Droplet Dispensing Sensor Plate Electrostatic Capacitance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing droplet dispensing devices face challenges in accurately dispensing droplets to well plates due to nozzle clogging, leading to inconsistent dispensing amounts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor plate with electrostatic capacitance sensors at the circumferential edges of opening parts to detect droplets based on changes in electrostatic capacitance, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of dispensing amounts, and including a determination part to calculate integral values of electrical signals for precise dispensing control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a droplet dispensing device uses an inkjet head to discharge droplets, then droplets can be dispensed to well plates, but nozzle clogging occurs leading to inaccurate dispensing amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting droplet discharge status before the dispensing process completes. The electrostatic capacitance sensor monitors droplet passage in real-time, allowing the system to identify clogging issues during operation and compensate by adjusting discharge amounts to ensure accurate dispensing despite nozzle problems.
2Measurement precision
If electrostatic capacitance sensors are placed at circumferential edges of opening parts, then droplet passage can be detected accurately, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor plate with opening parts acts as an intermediary between the inkjet head and well plate. The electrostatic capacitance sensors positioned at the circumferential edges of opening parts detect droplet passage through the opening, providing accurate measurement while maintaining a relatively simple structural configuration.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring of droplet discharge is implemented, then dispensing accuracy can be maintained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with electrostatic capacitance sensing. This electrical field-based detection method provides real-time droplet passage information without mechanical contact, enabling rapid detection and minimal processing time while maintaining high dispensing accuracy.
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
Ensures accurate dispensing of droplets by detecting shortages and adjusting dispensing amounts in real-time, preventing clogging issues and maintaining consistent dispensing precision.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of electrostatic capacitance sensors detecting droplets from the discharge part having passed through the opening part on the basis of change in electrostatic capacitance caused by the droplets which have passed through the opening part
Data Source
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AI summary
A droplet dispensing device capable of accurately dispensing droplets is provided. A droplet dispensing device (2) includes a head part (26) discharging droplets, and a sensor plate (12) disposed between the head part (26) and a well plate (10), the sensor plate (12) having a plurality of opening parts (42) formed respectively corresponding to a plurality of wells (24) and a plurality of electrostatic capacitance sensors (46) each disposed at a circumferential edge of the plurality of opening parts (42).