Fluid Container Structure for Robotic Grasping and Spill Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid containers in automated processing instruments face challenges in secure and repeatable grasping by robotic transfer devices, leading to fluid spillage and cross-contamination due to fluid adherence on pipettor probes.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a base with transverse wall segments, alignment notches, grooves, and fluid retainer barriers, along with a lid structure that includes merlons and crenels, ensures secure gripping and minimizes fluid spillage through a conforming fit and an elastomeric septum that allows pipette access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fluid container design is used, then the container structure is simple, but the container cannot be securely and repeatably grasped by the robotic transfer device
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates distinct structural elements including a flared rim segment, a cylindrical body segment, and a base segment. These segmented portions work together to provide both secure grasping by the robotic transfer device and maintain functional simplicity for fluid containment and access.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fluid is dispensed using a robotic pipettor, then fluid transfer is automated, but fluid adheres to the probe and drips onto unintended surfaces causing spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric septum acts as an intermediary between the fluid container and the robotic pipettor probe. It allows the probe to access and dispense fluid through the sealed opening while the conforming fit and surface properties of the septum minimize fluid adhesion to the probe exterior, preventing drips and spillage during automated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric septum provides a flexible sealing surface that conforms to the probe opening. This flexibility allows precise fluid transfer while the material properties reduce fluid adherence to the probe, eliminating the harmful effect of spillage during automated pipetting operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the container opening is open for fluid access, then fluid can be easily dispensed, but fluid can spill outside the container
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric septum forms a flexible seal over the container opening, allowing fluid access through the septum while preventing fluid from spilling outside the container. The flexible material conforms to the probe opening for easy fluid transfer while maintaining containment integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The septum serves as an intermediary barrier at the container opening. It enables fluid passage to the robotic pipettor while acting as a containment boundary that prevents spillage, thus resolving the contradiction between easy fluid access and fluid containment.
Data Source
AI summary
A container comprises a top wall and a fluid vessel depending from a top wall aperture formed in the top wall to a bottom end of the fluid vessel. A first wall segment depends from a first perimeter segment of the top wall and extends from the first perimeter segment to a bottom edge of the first wall segment and at least partially surrounds the fluid vessel. At least a portion of the bottom edge of the first wall segment is disposed below the bottom end of the fluid vessel and includes an alignment notch extending upwardly from the bottom edge of the first wall segment. A top wall fluid retainer barrier projects above a top surface of the top wall and extends continuously around the top wall aperture and is spaced from a perimeter of the top wall aperture.