Pipette Tip with Embedded Electrodes for Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid handling methods struggle to maintain consistent pipette tip depth during fluid transfer operations, leading to errors in volume aspiration and dispensation due to the lack of real-time liquid level tracking, which requires prior knowledge of container geometry and assumes uniform volume changes.
Innovation Solution
A pipette tip with electrically insulating material and embedded electrodes that provide real-time resistance feedback to maintain a consistent depth, allowing for automatic adjustment of the pipette tip position using a controller and actuator, eliminating the need for prior container geometry knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If real-time liquid level tracking is implemented using electrodes and resistance feedback, then pipette tip depth consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by measuring electrical resistance between electrodes on the pipette tip and the liquid surface. The controller continuously monitors resistance changes and automatically adjusts the pipette tip depth to maintain optimal positioning, resolving the contradiction between improved depth consistency and increased device complexity through automated closed-loop control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical liquid level detection methods with electrical resistance measurement. Instead of using mechanical sensors or complex optical systems, the invention uses simple electrical electrodes and resistance measurements to detect liquid level, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
2Loss of information
If prior knowledge of container geometry is required for liquid level tracking, then liquid level can be predicted, but adaptability to various labware containers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically adapt to different container geometries without requiring pre-programmed information. The electrodes on the pipette tip directly measure the liquid level in real-time, allowing the system to self-adjust to any container shape or size, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining liquid level tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for preliminary container geometry characterization and programming. Instead of requiring pre-action setup, the system immediately begins real-time resistance measurement upon contact with the liquid, allowing direct adaptation to any container type without prior information requirements
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 ensures precise and accurate fluid transfer by maintaining a consistent pipette tip depth, reducing errors and simplifying the use of automated liquid handling instruments across various labware containers without requiring complex programming.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second electrodes are adapted to send the controller a signal relative to a conductive fluid that comes in contact with the outer surface of the pipette tip
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically maintaining a pipette tip depth in a conductive fluid during a fluid transfer operation, comprising the steps of: providing a pipetting device, comprising: a pipette tip; a first and a second electrode on the outer surface of the pipette tip; a frame supporting an actuator that is operatively connected to the pipette tip; and a controller that is in electrical connection with the first and second electrodes; providing a container fixed in height relative to the frame, the container holding a conductive fluid having a first liquid level; positioning the pipette tip in the container such that at least a portion of the first and second electrodes are submerged in the conductive fluid; measuring by the first and second electrodes a change in resistance relative to the conductive fluid; sending by the first and second electrodes a signal to the controller relative to the change.