Multi-Nozzle Droplet Ejecting Apparatus Parallel Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing droplet ejecting apparatuses take a long time to dispense solutions into microplates with many wells, leading to potential volatilization of highly volatile solutions and changes in solute concentration, which can result in inaccurate concentration dispensing during dose-response experiments.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a solution holding container connected to multiple nozzle groups, allowing simultaneous dispensing into multiple well openings, reducing the overall dispensing time and minimizing solute volatilization by distributing the solution across multiple nozzles, thereby maintaining concentration accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single nozzle is used to dispense solution into each well, then the concentration accuracy is maintained, but the dispensing time becomes excessively long causing solution volatilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single nozzle into multiple nozzles (first nozzle group and second nozzle group) that can simultaneously dispense solutions into different wells. This segmentation allows parallel dispensing operations, significantly reducing the total dispensing time while maintaining concentration accuracy through independent control of each nozzle group. The multiple nozzles work concurrently to fill multiple wells, preventing solution volatilization during the dispensing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple nozzle groups with multiple solution holding containers into an integrated dispensing system. The first nozzle group communicates with the first solution holding container, while the second nozzle group communicates with the second solution holding container. This merging of multiple dispensing channels into a coordinated system enables simultaneous multi-well filling, resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy by allowing parallel operations with independent concentration control.
2Productivity
If multiple nozzles are used to dispense simultaneously, then the dispensing time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into distinct nozzle groups, each associated with specific solution holding containers. The first nozzle group handles the first solution while the second nozzle group handles the second solution. This segmentation simplifies the control architecture by creating modular units that can be independently managed, reducing the overall system complexity despite having multiple nozzles operating simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Each nozzle group is designed to be multi-functional, capable of dispensing different solutions by communicating with different solution holding containers. The nozzle groups can be selectively activated depending on which solution needs to be dispensed into which wells, providing universal functionality that reduces the need for additional specialized components and simplifies the overall device configuration.
3Quantity of substance
If the dispensing time is extended to cover all wells, then all wells can be filled, but highly volatile solutions undergo concentration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dispensing operation into parallel streams using multiple nozzle groups that simultaneously dispense into different wells. This segmentation reduces the total time required to fill all wells, preventing concentration changes in highly volatile solutions. Each nozzle group operates independently but concurrently, ensuring that the entire dispensing process is completed quickly while maintaining concentration stability across all wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous parallel dispensing action through multiple nozzle groups that operate simultaneously throughout the dispensing process. Rather than sequentially filling wells one at a time, the system maintains continuous useful action across multiple wells concurrently, minimizing the exposure time of highly volatile solutions to environmental conditions and preventing concentration changes.
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 approach significantly reduces the time required to dispense solutions into large microplates, minimizing solute volatilization and ensuring accurate concentration delivery across all wells, even for highly volatile solutions.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator that controls pressure of the solution inside the pressure chamber to eject the solution from the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a droplet ejecting apparatus includes a solution holding container having a solution inlet for receiving a solution on a first side and a plurality of solution outlets on a second side, a plurality of droplet ejecting arrays, each droplet ejecting array being respectively connected to one solution outlet in the plurality of solution outlets, and a first nozzle group in each droplet ejecting array fluidly connected to the respective one solution outlet via a pressure chamber structure.