Independent-Beam Pipetting Modules for Higher Transfer Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipetting devices face limitations in throughput due to restricted movement of pipetting needles, requiring simultaneous acceleration of all components, leading to inefficiencies and increased travel distances.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting device design with independently movable pipetting modules on parallel beams, allowing for simultaneous operation and reduced travel distances, and a shared needle washing unit to enhance throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pipetting needles are arranged on a single arm structure, then device complexity is reduced, but travel distance increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipetting device divides the single arm structure into two separate parallel beams (first beam and second beam), each capable of independent movement. This segmentation allows each beam to travel shorter distances independently while maintaining the overall pipetting functionality, thereby reducing total travel distance and increasing throughput.
2Productivity
If all pipetting components are accelerated simultaneously, then throughput is improved, but device complexity and synchronization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic independence by allowing the first and second beams to move and accelerate independently of each other. Each beam can be controlled separately, eliminating the need for complex synchronization mechanisms while still achieving high throughput through parallel operations.
3Productivity
If pipetting modules are positioned to minimize travel distance, then throughput increases, but the ability to service multiple vessels simultaneously is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by arranging pipetting modules at different heights on the parallel beams. This three-dimensional arrangement allows multiple vessels to be serviced simultaneously while maintaining optimized travel distances, as modules can operate at different vertical levels without interfering with each other's horizontal movement paths.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an automatic pipetting system for transferring liquid from dispensing vessels into at least one receiving vessel. In one example embodiment, the system includes a movable pipettor moveable along an x-direction. The pipettor including an arm including two beams and a base structure, and at least one pipetting module. The base structure is movable in the x-direction, and is coupled to the two beams. The two beams oriented parallel to one another and project horizontally in the y-direction. The at least one pipetting module is moveable along each of the two beams in a y-direction and includes at least one hollow needle lowerable in to the dispensing vessels and the receiving vessels. Wherein the at least one pipetting modules move independently past one another on mutually facing longitudinal sides of said beams.