Combinatorial Liquid Handling with In-Flight Drop Merging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid handling devices struggle with the rapid, contactless, and high-throughput formation of unique liquid drops that contain complex mixtures, particularly in the production of customized pharmaceutical products and bioprinting of multi-component 3D objects, where precise mixing and deposition of multiple substances are required.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a plurality of liquid dispensers that dispense drops, where a carrier drop collides and merges with drops from multiple dispensers in a synchronized manner, forming complex mixtures in-flight before landing on a support surface, allowing for precise deposition of customized liquid mixtures or 3D objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional liquid handling devices are used to mix multiple liquids, then the device structure becomes increasingly complex, but the mixing precision and speed decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing precisionVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the mixing function into multiple independent liquid dispensers, each responsible for dispensing a specific liquid. This segmentation allows each dispenser to be simple in structure while the collective system achieves complex mixing capabilities through coordinated operation of multiple discrete units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional horizontal or vertical mixing arrangements to a three-dimensional spatial configuration where multiple liquid streams converge in flight. By utilizing the third dimension (vertical convergence of horizontally dispensed liquids), the system achieves precise mixing without increasing the complexity of individual dispenser structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If manual labor is used to apply multiple liquids, then the process becomes time-consuming, but the technical challenge increases when applying low volumes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple liquids in separate dispensers before the mixing process begins. Each liquid is ready for immediate dispensing, eliminating the need for sequential manual preparation and enabling simultaneous multi-liquid application that dramatically reduces processing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated electronic control system that coordinates multiple dispensers. This substitution eliminates manual labor time while maintaining precise control over low-volume liquid application, achieving both high productivity and technical precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If more liquids are mixed together to create customized mixtures, then the complexity of liquid handling increases, but the capability to produce customized products improves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidliquid handling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each liquid dispenser is designed as a universal module capable of handling different liquids through standardized interfaces and control mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows the system to accommodate any number of different liquids without increasing the fundamental complexity of the handling mechanism, enabling extensive customization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the rapid production of highly complex liquid mixtures and precise deposition of these mixtures or 3D objects, facilitating the manufacturing of customized pharmaceutical products and bioprinting of multi-component structures with high accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a carrier drop collides and merges with drops dispensed from a sub-plurality of liquid dispensers, so that liquids from the sub-plurality of liquid dispensers are located in the carrier drop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIn-flight collision and merging:

Implementation Method 2

a capillary which connects the container with the nozzle so that the liquid runs from the container through the capillary and out through the nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS20250214047A1A technology for combinatorial liquid handling

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 BIOSISTEMIKA D O O

AI summary

Various devices and methods covering a technology for combinatorial liquid handling. At least some example embodiments of the devices may include a plurality of liquid dispensers configured to dispense drops, wherein at least a carrier drop is dispensed and sequentially collides and merges with drops dispensed from a sub-plurality of liquid dispensers, so that liquids from the sub-plurality of liquid dispensers are located in the carrier drop during flight, and a support surface being positioned so that the carrier drop lands on the support surface.