Laser Triangulation Pipette Tip Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipette tips with manufacturing defects, such as being slightly crooked or slanted, lead to inaccuracies and contamination during sample handling operations due to misalignment of the lower end with the longitudinal axis, affecting precise fluid dispensing and aspiration.
Innovation Solution
A laser triangulation system is used to locate the position of the pipette tip's lower end relative to the pipetting head, and a compensating action is performed by the controller to correct any irregularities, ensuring accurate alignment for fluid handling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser triangulation is used to locate pipette tip position, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with optical laser triangulation to detect pipette tip position. Instead of using mechanical sensors or complex actuation mechanisms, a laser source and detector optically measure the tip position, achieving high precision while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary to transfer position information from the pipette tip to the detector. The laser triangulation system acts as a mediator that converts physical tip position into measurable optical signals, enabling precise non-contact measurement.
2Manufacturing precision
If compensating action is performed for pipette tip deformities, then sample handling accuracy is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs position detection and compensating actions before actual sample handling operations. By detecting pipette tip position deformities upfront and calculating compensating movements in advance, the system ensures accurate fluid dispensing without time loss during critical sampling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the laser triangulation system continuously monitors pipette tip position, the controller calculates deviations from the longitudinal axis, and compensating actions are automatically applied. This closed-loop control ensures accuracy while minimizing time through automated real-time correction.
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
The solution ensures precise positioning of the pipette tip's lower end, reducing contamination and errors by compensating for deformities, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of sample handling operations.
Implementation Method 1
using laser triangulation to locate a position of the lower end of the pipette tip
Data Source
AI summary
A sample processing apparatus includes a laser triangulation system that locates the position of a lower end of a pipette tip. When the laser triangulation system identifies a discrepancy between the actual position of the lower end and the proper position of the lower end, the sample processing apparatus may undergo a compensating action to compensate for the discrepancy.