Liquid Handler Head Framing Calibration Using Clay Test Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid handling tools face issues with proper framing, leading to misalignment of pipette tips and labware, resulting in improper dispensing of liquids and potential well plate lifting, due to inadequate positioning and tip straightness.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a test plate with an inelastically deformable clay surface to receive imprints from pipette tips, allowing for analysis of head and tip alignment errors, including a processor-based system to determine framing errors and tip straightness, enabling correction of positioning and loading processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional framing methods are used to position the head at a station, then the liquid handler can operate, but misalignment of pipette tips and labware occurs leading to improper dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The test plate is prepared in advance with a pliable layer that can be deformed by pipette tips. Before actual liquid dispensing operations, the system performs preliminary imprinting to capture the exact positions of pipette tip dispensing ends, allowing alignment errors to be identified and corrected before they affect liquid handling reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The test plate with its pliable layer acts as an intermediary measurement tool between the pipette tips and the labware. By imprinting the positions of pipette tip dispensing ends on the test plate, the system creates a measurable record that reveals framing errors without directly interfering with the liquid dispensing process.
2Productivity
If the head is positioned at a station without verification, then operations can proceed, but pipette tips do not mount properly or enter target-wells incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the test plate captures positional information about pipette tip dispensing ends, this information is analyzed to determine framing errors, and the results are used to adjust head positioning or tip loading procedures. This continuous feedback ensures high precision without significantly reducing operational throughput.
3Productivity
If no alignment verification is performed, then the liquid handler operates continuously, but framing errors cause well plates to lift off the deck
Solution Approach 1:
By performing alignment verification using the test plate before actual liquid handling operations, the system prevents framing errors from causing well plate lifting during continuous operation. The preliminary imprinting and analysis catch alignment issues before they manifest as harmful effects.
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 system effectively measures and corrects head framing and tip alignment, ensuring accurate liquid dispensing and preventing well plate lifting by providing precise alignment data for improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pliable layer formed of clay and including an inelastically deformable surface configured to receive an imprint of pipette tips positioned on the head of the liquid handler, where inelastically deformable means that, when one or more imprints are made in the surface, the imprints remain until a smoothing process is performed to once again flatten the surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A system is disclosed for measuring head framing and tip straightness in a liquid handler. The present system uses a test plate (120), having an upper surface formed of clay or other impressionable material. The test plate may be placed at a liquid handling station (104). Pipette tips (108) may then be loaded onto the head (106), and the head positioned at the station including the test plate. The head may be actuated in the z-direction so that he tips leave an imprint in the upper surface of the test plate. The imprint of the tips on the test plate may then be analyzed using any of a variety of measurement techniques to determine head framing alignment or misalignment.