Lab Tool Adapter Structure for Liquid Handling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory liquid handling systems lack efficient methods for securely attaching, transporting, and operating lab tools, such as grippers, within the system.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory liquid handling system incorporating a pipetting module with first and second pipettors, a lab tool with an integral adapter structure and active effector, and a drive system that secures the lab tool to the pipetting module, transports it, operates the active effector, and releases the lab tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lab tool is securely attached to the pipetting module for transportation, then the reliability of tool positioning is improved, but the ease of operation for releasing and replacing tools deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter structure incorporates a releasable engagement mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The engagement feature includes movable components that can be actuated to release the lab tool, allowing the system to dynamically switch between secure attachment and easy release modes, resolving the contradiction between reliable positioning and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter structure serves as an intermediary component between the pipetting module and the lab tool. It provides a standardized interface with engagement features that facilitate both secure attachment during transportation and controlled release during operation, mediating between the conflicting requirements of reliability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pipetting module is designed to handle multiple lab tools, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter structure is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of lab tools through standardized engagement features. This multi-functional adapter allows the pipetting module to work with various lab tools without requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each tool type, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into modular components: the pipetting module, the universal adapter structure, and interchangeable lab tools. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and optimized, with the adapter serving as a standardized interface layer that enables versatility without complicating the core pipetting module structure.
3Reliability
If the lab tool includes an integral adapter structure for secure engagement, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism incorporates dynamic elements such as spring-loaded features or movable engagement components that can compensate for manufacturing tolerances. These dynamic features allow the adapter structure to achieve reliable attachment through self-adjustment rather than requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision, resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A laboratory liquid handling system includes a pipetting module, a lab tool, and a drive system. The pipetting module includes first and second pipettors each including a pipettor shaft and a fluid passage extending through the pipettor shaft and terminating at an orifice at an end of the pipettor shaft. The lab tool includes at least one integral adapter structure and an integral active effector. The adapter structure(s) is/are configured to engage the first pipettor shaft and to releasably secure the lab tool to the first pipettor shaft. The drive system is operable to: engage the first pipettor shaft with the adapter structure(s) to secure the lab tool to the pipetting module; move the pipetting module to transport the lab tool; operate the active effector using the second pipettor shaft; and disengage the first pipettor shaft from the adapter structure(s) to thereby release the lab tool from the pipetting module.