Digital Fluid Droplet Ejection System for Precision Sample Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analytical instruments for fluid dispensing in medical and laboratory settings are often expensive, time-consuming, and lack precision, particularly for automated sample preparation and analysis, with a need for accurate and reproducible results across multiple samples.
Innovation Solution
A digital dispense system featuring a fluid droplet ejection system housed in a compact unit with a movable ejection head and cartridge, accompanied by a digital display for visualizing fluid volumes, allowing for precise dispensing of fluids onto well plates or slides with relative and absolute volume feedback, and a user interface for monitoring fluid application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If high-end automated devices based on pipette technology are used to fill well plates, then dispensing precision and automation are improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pipette-based dispensing systems with a digital fluid droplet ejection system that uses digital signals to control fluid ejection. The ejection head receives digital signals and ejects precise fluid droplets without requiring complex mechanical pipette mechanisms, thereby reducing device cost while maintaining automation and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified ejection head design that replicates the essential function of expensive pipette technology. Instead of using actual pipette mechanisms, the system creates a functional copy using digital signal-controlled ejection nozzles that can deposit precise fluid volumes into well plates, achieving similar results at lower cost.
2Device complexity
If manual pipetting is used to fill well plates, then device cost is reduced, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The digital fluid droplet ejection system is designed to be easily operated with minimal training, allowing users to quickly set up and perform dispensing operations. The system automatically handles the complex task of precise fluid delivery based on simple digital signals, making the process self-sufficient and highly productive without requiring expensive specialized equipment or extensive operator training.
3Device complexity
If open well dispense heads are used, then device simplicity is improved, but fluid volume visualization and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the system monitors and tracks the volume of fluid dispensed by the ejection head. Digital signals control the ejection process and provide real-time information about fluid delivery, enabling precise measurement and verification of dispensed volumes while maintaining a simple open-well design architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A digital dispense system and method for preparing samples for analysis. The system includes a fluid droplet ejection system housed in a compact housing unit. The fluid droplet ejection system contains a fluid droplet ejection head and fluid cartridge containing one or more fluids to be dispensed, a cartridge translation mechanism for moving the fluid droplet ejection head and fluid cartridge back and forth over a sample holder in an x direction; and a sample holder translation mechanism for moving a sample back and forth beneath the fluid droplet ejection head and fluid cartridge in a y direction orthogonal to the x direction. A digital display device is attached to the fluid droplet ejection system for displaying fluid volume information to a user. The fluid volume information is selected from relative fluid volume, absolute fluid volume, and a combination of relative and absolute fluid volumes.