Multi-channel metering device with adjustable holder spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-channel dosing devices with rigidly arranged holders are expensive to construct and lack positional accuracy in adjusting to different microtiter plate well distances, requiring significant force for scissor lever mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The multi-channel dosing device employs round chain links to couple holders, allowing precise adjustment with minimal effort, using a drive device that moves outer supports to adjust the distance between holders, which can be easily fixed in specific positions for either close or wide spacing, matching microtiter plate configurations like 4.5 mm and 9.0 mm pitches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigidly arranged holders are used, then construction is simpler, but the device cannot adapt to different microtiter plate well distances
Solution Approach 1:
The holder arrangement is made dynamically adjustable through a scissor mechanism that allows the distance between holders to be changed. The mechanism includes movable arms connected by joints, enabling the holder spacing to be varied to match different microtiter plate configurations (e.g., 96-well plates with 9mm spacing or 384-well plates with 4.5mm spacing).
2Ease of operation
If scissor lever mechanism is used for adjustment, then holder distance can be changed, but significant force is required and positional accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A pin-and-slot mechanism serves as an intermediary between the scissor lever and the holder mounting. The pins engage with precision-machined slots that have defined stopping positions, allowing the operator to easily snap the holders into accurate positions without requiring precise manual positioning or excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses simple, easily replaceable pins and slots instead of complex precision mechanisms. The pins can be easily inserted and removed, and the slots provide built-in positioning features that ensure repeatable accuracy without requiring expensive precision components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If scissor lever mechanism is used for adjustment, then holder distance can be changed, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into discrete, modular components: separate scissor arms, individual pins, and slots with defined features. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, reducing overall construction cost compared to monolithic precision mechanisms.
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 enables precise and effortless adjustment of holder distances, reducing construction costs and operational effort while ensuring accurate positioning for various microtiter plate formats, preventing contamination and carryover between samples.
Implementation Method 1
round chain links arranged on the bolts of adjacent brackets, there being a free space between the bolts and the curves of the round chain links if the brackets are in the pushed-together position
Implementation Method 2
drive device which acts on at least one of the two outer holders, by means of which the holders can be moved apart and along the guide can be pushed together
Implementation Method 3
stop surfaces on the sides of the holders facing one another, a guide, on which the holders can be displaced
Implementation Method 4
the bolts abut internally against the end curves of the round chain links when the brackets are fully extended
Data Source
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AI summary
Multi-channel dosing device with displacement devices for displacing several air columns, several holders having a shaft for detachable connection to a pipette tip, a connection and a connecting channel extending from the free end of the shaft to the connection, flexible lines connecting the displacement devices to the connections, a guide on which the holders can be displaced with shafts aligned parallel to each other and perpendicular to the guide, stop surfaces on the opposing sides of the holders, bolts projecting from the holders and directed perpendicular to the guide and the shafts, round chain links arranged on the bolts of adjacent holders, wherein a clearance exists between the bolts and the radii of the round chain links when the stop surfaces of the adjacent holders are in contact, and a drive device.which engages at least one of the two outer supports, by means of which the supports can be slid apart and together along the guide.