Pipette Tip Carrier Holder Vertical Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated laboratory systems face challenges in efficiently storing a large number of pipette tips in a space-saving manner, particularly due to limited installation space in laboratories.
Innovation Solution
The automated laboratory system incorporates a holder with a carrying apparatus and a support apparatus, allowing multiple pipette tip carriers to be stacked at different heights on workstations, thereby increasing storage capacity without significantly increasing the installation area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple pipette tip carriers are stored on the work area at different heights using a holder with carrying apparatus, then the storage capacity for pipette tips is substantially increased, but the device complexity increases due to the additional holder structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical stacking of pipette tip carriers at different heights on the work area, transitioning from horizontal storage to three-dimensional storage. The holder with carrying apparatus enables carriers to be positioned at multiple elevation levels, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to multiply storage capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint of the automated laboratory system.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder structure with carrying apparatus and support apparatus creates a nested configuration where multiple pipette tip carriers are stacked vertically within the same horizontal space. The carrying apparatus holds carriers at different heights, forming a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization and increases the quantity of stored pipette tips within the existing device envelope.
2Area of stationary object
If pipette tip carriers are stacked at multiple levels on the work area, then the installation area is utilized more efficiently, but the ease of operation decreases due to more complex tool movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces vertical movement capability to the pipetting tool, enabling it to access pipette tip carriers at different heights on the holder. This multi-level access capability allows efficient utilization of the vertical dimension within the installation area, increasing storage density while maintaining operational accessibility through programmed vertical positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated laboratory system's robot arm and pipetting tool are programmed to automatically navigate the three-dimensional workspace, picking up pipette tips from carriers at appropriate heights without manual intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of multi-level tool movements through automated control, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration and maintaining ease of operation despite the increased spatial complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated laboratory system includes a work area with a plurality of predefined workstations. Each of the plurality of predefined workstations occupies a footprint of a standardized microtiter plate. At least one tool holder is structured to move tools above the work area and at least one transport tool is structured to be moved by the tool holder in order to relocate laboratory items within the work area. At least one pipetting tool is structured to be moved by the tool holder in order to pick up and release pipette tips. A holder for pipette tip carriers includes at least one carrying apparatus defining a rectangular through-opening, and a support apparatus connected to the carrying apparatus. An electronic control apparatus is connected to the tool holder and structured to control movements of the transport tool and at least one pipetting tool by the tool holder.