Parallel Liquid Dispensing Piston Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sample input in automated laboratory devices are inefficient for large sample volumes, requiring multiple pipetting steps and leading to increased contamination risk and laboratory waste.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for parallel dispensing of liquids from multiple sample vessels using a single actuating unit, which simultaneously actuates the pistons in each vessel to dispense the liquid in a single step, allowing for efficient handling of large sample volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple pipetting steps are used for large sample volumes, then complete sample transfer is achieved, but input time increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the sample transfer process into multiple parallel channels, each with its own piston-driven dispensing system. This allows simultaneous processing of multiple samples or multiple transfer operations, eliminating the need for sequential pipetting steps and significantly reducing total input time while maintaining complete sample volume transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual or motorized pipetting mechanism with a piston-driven positive displacement system. The piston directly pushes the liquid through a defined path, enabling complete sample ejection in a single action without the need for multiple aspiration and dispensing cycles, thereby reducing input time and potential contamination events.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple pipetting steps are used for large sample volumes, then complete sample transfer is achieved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston-driven mechanical system eliminates the need for repeated contact with the sample liquid that occurs during multiple pipetting steps. The piston seal creates a closed system where the liquid path is minimized and controlled, reducing opportunities for contamination while ensuring complete sample transfer in fewer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-contained, disposable sample containers with integrated pistons. Each container is pre-sealed and requires no external intervention for sample ejection, eliminating contamination risks associated with external pipette tips contacting multiple samples or the environment during repeated operations.
3Reliability
If single-use pipette tips are used, then contamination is prevented, but laboratory waste accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The sample containers are designed as self-contained units with integrated pistons and sealed construction. The entire container can be disposed of as a single unit after use, eliminating the need for separate disposable pipette tips and reducing the overall volume of laboratory waste while maintaining contamination prevention through the sealed design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sample storage container, the dispensing mechanism, and the seal into a single integrated unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate disposable components like pipette tips, reducing material consumption and waste generation while maintaining the same level of contamination protection through the integrated sealed design.
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 solution enables efficient dispensing of large sample volumes with reduced contamination risk and laboratory waste, while improving productivity and quality by minimizing the number of handling steps.
Implementation Method 1
By actuating the respective piston, for example, a liquid arranged in the respective sample vessel is forced out of a dispensing opening by a sample volume in the respective sample vessel being reduced when the respective piston is actuated
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for the parallel dispensing of liquids from a plurality of sample vessels, comprising a holder for receiving and positioning the plurality of sample vessels; and a fluid extraction unit configured to actuate a piston in parallel in each of the plurality of sample vessels in order to dispense a liquid from the respective sample vessel.