Microplate Transfer Apparatus for Modular Liquid-Phase Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modularized liquid-phase equipment lacks the capability for fully automatic smart intelligent inspection systems, particularly for liquid supplement and replacement processes, and automating these systems with intelligent robots is costly and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A microplate transfer apparatus is introduced, which includes a first frame extendable into the modularized liquid-phase equipment, a second frame connected to the first frame, a chuck, and a push-pull mechanism. This apparatus allows for the transfer of microplates without occupying additional space, enabling integration with existing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mechanical arm is used to transfer microplates directly into or away from the analyzing equipment, then automation capability is improved, but equipment cost and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a microplate tray as an intermediary carrier between the robot and the analyzing equipment. Instead of the robot directly handling microplates or requiring a complex mechanical arm, the tray serves as a mediator that simplifies the transfer mechanism. The robot only needs to handle the tray, which then feeds microplates into the equipment through a simplified transfer mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the microplate handling function into separate components: the robot handles the tray separately from the microplate transfer function. This segmentation allows the robot to be simpler and less expensive, while the tray handles the microplate transfer through its own mechanism, dividing the complex task into manageable parts.
2Extent of automation
If existing modularized liquid-phase equipment is automated with intelligent robots, then inspection automation is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The microplate tray is designed as a universal component that can be integrated with existing modularized liquid-phase equipment without requiring complete system replacement. The tray's standardized interface allows it to work with various existing equipment models, enabling automation upgrades at lower cost while maintaining compatibility with the existing equipment infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, cost-effective microplate tray design that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Rather than investing in expensive, complex automated mechanical arms, the system uses an affordable tray mechanism that achieves the necessary automation function at reduced cost.
3Extent of automation
If a mechanical arm is used for microplate transfer, then transfer automation is improved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microplate tray is designed to nest within or attach to the existing equipment structure, utilizing available space efficiently. The tray can be positioned within the equipment's existing framework, allowing the robot to access it without requiring additional external space. This nesting approach minimizes the overall footprint of the automated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal mechanical arm configuration to a vertical or multi-dimensional tray positioning system. The tray can be moved into position from different spatial dimensions, allowing automation without requiring the same horizontal space that a traditional mechanical arm would occupy. This dimensional change enables compact system design.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a microplate transfer apparatus and a modularized liquid-phase equipment. The microplate transfer apparatus includes: a first frame extendable into the modularized liquid-phase equipment; a second frame connected to the first frame and fixed in place by being supported by the first frame in a state that the first frame extends into the modularized liquid-phase equipment; a chuck and a push-pull mechanism, the chuck and the push-pull mechanism being connected to the second frame, the chuck configured to be detachably connected to a microplate tray into which the microplate can be placed, the push-pull mechanism is configured to drive the chuck to push or pull the microplate tray to enter or exit the modularized liquid-phase equipment. The modularized liquid-phase equipment includes the microplate transfer apparatus and the microplate tray. The microplate transfer apparatus provided in the present disclosure can be added to the stacked modules of the modularized liquid-phase equipment conveniently, without occupying additional space and saving the need to change the original, compact position arrangement of the equipment in the laboratory.