Biochip Printing Apparatus with Reciprocating Pipet Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biochip printing methods face challenges with inaccurate substrate positioning and insufficient solution dispensing, leading to reduced yield rates due to manual placement and potential bubble issues in the solution samples.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a movable platform, pipet module, image capturing module, driving unit, and control module that aligns and moves the pipet module reciprocatively to discharge solution samples onto precise positions on the substrate, with image analysis to ensure bio-sensing spot formation and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual substrate placement is used on the platform, then the operation process is simple, but the substrate positioning accuracy deteriorates leading to reduced yield rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical placement with an automated image-guided positioning system. The image capturing module captures substrate position, the image analyzing module processes the image data to determine precise location, and the control module automatically adjusts the platform position accordingly, eliminating manual placement errors while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the substrate and the printing process. The image capturing module and image analyzing module serve as intermediaries that measure and communicate substrate position to the control module, enabling accurate positioning without direct manual intervention.
2Ease of manufacture
If the pipet module discharges solution sample with bubbles, then the printing process is simple, but the solution sample amount becomes insufficient leading to poor bio-sensing spot quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of bubble presence in the solution sample before the printing process. The image capturing module captures images of the solution sample in the pipet module, and the image analyzing module analyzes these images to detect bubbles. When bubbles are detected, the system adjusts the printing process or alerts the operator, preventing insufficient solution discharge and ensuring high-quality bio-sensing spots.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated image-guided positioning and pipet module movement are implemented, then the positioning accuracy and solution dispensing precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the control module, which integrates platform position control, pipet module position control, and image processing coordination. The image capturing module also serves dual purposes: capturing substrate position for positioning and capturing solution sample images for bubble detection. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity despite enhanced precision capabilities.
4Manufacturing precision
If the pipet module moves reciprocatively between printing position and standby position, then the solution dispensing control is improved, but the printing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic reciprocating movement of the pipet module between printing position and standby position. The module moves to the printing position for solution dispensing, then returns to the standby position for the next operation cycle. This periodic action enables precise control of solution dispensing timing and amount, ensuring accurate bio-sensing spot formation while maintaining efficient production rhythm.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing method for biochip fabrication is implemented by a printing apparatus including a platform for supporting a substrate, a pipet module, and a control module. The method includes: moving the platform in sequence to multiple positions associated with multiple to-be-printed points on the platform; moving the pipet module reciprocatively toward and away from the platform during each movement of the platform; discharging, by the pipet module, solution sample onto the respective one of the to-be-printed points to form a bio-sensing spot to form a biochip; and determining, by the control module, whether to execute a supplementary printing procedure for the biochip based on whether each bio-sensing spot satisfies a predetermined criterion.