduces work efficiency and may introduce the risk of sample contamination. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a biochip carrier for automated workstations, which provides stable support for biochips and prevents stress cracks or damage to biochips during operation due to uneven force.

[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A biochip carrier for an automated workstation includes a bottom tray and several upper carriers. The upper carriers are spaced apart on the bottom tray. The upper surface of the upper carriers is coated with a composite coating, which includes a conductive layer and a superhydrophobic layer disposed on the conductive layer. Grooves are provided in the middle of both sides of the upper carriers in the width direction. Multiple support feet are spaced apart on the lower surface of the upper carriers.

[0007] Furthermore, the conductive layer is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, and the superhydrophobic layer is made of silicon dioxide.

[0008] Furthermore, the surface resistance of the conductive layer is 5 × 10⁻⁶. 5 -8×10 5 Ω, the contact angle of the superhydrophobic layer is 95°-115°.

[0009] Furthermore, the bottom of the groove is provided with an anti-slip texture.

[0010] Furthermore, the upper surface of the upper frame is provided with six fixed baffles. Two of the six fixed baffles are respectively set at both ends of the upper frame in the length direction, and the remaining four fixed baffles are divided into two groups of two and respectively set at both ends of the upper frame in the width direction. The two fixed baffles in the same group are respectively set on both sides of the groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the fixed baffle is provided with anti-slip rubber strips on the side facing the upper frame.

[0012] Furthermore, the edges of the support legs are chamfered.

[0013] Furthermore, the thickness of the composite coating is 6-8 μm.

[0014] Furthermore, the bottom tray is provided with placement slots for placing several upper-level shelves, and the four corners of the placement slots are provided with circular slots.

[0015] Compared to existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: it provides stable support, preventing chip breakage due to uneven stress, significantly improving operational accuracy and efficiency, and is suitable for various specifications of biochips; the carrier surface adopts a conductive layer and a superhydrophobic layer to reduce electrostatic adsorption and contaminant adhesion, ensuring sample integrity; the central groove design facilitates robotic arm or manual operation, improving convenience; the bottom tray can hold several upper carriers at once, adapting to mainstream workstation board positions, significantly improving experimental throughput and efficiency; this invention significantly improves operational efficiency, sample preservation quality, and experimental success rate, while reducing labor costs and experimental failure rate, and has broad application prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the biochip carrier for use in automated workstations according to this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the upper layer of the biochip carrier used in the automated workstation of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a top view of the upper layer of the biochip carrier used in the automated workstation of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a side view of the upper layer of the biochip carrier used in the automated workstation of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the composite coating structure in the biochip carrier of the present invention used in an automated workstation.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a top view of the bottom tray in the biochip carrier used in the automated workstation of this utility model.

[0022] In the diagram, 1-bottom tray, 11-placement slot, 12-circular slot, 2-upper rack, 21-groove, 22-support leg, 23-fixed baffle, 3-conductive layer, 4-superhydrophobic layer. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0024] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the utility model product is usually placed in during use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0028] Please see Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the biochip carrier used in the automated workstation of this utility model. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the upper carrier in the biochip carrier used in the automated workstation of this utility model. Figure 3 This is a top view of the upper carrier in the biochip carrier used in the automated workstation of this utility model. Figure 4 This is a side view of the upper shelf in the biochip carrier used in the automated workstation of this utility model. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the composite coating structure in the biochip carrier of the present invention used in an automated workstation. A biochip carrier for an automated workstation includes a bottom tray 1 and several upper carriers 2. The upper carriers 2 are spaced apart on the bottom tray 1. The upper carriers 2 and the bottom tray 1 are combined in a structural design to provide stable support for fragile and ultra-thin biochips, preventing stress cracks or damage to the chips during operation due to uneven stress.

[0029] Specifically, the upper surface of the upper carrier 2 is provided with a composite coating for antistatic and anti-contamination purposes. The composite coating includes a conductive layer 3 and a superhydrophobic layer 4 disposed on the conductive layer 3. The conductive layer 3 can discharge static electricity, preventing static electricity accumulation from damaging the biochip. The superhydrophobic layer 4 can reduce the adhesion of contaminants to the surface of the biochip, keeping the biochip surface clean. In one embodiment, the conductive layer 3 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the superhydrophobic layer 4 is made of silicon dioxide. The PTFE conductive layer can effectively discharge static electricity, preventing static electricity accumulation from damaging the biochip. The silicon dioxide superhydrophobic layer can significantly reduce the adhesion of contaminants to the surface of the biochip, keeping the biochip surface clean. In one embodiment, the surface resistance of the conductive layer 3 is 5 × 10⁻⁶. 5 -8×10 5 The contact angle of the superhydrophobic layer 4 is 95°-115°. In one embodiment, the thickness of the composite coating is 6-8 μm.

