Pipette Assembly Mounting Interface for Stable Quick Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid handling systems face difficulties in easy attachment/detachment and stable mechanical and electrical coupling of handling modules due to fastening screws and cables, leading to instability and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A detachable mounting system with a fixing unit and a handling module that uses hook and groove mechanisms for mechanical coupling and pogo pin connectors for electrical connection, allowing easy attachment/detachment and stable positioning of handling modules like pipette assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fastening screws are used to physically couple the robot unit and the pipette assembly, then the mechanical connection is established, but the attachment/detachment process becomes difficult and time-consuming, and the fastening loosens due to vibrations and backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is divided into separate components: a fixing unit with a hook and a mounting part with a groove. This segmentation allows for easy attachment by simply engaging the hook with the groove, and easy detachment by releasing the hook, eliminating the need for screw fastening while maintaining mechanical stability
Solution Approach 2:
The screw fastening system is replaced with a hook-groove mechanical coupling system. This substitution eliminates the complexity of screw threading and fastening while providing a more reliable connection that is resistant to loosening from vibrations and backlash
2Reliability
If cables are used for electrical connection in the pipette assembly, then electrical connection is established, but the cable degrades due to repeated twisting, creates contamination risk, and complicates system management
Solution Approach 1:
The cable-based electrical connection is replaced with a connector system that uses electrical contacts integrated into the mounting interface. This substitution eliminates the flexible cable that is susceptible to twisting and degradation, providing a more reliable and clean electrical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical mounting function and electrical connection function are merged into a single integrated interface. The connector is combined with the mounting part and fixing unit, so that mechanical attachment simultaneously establishes electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate cable management
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pipette assembly is physically coupled to the robot unit, then the handling module can be transferred, but the considerable weight of the pipette assembly makes it difficult to achieve stable coupling and precise position control
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a robot unit and a detachable handling module (pipette assembly). This segmentation allows the handling module to be easily attached and detached while the robot unit remains lightweight and maneuverable, improving position control precision during transfer operations
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing for precise positioning and alignment during attachment. The hook-groove mechanism provides stable coupling once engaged, maintaining position control precision throughout operation
Data Source
AI summary
An automated liquid handling system includes a transfer robot unit, a handling module, and a fixing unit which is coupled to a head of the robot unit and on which a pipette assembly is to be mounted, wherein the handling module is provided with a mounting part detachably mounted on the fixing unit. The fixing unit includes a body part, a fixing part hook formed at an upper portion of one side of the body part and a lower protrusion disposed at a lower portion of the one side of the body part, the mounting part includes a body, a movable hook part formed at an upper portion of one side of the body and a lower groove formed at a lower portion of the one side of the body to correspond to the lower protrusion, a catching step is formed at the lower groove, and the lower protrusion extends from the lower portion of the one side of the body part to support the catching step from below, and the movable hook part is hook-coupled to a fixing unit hook.