Contact Sensing Probe for Microplate Liquid Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flow cytometry sampling systems, microplate well-depth variations and mechanical inaccuracies lead to inconsistent sample collection, often causing the sample probe to contact the well surface, restricting fluid uptake and requiring user-dependent calibration.
Innovation Solution
A sampling apparatus with a linear mechanical drive, a carriage, a probe holder, a sample probe with an indicator end, and a sensor to detect contact with the well surface, allowing precise positioning and automatic calibration to prevent surface contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sample probe is positioned close to the bottom of the well for optimal sampling, then sampling efficiency is improved, but the probe may contact the well surface causing fluid uptake restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by detecting the actual well bottom position before sampling operations. The probe is lowered to detect contact with the well surface, and this contact position is recorded as a reference point. Subsequent sampling operations use this pre-determined position information to maintain optimal spacing, preventing contact while ensuring efficient sampling close to the well bottom.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a sensor that provides real-time feedback on probe position relative to the well surface. During calibration, the sensor detects when the probe contacts the well bottom, sending a signal to stop further downward movement. This feedback mechanism ensures the probe is positioned at the correct distance from the well surface, maintaining both sampling efficiency and fluid uptake consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual calibration is performed by users to adjust probe positioning, then system adaptability is improved, but operational consistency deteriorates due to user-dependent variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic calibration without requiring user intervention. The probe autonomously lowers itself to detect the well bottom position using the contact sensor, and the system automatically records and stores this calibration data. This self-calibrating capability eliminates user-dependent variability while maintaining system adaptability to different well configurations, ensuring consistent operation across multiple sampling sessions.
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical tolerances and assembly variations are present in the sampling system, then manufacturing ease is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates affecting repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration for each well to compensate for mechanical tolerances and assembly variations. By detecting the actual well bottom position before sampling, the system establishes accurate reference points that account for manufacturing variations. This preliminary measurement action ensures precise probe positioning despite tolerances in mechanical components, achieving repeatable sampling without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing.
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
Improves the repeatability and consistency of sample collection by accurately measuring well depths and adjusting the probe position, reducing user-dependent variability and preventing surface contact, thus enhancing sampling efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to detect contact of a sample end of the sample probe with a surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for detecting microplate well surface contact and setting standoff is provided. The apparatus may include a sample probe, coupled to a spring-loaded carriage, and a sensor configured to detect when the sample probe is in contact with a surface. The sample probe is moved toward a surface of a well in a well-plate until the sample end of the sample probe contacts the surface, whereby the carriage allows the probe to be displaced. Displacement of the probe is detected by the sensor and further downward movement of the carriage is stopped. A processor records the location of the sample probe and sets standoff based on the recorded location.