Multi-channel pipetting head alignment plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid handling apparatuses with multi-channel heads require additional actuators to securely clamp and align disposable tips, increasing complexity and potentially leading to tip misalignment during use.
Innovation Solution
A liquid handling apparatus with a multi-channel head that includes a carrier plate with connectors, an alignment plate, and a linear displacement mechanism. The alignment plate moves relative to the connectors to ensure precise alignment of disposable tips without the need for additional actuators to compress and deform seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If attachments with actuatable elements (sleeves, O-rings) are used to clamp disposable tips, then secure clamping is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional actuators required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex actuator mechanism (sleeves, O-rings, actuatable elements) from the tip clamping system. Instead, it uses a simple linear displacement mechanism that moves the entire alignment plate with integrated connectors, thereby achieving secure tip attachment without requiring additional actuators for seal compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for connectors, ensures precise alignment of disposable tips, and facilitates tip attachment/detachment through linear displacement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuators dedicated solely to seal compression and tip clamping.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized disposable tips with annular grooves are used for O-ring expansion, then precise axial alignment is achieved, but adaptability to standard disposable tips is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric seal on the connector performs the alignment function automatically during the tip attachment process. When the connector is inserted into the disposable tip, the seal deforms and expands against the tip's internal passageway, self-adjusting to ensure proper alignment without requiring specialized tip features like annular grooves.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanism from rigid mechanical alignment (O-ring expansion in annular grooves) to flexible elastomeric deformation. The elastomeric seal can adapt its shape and size to accommodate standard disposable tips while maintaining precise alignment, thereby increasing versatility without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
3Ease of operation
If a stop plate is used as backstop during tip pickup, then tip attachment is facilitated, but alignment precision may be compromised due to gap formation after seal relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment plate is designed with connectors positioned at the exact final alignment position from the beginning. The linear displacement mechanism moves the entire assembly in a controlled manner, ensuring that tips are attached and aligned in the correct position without requiring subsequent adjustment or compensation for seal relaxation gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the alignment function into the connector design itself. The connectors are integrally formed with the alignment plate and maintain precise relative positions, ensuring that tip alignment is preserved throughout the attachment process and after seal relaxation, eliminating the need for separate alignment adjustments.
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 apparatus achieves reliable and precise pick-up and alignment of disposable tips, ensuring accurate liquid dispensing and reducing complexity by eliminating the need for additional actuators to manage seal deformation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric seal arranged on a seat on a peripheral end of each connector and surrounding an outer circumference of the connector, wherein said insertion deforms the elastomeric seal against the disposable tip internal passageway so as to form a sealing contact therewith
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-channel head (100) of a liquid handling apparatus for aspirating and dispensing a metered amount of liquid, comprising: - an array of connectors (130) for picking up an array of disposable tips, whereby a peripheral end of each connector is provided with an elastomeric seal (140); - an alignment plate (150) that is moveable in a z-direction and has a plurality of openings through which the connectors (130) extend, and - a linear displacement mechanism (170b, 175), driven by a motor (180), for moving the alignment plate (150) in z-direction relative to the connectors. The multi-channel head is configured for attaching the array of disposable tips in a pick-up action, in which the multi-channel head (100) is lowered relative to the disposable tips so as to insert each connector into an internal passageway of a corresponding disposable tip by an amount sufficient to bring an upper collar of the disposable tips into contact with an underside (150s) of the alignment plate. This insertion deforms the elastomeric seal against the tip internal passageway so as to form a sealing contact therewith. The head (100) is further configured such that once the pick-up action is complete, an alignment action is performed in which the alignment plate (150) is moved relative to connectors (130) by an amount sufficient to close any gap between the underside (150s) of the alignment plate and the upper surface of the tip collars that arises due to e.g. relaxation of the deformed seals (140).