Portable Particle Separator with Impedance Detection for Lab Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory automation devices face challenges in efficiently separating and handling small particles, such as cells, due to the high cost, bulkiness, and difficulty in integrating cell sorters with complex liquid handling operations, often requiring manual interventions.
Innovation Solution
A modular particle separator for laboratory automation devices that can be transported by a pipetting arm, utilizing tapered receptacles and chambers with a connection channel, allowing for the detection and separation of particles through pressure differentials and impedance changes, enabling flexible movement and integration without clamping to a worktable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cell sorters are used for particle separation, then particle separation capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a particle separator unit that can be integrated with existing pipetting systems, separating the sorting function from the main automation device. This modular approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining separation capability
Solution Approach 2:
A particle separator acts as an intermediary component between the liquid handling system and the analysis system. It interfaces with standard pipette tips and chambers, bridging the gap between automated liquid handling and particle sorting without requiring a complete system overhaul
2Reliability
If traditional cell sorters are used for particle separation, then particle separation capability is achieved, but integration with liquid handling operations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The particle separator is designed to work with standard pipette tips and chamber configurations, making it universally compatible with various liquid handling setups. The same basic design can handle different particle types and sizes by adjusting operational parameters rather than requiring different hardware
3Ease of operation
If manual interventions are used for particle handling, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects particles through impedance changes and directs them to appropriate chambers without requiring manual observation or intervention. The automated detection and routing system maintains the flexibility of manual handling while eliminating the time-consuming manual steps, thereby increasing productivity
4Reliability
If bulky cell sorters are used, then particle separation is achieved, but ease of movement and repositioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the particle sorting function into a compact, standalone unit that interfaces with existing pipetting arms, the system eliminates the need for large, fixed cell sorters. The segmented design allows the sorting component to be lightweight and easily repositioned within the laboratory automation device
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
Facilitates efficient, automated separation and handling of particles like cells or cell clusters into microplate wells, reducing manual interventions and integrating seamlessly with existing automation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The presence of a particle in the connection channel may be detected by measuring an impedance and/or resistance change of the liquid inside the channel, when a particle enters the connection channel
Implementation Method 2
The liquid and/or suspension inside the particle separator can be pumped between chambers of the particle separator with pressures generated in the pipette tips
Data Source
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AI summary
A particle separator (20) for a laboratory automation device (10) comprises a first tapered receptacle (40a) and a second tapered receptacle (40b); a first chamber (58a) below the first tapered receptacle (40a) and a second chamber (58b) below the second tapered receptacle (40b); a connection channel (60) interconnecting the first chamber (58a) and the second chamber (58b); and an outlet channel (54) connected to the second chamber (58a).