Ceiling-Mounted Pipettor Gantry for Diverse Automated Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated pipetting systems in the life sciences industry are limited in their ability to handle diverse pipetting procedures dynamically and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting system featuring a gantry system with stationary and movable tracks mounted on the ceiling, a carrier for transporting pipettor cartridges in multiple directions, and a control system for precise movement and operation, enabling dynamic handling of pipetting tasks without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional automated pipetting systems are used, then accuracy and control of pipetting procedures are improved, but the ability to handle distinct pipetting procedures dynamically is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation to handle different pipetting procedures. The robotic arm can move between different tool positions and adapt its configuration based on the specific pipetting task required, enabling both precision and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a single robotic arm that can perform multiple functions by changing its end effector or tool configuration. The robotic arm can be equipped with different tools for various pipetting operations, allowing one system to handle diverse pipetting procedures while maintaining accuracy through programmable control.
2Ease of operation
If conventional automated pipetting systems are used, then control of pipetting procedures is improved, but flexibility in handling distinct pipetting procedures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm provides dynamic positioning capabilities with programmable motion control, allowing the system to adapt to different pipetting procedures while maintaining ease of operation through automated control sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated tool changing mechanisms and self-positioning capabilities that reduce manual intervention. The robotic arm can automatically navigate to different positions and switch between tools based on programmed instructions, providing both ease of operation and flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a gantry system with multiple tracks is used, then the carrier can transport pipettor cartridges in multiple directions enhancing flexibility, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry system is divided into separate functional modules: stationary tracks for primary positioning, movable tracks for secondary positioning, and carriers for tool transport. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a three-dimensional gantry structure with movement in multiple directions (X, Y, Z axes). By adding spatial dimensions rather than complexing a single-axis system, the design achieves flexible multi-directional transport capability while keeping each movement mechanism relatively simple and modular.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a system having a pipetting chamber, a set of pipettor cartridges docked in the pipetting chamber, a gantry system mounted on a ceiling within the pipetting chamber, the gantry system including at least one stationary track aligned in a first direction, and a movable track aligned in a second direction distinct from the first direction, the movable track coupled to the at least one stationary track, and a carrier configured to transport each of the set of pipettor cartridges to a pipetting location within the pipetting chamber, the carrier configured to move each pipettor cartridge in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.