Pipette Tip Temperature Control for Analysis Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems for analysis apparatuses using pipette tips and reaction containers face challenges in maintaining the temperature of liquids during aspiration and dispensation, leading to decreased analysis accuracy due to temperature drops when the pipette tip is removed from the heating apparatus and exposed to environmental temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control system that includes a pipette tip temperature controller to heat the distal end of the pipette tip using hot air and a reaction container temperature controller to maintain the reaction container at the target temperature, ensuring that both the pipette tip and liquid remain at optimal temperatures during processing by returning the pipette nozzle to the heating position after each use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pipette tip is removed from the heating apparatus to perform liquid dispensation, then the pipette tip can access the reaction container, but the temperature of the pipette tip and liquid decreases due to environmental temperature exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats the pipette tip in the heating apparatus before liquid dispensation. The controller activates the heating apparatus to heat the pipette tip to a predetermined temperature before the pipette tip is removed to perform dispensation operations, ensuring the tip maintains sufficient temperature during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating apparatus continuously maintains the pipette tip at the target temperature during liquid dispensation operations. The controller keeps the heating apparatus activated throughout the dispensation process, providing continuous heat supply to compensate for environmental temperature effects and maintain stable liquid temperature.
2Temperature
If the pipette tip is kept in the heating apparatus during liquid dispensation, then the temperature is maintained, but the pipette tip cannot reach the reaction container
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the position of the pipette nozzle between a heating position (where the tip is heated) and a dispensing position (where the tip accesses the reaction container). The controller coordinates the movement of the pipette nozzle with the heating apparatus operation, ensuring the tip is heated when in the heating position and moved to the dispensing position when heating is complete.
3Device complexity
If the reaction container is not temperature-controlled, then the system complexity is reduced, but the reaction efficiency and analysis accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The heating apparatus serves multiple functions: it heats both the pipette tip and the reaction container through a unified heating mechanism. The controller manages both heating operations simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate heating systems for the tip and container, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable temperature control for both components.
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 stabilizes the reaction efficiency and enhances analysis accuracy by preventing temperature drops of the liquid in the pipette tip and maintaining the reaction container at the target temperature, even when the pipette nozzle is lowered from the heating position, allowing multiple processing cycles without significant temperature loss.
Implementation Method 1
heats, in a concentrated manner, at least a distal end portion of the pipette tip of the pipette nozzle located at a predetermined heating position with hot air emitted from a heat source
Implementation Method 2
the process of putting the heater and the fan into action with the pipette tip inserted in the heating apparatus through the insertion hole and circulating heated air inside the heating apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a temperature control system applied to an apparatus for analyzing a sample using a pipette nozzle and a reaction container, including a pipette tip temperature controller that heats a pipette tip which is fitted on the pipette nozzle and aspirates or discharges liquid and a reaction container temperature controller that heats the reaction container. The pipette tip temperature controller heats, in a concentrated manner, at least a distal end portion of the pipette tip of the pipette nozzle located at a predetermined heating position with hot air emitted from a heat source and is configured such that a distal end is capable of arriving at the reaction container by lowering the pipette nozzle from the heating position.