Liquid Handling Device with Flow Sensor Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated analyser systems for liquid handling in clinical diagnostics and life sciences lack an efficient and precise method for monitoring and controlling the uptake or release of liquids, particularly in terms of flow rate and pressure, which can be affected by obstructions, fluid composition, and system malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a pump, a flow sensor, and a controller that measures and adjusts the flow rate and pressure in a fluid channel, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of the liquid uptake or release, with features such as time interval calculations and tolerance range assessments to ensure accurate and reliable liquid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring and control of flow rate and pressure is implemented, then liquid handling precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback control by continuously monitoring flow rate and pressure through sensors, comparing measured values against target values, and automatically adjusting pump parameters to correct deviations. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise liquid handling while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of flow parameters with automated electronic control systems. The controller automatically adjusts pump parameters based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual mechanical tuning and reducing overall device complexity while improving precision.
2Reliability
If flow rate and pressure are continuously monitored, then detection of obstructions and fluid differentiation is improved, but measurement and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional sensor system that simultaneously performs multiple detection tasks including obstruction detection, fluid differentiation, and flow parameter measurement. This universal sensing approach improves reliability across multiple functions while reducing the overall measurement and control difficulty by consolidating detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically analyzing sensor data to detect obstructions and differentiate fluids, then autonomously adjusting pump parameters without external intervention. This self-service capability enhances detection reliability while simplifying measurement and control operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If pump parameters are dynamically adjusted, then flow rate control precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of pump parameters including rotation speed, stroke length, and timing, allowing the system to adapt to varying flow requirements in real-time. This dynamic control capability achieves high flow rate precision while the integrated controller manages system complexity through automated parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise flow rate control by dynamically changing multiple pump parameters such as rotation speed, stroke length, and timing sequences. The controller automatically optimizes these parameters based on real-time feedback, improving flow control precision while managing system complexity through integrated control logic.
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 device effectively detects obstructions, differentiates between fluids, and ensures precise control of liquid flow, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of liquid handling processes in automated analyser systems.
Implementation Method 1
At least one flow sensor measures a flow rate of the fluid in the fluid channel
Implementation Method 2
a pump pumping a fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for dosing an uptake or a release of a liquid. The device comprises a pump pumping a fluid, a pump drive driving the pump, and a fluid channel connected to the pump. A tip is connected to the fluid channel comprising an opening for the uptake or the release of the liquid. At least one flow sensor measures a flow rate of the fluid in the fluid channel. A controller monitors and adjusts the flow rate and/or pressure in the fluid channel.