Pipetting Container Position Sensing for Accurate Microplate Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory machines face challenges in achieving precise and cost-efficient automated operation due to deformation of pipetting containers, which affects the accuracy of fluid dispensing, especially in high-density sample arrangements like microtiter plates, and existing methods for geometry measurement are complex and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus that includes a holding device, electronic control device, and two measuring devices to detect the relative position of a pipetting container's end section, allowing for precise positioning without complex geometry measurements, by using an auxiliary measuring section to determine the rotational position and a non-contact method to measure the mouth region's position, enabling accurate fluid dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional pipetting containers are used without measurement, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to deformation affecting dispensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary geometry measurement of the pipetting container before use to detect deformations. The measurement data is stored and used to calculate compensation values that are applied during automated dispensing operations, allowing the system to pre-correct for manufacturing variations and deformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the measured geometry of the pipetting container is continuously referenced during dispensing operations. The control device uses the stored measurement data to dynamically adjust positioning and compensation parameters, ensuring consistent dispensing accuracy despite variations in container geometry.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex geometry measurement methods are used, then manufacturing precision improves through deformation detection, but productivity deteriorates due to significant delays in work processes
Solution Approach 1:
The geometry measurement is performed as a preliminary one-time action before the pipetting container is put into service. The measurement results are stored in the control device and reused for all subsequent dispensing operations with that container, eliminating the need for repeated measurements and significantly improving workflow speed while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs the geometry measurement and stores the data without requiring manual intervention or operator attention during routine operations. The measurement process is integrated into the system workflow, allowing containers to be automatically characterized upon first use.
3Reliability
If precise positioning systems are implemented, then reliability improves for high-density sample arrangements, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an optical measurement approach. A laser measuring device is used to non-contactively measure the position and geometry of the pipetting container, eliminating the need for complex mechanical guides, encoders, or physical reference features on the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an auxiliary measuring portion as an intermediary element that facilitates precise measurement without requiring direct measurement of the critical dispensing features. This auxiliary portion serves as a reference that indirectly provides information about the container's geometry and position.
4Reliability
If repeated geometry measurements are performed, then reliability improves by verifying container condition, but loss of time increases due to measurement delays
Solution Approach 1:
The container geometry is measured once in advance before the container is put into service. This preliminary measurement establishes a reference that is stored and used for all subsequent operations with that container, eliminating the need for repeated measurements while maintaining the ability to verify container condition throughout its usable life.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring apparatus for detecting the relative position of an end portion of a pipetting container by way of the interaction between a measuring secondary portion of the pipetting container and the measuring apparatus. The invention relates to a laboratory appliance which comprises said measuring apparatus and to a corresponding measuring method.