Flocked Pipette Tip with Capacitance Interface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flocked swabs for clinical and diagnostic analyses are manually handled, lacking automated methods for sample collection and release, which hinders efficiency and accuracy in specimen handling and processing.
Innovation Solution
Development of flocked pipette tips with hydrophilic fibers anchored to their distal ends, integrated with a robotic pipettor system that uses capacitance sensors to automatically detect and manage sample interfaces, enabling automated sample collection and release, and precise control over sample deposition on agar plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling of flocked swabs is used, then flexibility and adaptability in specimen collection are maintained, but productivity and consistency in sample processing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling of flocked swabs with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm equipped with a gripper mechanically manipulates the swabs through predefined motions, substituting human manual operations with programmable mechanical automation. This enables consistent, repeatable sample collection and transfer procedures while significantly increasing throughput and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic detection capabilities where sensors detect the presence of specimens, culture media, and agar plates, allowing the robotic system to autonomously navigate and perform operations without continuous human intervention. The system self-regulates the sampling process by detecting liquid interfaces and automatically controlling the immersion depth and duration of swabs.
2Measurement precision
If automated detection systems are added to robotic pipettors, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical sensors as intermediary detection devices between the robotic pipettor and the liquid interfaces. These sensors act as mediators that detect the presence and position of liquid surfaces, culture media, and agar plates by measuring optical properties such as light reflection or absorption. The sensor data is then processed by control software to automatically adjust the robotic arm's movements, achieving precise liquid interface detection without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the pipettor itself.
3Quantity of substance
If flocked swabs are used for specimen collection, then sample absorption efficiency is improved, but automated handling capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the robotic system with a universal gripper mechanism that can handle multiple types of sampling tools including flocked swabs, cotton swabs, and alternative sampling devices. The gripper is engineered with adjustable parameters to accommodate different swab sizes, shapes, and attachment methods. This universal handling capability allows the system to maintain automated operation while working with flocked swabs that have optimal sample absorption properties, resolving the conflict between absorption efficiency and automatability.
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
Facilitates fully automated processing of clinical specimens with improved accuracy and efficiency in sample handling, ensuring consistent and controlled distribution patterns on agar plates, reducing manual handling errors and enhancing laboratory workflows.
Implementation Method 1
automatic detection of the liquid interface may be accomplished by detecting a threshold change in capacitance when the pipette tip contacts the sample liquid interface
Implementation Method 2
flockin material comprises hydrophilic fibers
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes pipette tips having an absorbent material (e.g., a flocking material) anchored to a distal end of the pipette tip and related methods of use. In some embodiments, the flocked pipette tips can be used in an automated process and/or system, wherein the contact between the pipette tips and either a sample or a culture medium can be automatically sensed for accurate sample collection and/or dispense. In some embodiments, automatic detection of the liquid interface may be accomplished by detecting a threshold change in capacitance when the pipette tip contacts the sample liquid interface (e.g., for sample collection) or the agar interface (e.g., for sample release). In some embodiments, the automated process and/or system may utilize one or more predetermined, fixed heights for collecting samples and/or depositing samples.