Multichannel Pipette Tip Imaging for Real-Time Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipetting technologies struggle to reliably detect leaks in multichannel pipettors, leading to errors in liquid volume aspiration and dispensing, which are difficult to diagnose and can invalidate scientific experiments, especially when using disposable tips with imperfect seals.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting apparatus equipped with an image capturing device and image processing system for real-time leakage detection, capable of identifying leaks in each channel of a multichannel pipettor by capturing and analyzing images of pipette tips during the pipetting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable pipette tips are used to prevent contamination, then sample-to-sample contamination is prevented, but airtight seal reliability deteriorates due to imperfect seals at the tip-extension interface
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary leak detection test by creating a vacuum and monitoring pressure changes before the actual pipetting operation. This advance detection identifies tips with imperfect seals, allowing the system to alert the user or discard problematic tips before they compromise experiment integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pressure changes within the pipette channel during aspiration and dispensing operations. When a pressure deviation indicating a leak is detected, the system provides immediate feedback by pausing the pipetting sequence and notifying the user, enabling real-time correction of seal issues.
2Reliability
If manual leak detection methods are used, then leak detection capability is provided, but operator time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated leak detection by independently monitoring pressure changes within the pipetting channels without requiring manual intervention. The processor automatically analyzes pressure data, identifies leaks, and pauses operations when necessary, enabling the system to self-diagnose and self-correct leak issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual visual inspection and physical leak testing methods with an electronic pressure sensing system. Pressure sensors and a processor automatically detect leaks by monitoring pressure deviations, eliminating the need for operators to manually check each tip while providing more sensitive and reliable detection.
3Productivity
If multichannel pipettors are used to increase throughput, then productivity increases, but leak detection complexity increases making diagnosis difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the multichannel pipettor into individual channel segments, with each channel monitored independently by dedicated pressure sensors. The processor analyzes pressure data for each channel separately, identifying which specific channel has a leak. This segmentation transforms a complex multichannel diagnosis problem into simple individual channel assessments.
4Measurement precision
If leak detection is performed continuously to ensure accuracy, then pipetting accuracy is maintained, but system complexity and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs leak detection at periodic intervals during the pipetting sequence - specifically before aspiration, between aspiration and dispensing, and after dispensing. This periodic monitoring ensures accuracy without requiring continuous complex monitoring, as the system checks at critical transition points where leaks would manifest.
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
Ensures high accuracy and reliability in pipetting operations by automatically detecting and pausing the pipetting process in case of leaks, providing comprehensive leakage checks without requiring additional operator time or effort.
Implementation Method 1
A pipetting apparatus equipped with an image capturing device and image processing system for real-time leakage detection, capable of identifying leaks in each channel of a multichannel pipettor by capturing and analyzing images of pipette tips during the pipetting process.
Implementation Method 2
When the piston is withdrawn away from the tip, it creates a partial vacuum (or lower pressure) within the cylinder chamber which will cause the liquid to rise into the tip due to ideal gas laws.
Implementation Method 3
When the piston is withdrawn away from the tip, it creates a partial vacuum (or lower pressure) within the cylinder chamber which will cause the liquid to rise into the tip due to ideal gas laws.
Implementation Method 4
When the tip is in position over the destination container, the piston can then be moved downward toward the tip which will cause an increase in pressure in the air column between the piston and the liquid inside the tip. This increased pressure will then cause the liquid to be dispensed from the tip into the destination container.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide a novel design of a pipetting leakage detection apparatus that addresses the shortcomings of the current art for full-time leakage detection for pipetting actions using a single channel pipettor or multichannel pipettors. The pipetting apparatus employs an image capturing device combined with an image analysis process to provide a reliable and comprehensive leakage check for each channel of a multichannel pipettor.