Multichannel Pipetting Plate With Multi-Plane Tip Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipetting plates require high forces to press multiple pipette tips into connectors, especially when only a subset is needed, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to the pipetting plate suspension.
Innovation Solution
A multichannel pipetting plate with connectors arranged in a lattice pattern, where interfaces are distributed across multiple planes, reducing the overall force required by distributing it over time and space, allowing selective use of pipette tip subsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large force is applied to press the pipetting plate against all pipetting tips, then all connectors can be reliably connected, but the suspension of the pipetting head is stressed and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The pipetting plate is divided into multiple independently actuated channels, each with its own connector. This allows the pressing force to be applied separately to each channel or group of channels rather than all channels simultaneously, segmenting the total force requirement and reducing the peak load on the suspension system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing mechanism is made dynamically controllable, allowing the force and positioning to be adjusted during the connection process. This enables progressive engagement of connectors at different positions and times, optimizing the force distribution over time to minimize suspension stress while ensuring reliable connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pipetting plate is lowered eccentrically to pick up only a subset of pipetting tips, then only the needed tips are connected, but the pipetting head suspension is stressed
Solution Approach 1:
The pipetting plate channels are segmented into independent units that can be selectively engaged. This allows the system to connect only the needed subset of tips by activating only the corresponding channels, rather than requiring eccentric positioning that stresses the suspension.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies pressing force only to the channels that need to be connected, rather than all channels. This partial action approach allows selective tip connection while distributing the force requirement, avoiding the suspension stress that would result from eccentric positioning of the entire plate.
3Device complexity
If all connectors are arranged in a single plane, then the plate structure is simple, but high force is required to press all tips simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors are arranged in multiple planes along the vertical axis rather than all in a single plane. This dimensional change allows the pressing force to be applied progressively to different planes at different times, reducing the peak force required compared to pressing all single-plane connectors simultaneously, while maintaining structural feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A multichannel pipetting plate comprises a plurality of connectors arranged in a lattice; wherein each connector is fluidically connectable to a pipetting tip; wherein each connector comprises an interface at which a friction contact between the connector and a foot of the pipetting tip is established; wherein the interfaces of the connectors are arranged in different planes, such that, at least at a border region of the pipetting plate, along each row and along each column of the lattice, at least three consecutive interfaces are arranged in at least two different planes.