[0030] The upper carrier 2 has a groove 21 in the middle of both sides in the width direction. The groove 21 is arc-shaped, which facilitates precise gripping by the robotic arm's vacuum suction cup or manual one-handed operation, improving the convenience and efficiency of operation. In one embodiment, the bottom of the groove 21 has an anti-slip texture. The anti-slip texture design can increase the friction between the upper carrier 2 and the robotic arm or manual operation, preventing the upper carrier 2 from sliding or shifting during operation.

[0031] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the upper carrier 2 is provided with six fixed baffles 23. Two of the six fixed baffles 23 are respectively located at both ends of the upper carrier 2 in the length direction, and the remaining four fixed baffles 23 are divided into two groups, respectively located at both ends of the upper carrier 2 in the width direction. The two fixed baffles 23 in the same group are respectively located on both sides of the groove 21. Fixed baffles 23 are provided at both the left and right, and front and rear ends of the upper carrier 2, which can effectively prevent the biochip from swaying left and right or sliding back and forth within the upper carrier 2. In one embodiment, the fixed baffles 23 are provided with anti-slip rubber strips on the side facing the upper carrier 2. The anti-slip rubber strips can further increase the friction and ensure that the biochip can be stably placed on the upper carrier 2. This structural design, in conjunction with the mechanical positioning structure of the automated workstation, can quickly and accurately determine the position of the biochip, improving the positioning efficiency and accuracy of the workstation.

[0032] The lower surface of the upper carrier 2 is provided with multiple support feet 22 spaced apart. The design of multiple support feet 22 ensures that the upper carrier 2 is stably placed on the lower tray 1, preventing tilting or wobbling during robotic arm grasping. Simultaneously, the multiple support feet 22 also ensure the stability of the upper carrier 2's center of gravity, thus stabilizing the upper carrier 2's center of gravity during robotic arm grasping. In one embodiment, the edges of the support feet 22 are chamfered. This design avoids stress concentration, improving equipment compatibility and operational safety.

[0033] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a top view of the bottom tray of the biochip carrier used in an automated workstation according to this utility model. In one embodiment, the bottom tray 1 is provided with placement slots 11 for placing several upper carriers 2, and circular slots 12 are provided at the four corners of the placement slots 11. The bottom tray 1 has several placement slots 11, which serve as placement areas for several upper carriers 2, effectively increasing the number of biochips that can be processed. The circular slots 12 are connected to the placement slots 11, and the four corners of the placement slots 11 are rounded to avoid damage to the biochips from right-angled edges. At the same time, it facilitates the handling of the biochips by robotic arms or manual handling, improving operational safety and convenience. Specifically, the bottom tray 1 can be designed as a four-unit structure with four placement slots 11, which can hold four upper carriers 2 at a time, effectively increasing the number of chips that can be processed.

[0034] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A biochip carrier for use in an automated workstation, characterized by, It includes a bottom tray and several upper shelves, with the upper shelves spaced apart on the bottom tray. The upper surface of each upper shelf is coated with a composite coating, which includes a conductive layer and a superhydrophobic layer disposed on the conductive layer. The middle of both sides of each upper shelf in the width direction is provided with a groove, and the lower surface of each upper shelf is provided with multiple support feet spaced apart.

2. The biochip carrier for an automated workstation of claim 1, wherein, The conductive layer is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, and the superhydrophobic layer is made of silicon dioxide.

3. The biochip cartridge for use in an automated workstation of claim 1, wherein, The surface resistance of the conductive layer is 5 × 10⁻⁶. 5 -8×10 5 Ω, the contact angle of the superhydrophobic layer is 95°-115°.

4. The biochip cartridge for use in an automated workstation of claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the groove has an anti-slip texture.

5. The biochip cartridge for use in an automated workstation of claim 1, wherein, The upper surface of the upper frame is provided with six fixed baffles. Two of the six fixed baffles are respectively set at both ends of the upper frame in the length direction. The remaining four fixed baffles are divided into two groups of two and are respectively set at both ends of the upper frame in the width direction. The two fixed baffles in the same group are respectively set on both sides of the groove.

6. The biochip cartridge for use in an automated workstation of claim 5, wherein, The fixed baffle is provided with anti-slip rubber strips on the side facing the upper frame.

7. The biochip cartridge for use in an automated workstation of claim 1, wherein, The edges of the support legs are chamfered.

8. The biochip carrier for an automated workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the composite coating is 6-8 μm.

9. The biochip cartridge for use in an automated workstation of claim 1, wherein, The bottom tray is provided with placement slots for placing several upper-level shelves, and the four corners of the placement slots are provided with circular grooves.

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