Dual-Gantry Liquid Handler with Independent Pipetting Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid handling systems, while capable of high throughput, lack flexibility and are limited in their ability to perform complex tasks due to the constraints of single or dual gantry systems with non-independent pipettor movements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-gantry liquid handling system with independently moving pipettors on multiple banks, allowing for flexible configurations and increased throughput by enabling independent movements in the X, Y, and Z axes, which facilitates access to multiple locations and protocols that require simultaneous or sequential pipetting across different columns and plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single gantry system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent gantries, each capable of moving pipettors independently. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously, increasing throughput while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single gantry operating in one dimensional space to multiple gantries creating a multi-dimensional pipetting workspace. This enables simultaneous access to multiple columns and plates, dramatically improving productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If pipettors are rigidly spaced to accommodate existing microtiter plate well spacings, then compatibility with standard plates is improved, but the adaptability to different labware formats is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pipettor spacing is made dynamically adjustable rather than rigidly fixed. Each pipettor position can be independently configured to match different labware formats, enabling the system to adapt to various plate sizes and configurations without hardware changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the positional parameters of pipettors to accommodate different well spacings. By adjusting coordinates and spacing parameters, the system can work with 96-well, 384-well, and other plate formats while maintaining software control simplicity
3Productivity
If pipettors move as a single group on one gantry, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform complex parallel tasks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pipetting function is segmented across multiple independent gantries, each with its own pipettors that can move independently. This enables parallel execution of multiple pipetting operations simultaneously, dramatically improving parallel processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independent gantries are merged into a coordinated system that can perform complex parallel tasks. The independent gantries work together to handle multiple plates and columns simultaneously, achieving high throughput while managing control through integrated software
Data Source
AI summary
An automated liquid handling system is disclosed. A system includes a first pipetting group, which includes at least one pipettor, movably arranged on a first arm; and a second pipetting group, which includes at least one pipettor, movably arranged on a second arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm are movably arranged on at least one track such that the first arm and the second arm can independently move along the at least one track while keeping the first arm parallel with the second arm, wherein the at least one pipettor of the first pipetting group is arranged on a side of the first arm facing the second pipetting group, wherein the at least one pipettor of the second pipetting group is arranged on a side of the second arm facing the first pipetting group.