Optical Pipette Interface Inspection for Volume Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample analysis systems face challenges in accurately measuring and controlling the volume and composition of samples and reagent liquids during high-speed processing, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination issues.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing a pipette with a camera and marking system to optically inspect the interface between the sample and a fluid, allowing for precise volume determination and composition analysis by comparing recorded images with reference spectra, ensuring accurate sample and reagent usage while preventing excessive sample volume and contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a needle system with three needles is used to add reagent liquid and washing solution to wells, then the process can be automated, but the process accuracy in terms of quantity setting is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of reagent additionVSAvoidquantity setting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical needle-based pipetting system with an optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the interface line between sample and air in the well, and an evaluation unit determines the sample volume based on the position of this interface line relative to a marking. This optical system provides more accurate volume determination while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the physical interface line position in the well. By capturing and evaluating the image of the interface line relative to the marking, the system determines volume without mechanical contact, improving precision while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If high process speed is used to produce solutions, then productivity increases, but volume measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess speedVSAvoidvolume measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places a marking in the well before adding the sample. This pre-positioned marking serves as a reference that remains valid during high-speed processing. The interface line position is evaluated relative to this fixed marking, allowing accurate volume determination even at high process speeds without requiring slow, careful measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of substance

If low quantities of sample and reagent liquid are used, then resource efficiency improves, but measurement reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample and reagent consumptionVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical detection (camera imaging) instead of mechanical displacement measurement to determine volume. This allows for more precise measurement of smaller volumes, enabling the use of lower quantities of sample and reagent while maintaining or improving measurement reliability through accurate optical detection of the interface line position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If simple well loading is used to reduce costs, then ease of operation improves, but contamination risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell loading simplicityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements optical feedback by capturing images of the interface line position and evaluating it against the marking. This feedback mechanism allows the system to verify correct sample loading and detect potential contamination issues automatically, maintaining simple operation while reducing contamination risks through real-time optical monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables precise control over sample and reagent volumes, reducing waste and contamination risks, and enhancing process reliability by ensuring the correct sample composition for analysis, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of sample analysis.

Implementation Method 1

an interface is formed in a pipette between the sample and a first fluid which is adjacent to the sample, said interface being optically perceptible outside the pipette as an interface line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9734420B2Device and method for inspecting a volume of a sample

Publication Date: 2017.08.15 AENEAS GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device useful for inspecting a sample. The device includes a camera in order to arrange that camera in an image field so that an interface line and a marker of the camera can be imaged as a recorded image. The device also has an evaluation unit which allows an evaluation of the recorded image and the marking in order to provide information to the observer.