Pipettor Shaft Lateral Interlock for Lab Member Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory liquid handling systems face challenges in efficiently and automatically transporting and managing lab members, such as moving lids and containers, within the system, often requiring separate robotic gripping mechanisms and additional hardware.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory liquid handling system incorporating a pipetting module with a drive system and adapter structures featuring interlock features that allow pipettors to securely engage and release lab members, enabling the transport of lab objects like liquid containers and lids without additional gripping mechanisms, using a combination of lateral and vertical movements to secure and release the lab members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate robotic gripping mechanisms are used to transport lab members, then the ability to move lids and containers is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipettor shaft is designed to perform multiple functions: both liquid handling operations and mechanical gripping/transport of lab members. The interlock feature on the lab member body engages with the pipettor shaft to enable gripping and transport functions without requiring separate robotic mechanisms, thus achieving multi-functionality with existing components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the liquid handling function and the lab member transport function into a single integrated system. The pipettor shaft serves dual purposes by既能 handling liquids又能 gripping and transporting lab members through the interlock mechanism, merging what were previously separate functions into one unified system
2Productivity
If separate robotic gripping mechanisms are used to transport lab members, then the transport capability is improved, but the cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipettor shaft is designed to perform multiple functions: both liquid handling operations and mechanical gripping/transport of lab members. The interlock feature on the lab member body engages with the pipettor shaft to enable gripping and transport functions without requiring separate robotic mechanisms, thus achieving multi-functionality with existing components
Solution Approach 2:
The lab member body includes an integrated interlock feature that enables it to be automatically gripped and transported by the pipettor shaft without requiring external gripping mechanisms. The system uses its own existing components (pipettor shaft and interlock feature) to achieve the transport function, eliminating the need for additional hardware
3Reliability
If traditional mechanical engagement is used to secure lab members, then secure attachment is achieved, but insertion force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism transitions from traditional axial insertion to lateral insertion. The interlock feature is designed with a lateral opening that receives the pipettor shaft from the side, allowing the shaft to be inserted laterally and then secured through vertical movement, changing the dimension of engagement and reducing insertion force requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
A laboratory liquid handling system includes a pipetting module, a lab member, and a drive system. The pipetting module includes a pipettor including a pipettor shaft and a pipetting tip extending from an end of the pipettor shaft. The lab member includes a body and at least one adapter structure including an interlock feature configured to laterally receive and interlock with the pipettor shaft to releasably secure the lab member to the pipettor shaft. The drive system is operable to: selectively move the pipettor shaft laterally relative to the interlock structure to engage the pipettor shaft with the interlock structure to secure the lab member to the pipetting module; move the pipetting module to transport the lab member secured thereto; and selectively move the pipettor shaft laterally relative to the interlock structure to disengage the pipettor shaft from the interlock structure to thereby release the lab member.