Incubation Cassette Float Reservoir for Microplate Evaporation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microplate readers face issues with liquid evaporation from wells during long-term experiments, leading to non-homogeneous thickening and concentration changes, which affect cell growth conditions and result in non-comparable experiment results, and require manual frequent checking and topping up of liquid channels.
Innovation Solution
An incubation cassette with a frame and liquid reservoir containing a float that experiences buoyancy relative to the liquid level, allowing automated monitoring and refilling, and a microplate reader with integrated fluorescence detection to monitor and maintain the liquid level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid channel surrounds the microplate to prevent evaporation, then evaporation protection is improved, but manual monitoring and refilling become necessary which increases operation complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The float indicator enables the system to self-monitor liquid levels automatically. The visual feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when refilling is needed without human intervention, and the automated refilling system can restore liquid levels independently, making the system self-sufficient for maintaining evaporation protection throughout long-term experiments.
Solution Approach 2:
The float indicator provides continuous visual feedback on liquid levels in the liquid channel. This feedback mechanism enables automated monitoring and triggers refilling operations when liquid levels drop, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliable evaporation protection without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If manual refilling of the liquid channel is performed frequently, then liquid level maintenance is improved, but experiment continuity is disrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The float indicator provides advance warning when liquid levels drop below a certain threshold, allowing refilling to be performed before complete evaporation occurs. This preliminary indication prevents experiment disruption by alerting operators in advance, enabling timely refilling without interrupting the experimental timeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous visual feedback from the float indicator enables timely refilling operations. By constantly monitoring liquid levels and providing immediate visual cues when refilling is needed, the system maintains liquid levels reliably without requiring frequent manual checks, thus preserving experiment continuity.
3Reliability
If the liquid channel is topped up during measurements, then liquid level maintenance is improved, but measurement accuracy is compromised due to introduced disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The float indicator enables refilling to be performed in advance, before measurements begin. By providing early warning of low liquid levels, the system allows operators to refill the liquid channel during preparation phases rather than during active measurements, thus maintaining liquid levels reliably without compromising measurement accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If automated monitoring systems are added to track liquid levels, then operation ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float indicator is a simple, self-contained mechanism that automatically tracks liquid levels without requiring external power sources, control systems, or complex electronics. This self-service approach provides automated monitoring functionality while keeping the system simple and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex electronic or computational monitoring systems with a simple mechanical float indicator. This mechanical substitution achieves automated liquid level monitoring with minimal complexity, avoiding the need for sensors, processors, or sophisticated control algorithms.
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
Automated liquid level monitoring and refilling ensure consistent liquid levels in microplate wells, reducing temperature and atmosphere fluctuations, and enabling reliable long-term experiments without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a float (40) provided in the liquid reservoir (9), which can be brought into fluid contact with the liquid held in the liquid reservoir (9), such that the float (40) experiences buoyancy in relation to the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid reservoir (9)
Data Source
AI summary
An incubation cassette for reducing liquid evaporation from wells of a microplate with a frame for receiving a microplate with wells, the frame having a central first opening surrounded by an inner wall, the dimensions are designed for inserting a microplate, and the frame having an outer wall that runs essentially parallel to the inner wall and which is attached to the inner wall connects so that a liquid reservoir surrounding the first central opening for receiving a liquid is formed by the two walls and the intermediate base is disclosed. The incubation cassette also includes a float provided in the liquid reservoir that can be brought into fluid contact with the liquid held in the liquid reservoir in such a way that the float is in relation to the liquid level of the liquid in the liquid reservoir absorbed liquid experiences buoyancy.