Pipette Transport Tool for Automated Laboratory Article Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated pipetting systems face challenges in efficiently and precisely transporting laboratory articles, such as pipette tip carriers, microplates, and reagent containers, due to the need for additional gripper arms which can lead to slippage, reduced movement clearance, and increased space requirements, as well as additional costs and time for equipping articles with receptacle blocks.
Innovation Solution
A transport tool integrated with the pipette system, featuring a plug-in sleeve, an article holder, and a connecting part, allowing for the pipette to act as a gripper, with options for magnetic or adhesive connections, enabling the pipette to receive, transport, and deposit laboratory articles without a separate gripper arm, and allowing for automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate robot gripper arm is used to transport laboratory articles, then the articles can be moved between positions, but the system requires additional space, reduces movement clearance, and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transport function with the existing pipette system by integrating a transport tool that couples to the pipette. The pipette system, which already has moving components and control mechanisms, is enhanced to perform both liquid handling and article transport, eliminating the need for a separate robot gripper arm and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pipette system is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional liquid aspiration and dispensing, plus transportation of laboratory articles. The transport tool integrates with the pipette's existing mechanical structure and control system, allowing the same actuator and movement mechanisms to serve dual purposes, thereby reducing the need for additional dedicated transport components
2Ease of operation
If a separate robot gripper arm is used to transport laboratory articles, then articles can be moved, but movement clearance is reduced and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transport function is merged with the compact pipette system that operates within the existing work area. By using the pipette's own movement capabilities and integrating a transport tool that couples to it, the system transports articles within the same footprint without requiring additional space for a separate gripper arm
Solution Approach 2:
The transport tool is designed to extend vertically from the pipette along its longitudinal axis, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than requiring additional horizontal space. This allows article transport to occur within the existing horizontal work area while adding minimal vertical clearance requirements
3Ease of operation
If additional gripper arms are added to the pipetting system, then transport capability is improved, but the risk of slippage and positioning errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport tool integrates with the pipette's existing gripping and positioning mechanisms. The same actuator that controls pipette movement also controls the transport tool, ensuring synchronized and precise positioning. The coupling mechanism includes features like engagement protrusions and recesses that provide secure mechanical connection, reducing slippage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The transport tool is designed to be automatically coupled to and uncoupled from the pipette using the pipette system's own discarding mechanism and control software. This self-service approach ensures consistent coupling force and positioning without requiring additional gripper arms or complex external coupling mechanisms
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 eliminates the need for additional gripper arms, enhances movement clearance, allows for fully automated operation, and reduces space requirements, while enabling efficient transportation and disposal of laboratory articles using the same pipette system settings as disposable pipette tips.
Implementation Method 1
The article holder comprises a holding plate which is flat and faces downward away from the plug-in sleeve, and further comprises a magnet arranged on the holding plate, in particular a flatly acting magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A transport tool for transporting a laboratory article using a pipette of a pipetting system and having a plug-in sleeve at a top end, an article holder at a bottom end, and a connecting part which connects the plug-in sleeve to the article holder. The plug-in sleeve has a side sleeve wall and a bottom which surround an interior space of the plug-in sleeve having a cylindrical and conically tapering shape. The plug-in sleeve further has an upward-facing opening for receiving an end of a pipette of an automated pipetting system. The connecting part has a top surface which defines the bottom of the plug-in sleeve, is positioned between the interior space of the plug-in sleeve and the article holder. The article holder has a holding plate which is flat and faces downward away from the plug-in sleeve, and further has a flatly acting magnet on the holding plate.