Multi-well plate liquid distribution device with dispensing surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid distribution methods for multi-well plates face issues such as timing variations, shear forces, and cross-contamination, which affect the accuracy and consistency of assays, particularly in automated and manual pipetting systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-well plate liquid distribution device with an array of dispensing stations that include support ribs and dispensing surfaces, allowing for synchronized and simultaneous liquid distribution, minimizing contact with the plate bottom, and preventing cross-contamination by using reusable pipette tips without direct contact with the plate contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated liquid dispenser systems are used to transport specified amounts of liquid, then productivity is improved, but timing variations and shear forces worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary dispensing surface that receives liquid from the automated dispenser and then distributes it to multiple wells. This intermediary structure decouples the high-speed dispensing action from the precision distribution action, allowing the automated system to maintain high productivity while the passive dispensing surfaces ensure accurate, shear-force-free liquid distribution to each well.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual pipetting is used to dispense liquid, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dispensing functions into a single device structure. One automated dispenser can serve multiple dispensing surfaces simultaneously, and each dispensing surface can distribute to multiple wells. This combination achieves the precision of manual pipetting (by avoiding direct well contact) while dramatically reducing time through parallel distribution to multiple wells.
3Ease of operation
If pipette tips contact the plate bottom for liquid distribution, then ease of operation is improved, but cross-contamination worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the critical function of liquid distribution from the pipette tip itself. Instead of the tip directly contacting and distributing liquid to wells (which causes cross-contamination), the tip only performs the simple action of depositing liquid onto the dispensing surface. The actual distribution to wells is performed by the well-oriented dispensing surfaces, separating the deposition function from the distribution function to eliminate cross-contamination while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 eliminates timing variations, reduces shear forces, and prevents cross-contamination, resulting in improved consistency and accuracy of liquid distribution across multiple wells, enhancing assay performance and reducing human error in manual pipetting.
Implementation Method 1
applying vibration to the multi-well plate; and causing distribution of the predetermined amounts of liquids from each dispensing surface to respective wells of the multi-well plate
Implementation Method 2
applying pressure to the multi-well plate via a pressure manifold; and causing distribution of the predetermined amounts of liquids from each dispensing surface to respective wells of the multi-well plate
Implementation Method 3
applying mechanical force to the multi-well plate; and causing, in response to the mechanical force, distribution of the predetermined amounts of liquids from each dispensing surface to respective wells of the multi-well plate
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for multi-well plate liquid distribution are provided. Devices herein provide a plurality of dispensing stations configured to receive and dispense or disburse liquid to the wells of a multi-well plate. The dispensing stations include dispensing surfaces configured to receive liquid droplets dispensed by manual or automatic pipettes. The dispensing surfaces are configured to retain received liquids until force is applied and distribution to the wells of the multi-well plate occurs. Devices and methods provided herein increase the consistency of laboratory results in procedures requiring liquid distribution.