Liquid Handling Device Tray Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid handling devices face misalignment issues with well trays, leading to improper liquid deposition, such as no liquid in some wells, excess in others, and liquid being deposited on walls or over the edge, especially when dispensing near the perimeter.
Innovation Solution
A tray position detection system using a light source and sensors to analyze reflected light signals from the well tray's structural features, allowing precise determination of the tray's position and orientation, and thereby guiding the liquid deposition device for accurate dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the dispenser moves or uses multiple dispensing nozzles at different positions, then dispensing flexibility and coverage are improved, but misalignment with well tray increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the well tray position using optical sensors before dispensing begins. The detected position information is used to pre-calculate and adjust the dispensing coordinates, ensuring that even with multiple nozzles or moving dispensers, each liquid is deposited accurately into the corresponding well.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the well tray position using optical detection and feeds this information back to the control system. Based on the feedback, the dispensing coordinates are dynamically adjusted in real-time, compensating for any misalignment caused by dispenser movement or multiple nozzle positions.
2Productivity
If dispensing is performed near the well perimeter, then well utilization is improved, but misdeposition risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Before dispensing near the perimeter, the system performs preliminary optical detection to precisely determine the well tray position and orientation. This allows the control system to pre-calculate accurate dispensing coordinates even for wells located at the perimeter, where misalignment would have the most significant impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical alignment methods with optical detection and software-based coordinate transformation. Instead of relying on physical alignment fixtures, the system uses optical sensors to detect well tray features and computationally determines precise dispensing locations, enabling accurate perimeter dispensing.
3Device complexity
If well tray alignment is not precisely controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but liquid deposition accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical alignment control mechanisms with an optical detection and software-based correction system. Optical sensors detect the well tray position and orientation, and software algorithms calculate the necessary coordinate transformations, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment fixtures and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary optical detection system between the well tray and the dispensing mechanism. This intermediary detects the well tray position and provides correction information to the control system, acting as a mediator that enables accurate dispensing without requiring direct mechanical alignment between components.
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
This solution significantly reduces misdeposition of liquid by ensuring accurate positioning of the well tray, allowing for effective liquid delivery into wells and enabling dispensing near the perimeter without errors.
Implementation Method 1
A tray position detection system may be utilized that employs a light source and sensors to analyze reflected light signals from structural features of the well tray
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid handling device that determines a position of a tray utilizing light reflected from structural features of the tray.