Modular Pipette Manifold for Independent Multi-Channel Liquid Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated pipetting systems for biological samples are labor-intensive due to the need for multiple liquid transfer operations and the handling of various reagents, requiring a universal and customizable liquid handling system that can efficiently manage large quantities of samples for diagnostic testing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser system with a manifold and multiple pipette channels, each equipped with a dispense head, pressure, and vacuum ports, and independently controlled valves to aspirate and dispense liquids, allowing for simultaneous and independent operation of multiple pipette channels with different calibration settings and pressure/volume control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple liquid transfer operations are performed manually, then sample preparation can be completed, but labor intensity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the liquid handling function into multiple independent pipette channels (first pipette channel, second pipette channel, etc.), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously, dramatically increasing throughput while reducing the manual labor required for each individual transfer operation
Solution Approach 2:
The automated pipetting system performs liquid transfer operations autonomously without manual intervention. The system self-regulates the aspirate and dispense cycles through programmed control of the pipette channels, eliminating the need for operators to manually perform repetitive liquid handling tasks
2Extent of automation
If a universal liquid handling system is implemented, then automation of sample preparation improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple pipette channels that can be selectively coupled to a common manifold, creating a universal liquid handling platform capable of performing various aspirate and dispense operations. This modular universal design allows the same system architecture to handle different sample types and volumes while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into independent pipette channels that can be selectively coupled to the manifold. This segmentation allows the system to scale automation level by level - users can activate only the number of channels needed for their specific application, managing complexity while maintaining automation capability
3Productivity
If multiple pipette channels operate simultaneously, then processing capacity increases, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control into individual valves for each pipette channel, with each valve independently controllable. This segmentation of control allows parallel operation of multiple channels while maintaining simple, modular control logic that can be managed through standardized signaling protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic control capability where each pipette channel can be independently activated or deactivated based on operational requirements. The selective coupling mechanism allows the system to adapt its active channel configuration, enabling parallel processing when needed while simplifying control when fewer channels are required
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 significantly reduces labor intensity by enabling efficient and precise aspirate and dispense operations across multiple samples, improving the automation of sample preparation and handling in diagnostic testing environments.
Implementation Method 1
a valve in simultaneous fluid communication with the pressure port and the vacuum port, the valve operable to selectively divert gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispense head
Implementation Method 2
dispensing the liquid from the pipette tip in response to application of the gas under pressure to the dispense head
Implementation Method 3
aspirating the liquid into the pipette tip in response to application of the gas under vacuum to the dispense head
Data Source
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AI summary
Automated pipetting systems and methods are disclosed for aspirating and dispensing fluids, particularly biological samples. In one aspect, a liquid dispenser includes a manifold and one or more pipette channels. The manifold includes a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and a plurality of lanes. Each lane includes an electrical connector, a port to the pressure channel, and a port to the vacuum channel. The pipette channels can be modular. Each pipette channel includes a single dispense head and can be selectively and independently coupled to any one lane of the plurality of lanes. In some aspects, a valve in the pipette channel is in simultaneous fluid communication with a pressure port and a vacuum port of the manifold. The valve selectively diverts gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispense head in response to control signals received through the electrical connector of the manifold.