Pipette Auxiliary System with Under-Electrode Occupancy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual pipetting of samples in microtiter plates is prone to errors due to the need for precise addressing and filling of sample holders, which requires high user concentration and can be time-consuming, and existing auxiliary systems with complex positioning mechanics are error-prone and obstructive.
Innovation Solution
A pipette auxiliary system with a base apparatus and measurement arrangement positioned underneath the sample-holding plane, using electrodes to detect occupancy states and provide real-time feedback to the user through an output device, allowing for accurate and efficient manual pipetting without obstructing the user's workspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a complex positioning mechanics system is used to automatically position the measurement arrangement above the microtiter plate, then automated sample detection is achieved, but the system becomes error-prone, requires frequent maintenance, and obstructs the user's workspace
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement arrangement is extracted from the complex robotic positioning system and placed directly on the base apparatus. This removes the need for robotic arms and positioning mechanics, simplifying the system while maintaining automated detection capability through direct electrode contact with sample holders
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical robotic positioning system is replaced with a static electrical measurement system. Instead of using motors, sensors, and control mechanisms to position detection elements, the patent uses electrical electrodes that make direct contact with sample holders when placed in the well, eliminating complex mechanics entirely
2Measurement precision
If the measurement arrangement is positioned above the microtiter plate to detect samples, then real-time occupancy detection is achieved, but the positioning mechanics are obstructive to user operation and vulnerable to contact damage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the measurement arrangement above the microtiter plate as in conventional systems, the electrodes are positioned below or at the level of the plate base. The electrodes extend upward to make contact with the sample holders from the bottom, inverting the traditional top-down measurement approach and clearing the workspace above
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement elements are extracted from the obstructive robotic arm structure and integrated directly into the base apparatus, removing the conflict between measurement functionality and user workspace accessibility
3Device complexity
If manual pipetting is performed without auxiliary systems, then the setup is simple and unobstructed, but errors occur due to lack of feedback on sample holder occupancy state
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the user about the occupancy state of sample holders through visual indicators (LED lights) that change color or illuminate based on whether a sample is present, absent, or being aspirated. This feedback loop prevents errors by immediately informing the user of the current state without adding complex positioning mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system automatically detects and reports the occupancy state without requiring user intervention to check or interpret sample holder contents, enabling the user to continue pipetting operations with confidence
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
The system reduces the risk of measurement errors and user interference with the positioning mechanics, enhances precision, and allows for real-time monitoring and feedback, thereby minimizing mistakes and increasing efficiency in manual pipetting.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement arrangement comprising a plurality of measurement elements which are positioned at least in the working position underneath this plane and using which the occupancy state of at least one sample holder can be detected
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipette auxiliary system for supporting manual pipetting or dispensing of a plurality of samples of a sample-holding arrangement, in particular a microtiter plate. The pipette auxiliary system according to the invention supports the manual pipetting or dispensing of a plurality of samples in a working position of a sample-holding arrangement, the pipette auxiliary system comprising: a base apparatus comprising a positioning device which is designed to position the sample-holding arrangement in the working position inside a positioning space of the base apparatus, said positioning space being opened at least along a plane for the pipetting; the sample-holding arrangement which has a plurality of sample holders; a measurement arrangement comprising a plurality of measurement elements which are positioned at least in the working position underneath this plane and using which the occupancy state of at least one sample holder can be detected in the working position; and an output device or a light arrangement using which the sample-holding arrangement can be illuminated in accordance with this occupancy state of this at least one sample holder.