Fiber Optic Sensor Pipetting Needle Phase Transition Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting phase transitions in liquid handling processes, such as pipetting, suffer from significant dead volumes, which lead to inaccuracies and inefficiencies, including dilution effects and increased calibration requirements, due to the distance between the measurement point and the pipetting tip.
Innovation Solution
A device and method integrating a fiber optic sensor within a pipetting needle, with the measurement point placed close to the intake/delivery opening, utilizing waveguides and deflecting lenses to minimize dead volume and detect phase transitions accurately, allowing for real-time monitoring of liquid intake and dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the measurement point is placed far from the pipetting tip in a housing, then the sensor can detect phase transitions, but the dead volume increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic sensor is integrated directly into the pipetting needle structure, with the measurement point nested at the tip. This eliminates the need for a separate housing and allows the sensor to be positioned at the exact location where phase transitions occur, minimizing dead volume while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical waveguides to transmit light along the pipetting needle from the tip to a detection point away from the tip. This separates the measurement function (at the tip) from the detection function (away from the tip), allowing the measurement point to be at the tip while the detection electronics are positioned elsewhere
2Volume of moving object
If the measurement point is placed close to the pipetting tip, then dead volume is minimized, but the sensor structure becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The pipetting needle serves multiple functions: it transports liquid, provides the measurement point for phase transition detection, and houses the optical waveguide structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor housings and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining close proximity of the measurement point to the tip
Solution Approach 2:
Optical waveguides act as intermediaries to transmit light from the measurement point at the tip to a detection point away from the tip. This allows the measurement point to be positioned at the tip for minimal dead volume while the detection electronics can be positioned elsewhere for ease of manufacture
3Measurement precision
If a large dead volume is present, then calibration procedures become necessary, but this increases the time required for operation and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system provides real-time feedback on the actual volume being pipetted by detecting phase transitions at the tip. This self-monitoring capability eliminates the need for separate calibration procedures, as the system automatically verifies volume accuracy through optical detection, thereby increasing productivity
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
This approach reduces dead volume, enhances pipetting accuracy and efficiency by minimizing dilution and contamination, and eliminates the need for complex calibration, enabling reliable detection of phase transitions and volume flow.
Implementation Method 1
The fiber optics emit light in the immersion direction and use the light reflected at the phase boundary for the measurement
Implementation Method 2
at least one waveguide (13, 15) between the transmitting element (10) and/or the receiving element (11) and the measurement point (M)
Data Source
AI summary
The device and the method are used for optical detection of at least one phase transition between at least two media, which are taken into a line and/or dispensed from the line by an intake and/or dispensing device. A light-emitting transmitter emits light across and onto the line at a measurement point provided for this purpose. A receiver receives the emitted light, which is influenced by media in the line, to form reception signals. At least one waveguide, which is arranged up to the measurement point on the probe, is provided between the transmitter and/or the receiver and the measurement point (M). Due to the fact that the waveguide is arranged in parallel to the line at least in the area near the probe and at least one deflection lens is provided in the area of the measurement point to deflect the light emitted and/or the light to be detected, a phase boundary or state can be detected, and the dead volume is reduced.