Pipette Tip Rack Handling Device with Moveable Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory automation systems face inefficiencies in handling racks of disposable pipette tips, particularly in automated removal and replacement, which requires manual intervention and lacks a reliable mechanism for seamless integration with pipetting systems.
Innovation Solution
A device with a loading and supply region, guided by rails, utilizing a moveable block and driving device for controlled rack movement, enabling automatic removal and replacement of racks, and incorporating sensors for state detection and control integration with the laboratory automation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual intervention is used for rack removal and replacement, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and automation extent deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail system is segmented into multiple sections with individual moveable blocks that can independently control each rack position. This allows automated removal of individual racks without requiring complex system-wide mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between automation extent and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable block system enables racks to be automatically removed and replaced without manual intervention. The blocking mechanism self-regulates to either secure or release racks based on driving device activation, achieving high automation while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple through self-service operation.
2Reliability
If racks are securely held in supply region, then reliability of tip delivery is improved, but ease of operation for rack removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable blocks transition between static (blocking) and dynamic (releasing) states based on operational needs. During tip delivery, blocks are in static blocking position to secure racks reliably. For rack removal, blocks are dynamically repositioned to clear the rack path, making removal easy without compromising prior stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the moveable blocks from a blocking position (securing racks) to a retracted position (enabling removal). This parameter change allows the same mechanism to provide both reliable rack holding during operation and easy rack removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Productivity
If automated moving mechanism is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking function is extracted as a separate, independent moveable block system rather than being integrated into the main rack structure or guide rail framework. This extraction allows the automated moving mechanism to operate with minimal complexity, as the blocks can be independently controlled without affecting other system components, thereby improving productivity while limiting complexity growth.
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
Enables efficient, automated, and reliable handling of disposable pipette tip racks, ensuring smooth operation, reducing manual intervention, and improving the integration with pipetting systems by leveraging gravitational forces and precise positioning for accurate tip delivery.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging gravitational forces and precise positioning for accurate tip delivery
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (1) for handling racks (2) of disposable pipette tips (20) in a laboratory automation system, the device (1) comprising at least one guide rail (6) for guiding racks (2) from a loading region (I) to a supply region (II), wherein the loading region (I) is accessible by a user or a loading means for loading at least one rack (2) on the at least one guide rail (6), wherein a plurality of disposable pipette tips (20) stored in a supplying rack (2) located in the supply region (II) is accessible by a delivering device for delivering at least one selected one of the plurality of disposable pipette tips (20) to a pipetting system, and wherein the device (1) comprises at least one moveable element, which is controllably moveable by means of a driving device for selectively enabling or disabling a removal of the supplying rack (2) from the supply region (II). A method for handling racks of disposable pipette tips in a laboratory automation system and to a laboratory automation system comprising such a device and/or adapted for carrying out such a method.