Coaxial Needle Pipetting Device for Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipetting devices for microscopy are limited by spatial interference with microscope illumination, require large installation space, and are labor-intensive and error-prone, especially when handling sealed probe chambers under controlled conditions.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial needle pipetting device with a hollow suction lance and insertion lance, allowing precise liquid metering and feeding into sealed probe chambers, featuring a compact design that minimizes spatial requirements and avoids interference with microscope illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated pipetting devices are installed in microscopes, then liquid feeding and removal is automated and precise, but the device requires large installation space and interferes with microscope illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a coaxial needle design where the suction lance is nested inside the insertion lance, forming a compact dual-function structure. The suction lance (with opening at proximal end) and insertion lance (with opening at distal end) share the same central axis, allowing both liquid injection and suction functions to be integrated in a single compact assembly that minimizes space requirements and avoids interference with microscope illumination paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The coaxial needle assembly serves multiple functions: the insertion lance can inject liquid into sealed probe chambers by piercing seals, while the suction lance can simultaneously or sequentially remove liquid from the same chambers. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate injection and suction devices, reducing overall installation space while maintaining automated precise liquid handling capabilities.
2Device complexity
If manual pipetting is used, then device complexity is low, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The automated coaxial needle system performs liquid feeding and removal operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The device can automatically position, pierce sealed chambers, inject precise volumes of liquid, and remove liquids through suction, all controlled by the microscope system. This self-service capability dramatically increases productivity compared to manual pipetting while maintaining relative simplicity through the integrated coaxial design.
3Reliability
If probe chambers are sealed to protect from atmosphere, then probe protection is improved, but automated liquid feeding becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion lance is designed to pierce the seal covering the probe chamber opening before liquid injection begins. This preliminary action of penetrating the seal (metal foil or plastic film) creates an access pathway through the sealed chamber, enabling subsequent automated liquid feeding without compromising the protective sealing function. The seal remains intact during storage and transport, but can be reliably penetrated by the automated insertion lance when liquid feeding is required.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-part coaxial needle for a pipetting device, in particular for use in microscopy of cell probes, makes it possible both to inject a liquid into a pipetting container and to remove by suction a liquid from the pipetting container. Both the drive for lowering the coaxial needle into the pipetting container, and injection and removal by suction of the liquid take place pneumatically by way of only one pressure source. The design of the coaxial needle and of the drive systems makes possible fast and reliable pipetting with high metering accuracy and a particularly compact pipetting unit which without mutual interference can be used with a multitude of widely-used microscope types.