Fluid Handling Needle Positioning via Receptacle Marking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid handling systems for chromatographic sample separation face challenges in accurately positioning needles under varying light conditions, reflecting surfaces, and dirt, leading to unreliable fluid aspiration and dispensation, especially when dealing with receptacles of different materials and colors.
Innovation Solution
A fluid handling unit equipped with a needle drive, detection unit, and control unit that uses marking recognition, such as QR codes, to accurately position the needle relative to the receptacle's center, correcting deviations through image recognition, capacitive, or inductive measurements to ensure precise fluid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical recognition is used for needle positioning, then the positioning can be performed under controlled conditions, but the reliability deteriorates under real life situations with varying light conditions, reflecting surfaces, stray light, and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
A marking (intermediary element) is placed on the receptacle between the detection unit and the target positioning point. This marking serves as a reliable mediator that translates the detection unit's observations into accurate needle positioning, overcoming the unreliability of direct optical recognition of the receptacle under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking is designed with specific optical properties (such as high contrast, reflective, or fluorescent characteristics) that make it detectable under varying light conditions. This allows the detection unit to reliably identify the marking's position and orientation regardless of ambient lighting, reflecting surfaces, or dirt on the receptacle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct optical recognition of the receptacle is used, then the system can identify receptacles of different materials and colors, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to varying light conditions and surface properties
Solution Approach 1:
The marking acts as a standardized intermediary that provides a consistent reference frame for positioning. Instead of directly recognizing varied receptacle surfaces, the detection unit recognizes the standardized marking, which maintains its detectability across different receptacle materials and colors, thereby preserving positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking is placed in a specific location on the receptacle (such as the cap or flange) where it provides local reference information that is independent of the receptacle's overall material or color properties. This localized marking ensures consistent detection and positioning regardless of the receptacle's global characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If a detection unit is added for marking recognition, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an optical detection and control system. Instead of using multiple mechanical sensors and adjustment mechanisms, a single detection unit with image processing and control algorithms achieves high positioning accuracy through marking recognition, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the receptacle's own marking (which is already present on the receptacle) as the reference for positioning. The marking serves itself as the target for detection, eliminating the need for separate reference objects or complex calibration procedures, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid handling unit is configured for handling a fluid contained or to be contained in a receptacle bearing a marking. The unit includes a needle having an elongated shape with an open end and for aspirating the fluid from the receptacle and/or dispensing the fluid into the receptacle. The fluid handling unit further includes a needle drive for positioning the needle with respect to the receptacle, a detection unit for detecting the marking of the receptacle, and a control unit. The control unit is configured for analyzing the detected marking for determining at least one feature that is part of the marking or the marking itself, determining a target position based on the detected at least one feature, and operating the needle drive to position the open end of the needle relative to the determined target position.