Automated Solution Dispensing for Precise Lab Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory workers spend excessive time on manual tasks such as measuring, dispensing, mixing, and preparing solutions, which lacks consistency and accuracy, and there is a need for automated systems that can handle various solid forms and monitor key parameters like pH and temperature with minimal human intervention.
Innovation Solution
An automated solution dispenser system that includes a solids handling system, liquid handling system, and control system capable of self-cleaning, allowing for precise dosing, mixing, pH adjustment, heating, cooling, degassing, and filtration of solutions with remote access, and integrated monitoring of parameters like pH, temperature, and stock levels, enabling efficient and accurate solution preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual solution preparation is used, then flexibility in handling various solid forms is maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The solution dispenser is divided into distinct functional modules: a solids handling system for storing and manipulating solids, a liquid handling system for managing liquids, and a control system for coordinating operations. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together to achieve automated solution preparation, resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated solution dispenser is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various solid forms (fine powders, clumpy powders, crystalline solids) and perform multiple operations (measuring, dispensing, mixing, pH adjustment, temperature control, degassing, filtering, bottling). This universality enables a single system to replace multiple manual processes, improving productivity without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function.
2Measurement precision
If manual measuring and dispensing is performed, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy and dosing precision decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical measuring and dispensing operations with automated mechanisms. The solids handling system uses controlled mechanical dosing mechanisms to accurately measure and dispense solids, while the control system provides precise digital control over dosing amounts. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated systems achieves high measurement precision while managing the inherent complexity through integration.
3Reliability
If multiple different solutions are prepared manually, then cross-contamination control is maintained through careful cleaning, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution dispenser incorporates self-cleaning capabilities that automatically clean the mixing chamber and fluid pathways between different solution preparation tasks. This self-service cleaning function maintains solution purity and prevents cross-contamination without requiring manual intervention, thereby preserving reliability while enabling continuous high-throughput operation by eliminating the time needed for manual cleaning between batches.
4Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive monitoring of solution parameters is implemented, then solution quality control is improved, but system complexity and data management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates sensors and monitoring capabilities that continuously measure solution parameters such as pH, temperature, and composition during the preparation process. This feedback is used in real-time to adjust dosing amounts and process conditions to achieve the desired solution specifications. The automated feedback loop improves manufacturing precision by ensuring accurate solution composition while managing monitoring system complexity through integrated control algorithms that automatically process sensor data and make adjustments without requiring complex external data management systems.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
The methods and systems of the invention include the use of automated solution dispensers in laboratory environment. The automated solution dispensers can be controlled locally or remotely within a network. The usage of the instruments can be followed and procurement of supplies can be automated.