Interchangeable Pipetting Head Locking Mechanism for Liquid Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated liquid handling systems are limited in their pipetting capacities and require specific types or volumes of labware, making them inflexible and costly, which restricts high-throughput analysis and increases error in laboratories with limited resources.
Innovation Solution
An automated liquid handling system with interchangeable pipetting heads, a locking mechanism, and an adjustable stage, allowing for various pipetting options and scalability, enabling the system to interface with other sample handling systems and adapt to different laboratory needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional automated liquid handling systems are used, then automation is achieved, but flexibility and adaptability to different labware types are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pipetting head is divided into multiple independent channels, each capable of handling different labware types. The locking mechanism is segmented into modular components (adaptor plate, support block, locking pins) that can be configured for different applications, allowing the system to maintain automation while adapting to various labware formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed with universal adaptability through interchangeable adaptor plates and support blocks that can accommodate different labware types (microplates, tubes, racks). This multi-functional design allows a single automated system to handle diverse sample preparation tasks without requiring multiple specialized systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional automated systems with specialized functionality are used, then specific pipetting tasks are optimized, but system cost increases and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single automated liquid handling system is designed to perform multiple pipetting functions through interchangeable pipetting heads and locking mechanism configurations. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized systems, reducing overall device complexity and resource requirements while maintaining precise pipetting capabilities across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including movable locking pins, springs, and plunger actuators that allow the system to adapt its configuration. This dynamic design enables the same hardware platform to be precisely optimized for different pipetting tasks through software control of the mechanical components, rather than requiring physically different systems.
3Productivity
If conventional automated systems are used, then high-throughput analysis is achieved, but pipetting variation and error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates feedback through sensors that detect the position and securement of different labware types. This feedback ensures consistent, accurate pipetting by verifying proper labware placement and configuration before operation, reducing variation and error while maintaining high throughput through automated verification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipetting head is segmented into multiple independently controllable channels, each with its own locking and positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows precise control of each channel while operating in parallel, maintaining high throughput through simultaneous multi-channel operation while ensuring accurate pipetting in each individual channel through dedicated control and verification.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid handling system that is configured to receive an interchangeable pipetting head that is selected from a plurality of interchangeable pipetting heads for automated liquid handling flexibility and scalability. The system includes a housing and at least one pipetting head disposed within that housing for aspirating and dispensing a liquid. A locking mechanism interchangeably receives the at least one pipetting head and includes an adaptor plate and a support block. The adaptor plate is operably coupled to the housing and the support block is operably coupled to the at least one pipetting head. The support block is then, in turn, is configured to be operably coupled to the adaptor plate.