Foldable Microplate With Pivoting Strips For Linear Fraction Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fraction collection systems in liquid chromatography require multiple manual or automated stages for transferring collected fractions into a microplate for further processing, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A microplate design featuring multiwell strips connected by couplers with at least two pivots, allowing the microplate to unfold linearly for fraction collection and re-fold into a standard configuration for efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard test tubes are used for fraction collection, then fractions can be collected linearly, but multiple transfer stages are required to move fractions into a microplate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the fraction collection function and the microplate function into a single integrated device. The multiwell strip serves both as the collection vessel for fractions and as the microplate for subsequent processing, eliminating the need for separate transfer operations between different containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiwell strip is designed to perform multiple functions: it collects fractions during chromatography runs, serves as the container for collected samples, and functions as a microplate for downstream processing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and transfer steps.
2Device complexity
If a microplate is used for fraction collection, then processing can be streamlined, but the microplate cannot move linearly past the fraction collector
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic, movable joints (pivots) between the multiwell strip and the microplate frame, allowing the strip to change its orientation. The strip can be positioned in a linear configuration during fraction collection and then rotated to a standard microplate configuration for processing, providing adaptability for different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a microplate frame and a multiwell strip connected by movable joints. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining the ability to reconfigure the overall system geometry as needed.
3Device complexity
If manual transfer is used to move fractions into a microplate, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated multiwell strip design enables the system to perform fraction collection and microplate processing functions without requiring manual intervention for transfer operations. The single integrated structure allows automated systems to directly access and process fractions without human-operated transfer steps.
4Reliability
If multiple transfer stages are used, then fraction collection completeness is ensured, but process efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the collection and processing functions into a single integrated multiwell strip, the invention maintains fraction collection completeness while eliminating intermediate transfer stages that reduce efficiency. The integrated design ensures all fractions are captured in the correct wells while allowing direct access for subsequent processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a microplate comprised of multiwell strips connected in such a way as to permit the microplate to unfold and to pass in a linear fashion past a fraction collector and then re-fold back into a microplate configuration. Furthermore, the invention provides for the use of the microplates of the invention in a variety of different laboratory methods.