Process Head Alignment via Integrated Tip Rack Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical systems face precision alignment issues between process devices and consumables due to imprecise manufacturing or mounting of positioning elements, affecting the accuracy of sample processing and analyte isolation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for precise alignment of a process head with a tip rack, utilizing positioning elements on both the process head and the rack to engage and align pipette tips of different types, ensuring accurate transfer and processing of fluid samples, including the use of a multi-part tip rack with independent chambers for different types of pipette tips to prevent contamination and enhance precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple positioning elements are used to align process head with consumables, then alignment precision should improve, but manufacturing and mounting imprecisions accumulate and worsen overall alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the positioning function directly into the consumable holder structure, combining the holder and positioning elements into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate positioning elements and their associated manufacturing and mounting operations, thereby resolving the accumulation of imprecisions while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The consumable holder is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds the consumables and simultaneously provides the positioning features for alignment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate positioning components, reducing the number of manufacturing and mounting steps that could introduce imprecisions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate guide supports and racks are mounted on base structure, then system flexibility is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to multiple positioning influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the guide support and rack into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate components mounted on the base structure. This integration reduces the number of positioning influences and eliminates cumulative imprecisions while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate different consumables through the modular consumable holder design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable consumables are used, then contamination is prevented, but costs and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the recovery and reuse of consumables by providing a dedicated holder that maintains contamination-free storage and handling. The integrated positioning and holding features allow consumables to be easily captured, stored, and reused multiple times without contamination, thereby reducing waste and costs while maintaining analytical integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is disclosed for mechanically aligning a process device (35) and a rack (60) which comprises mechanical engagement of positioning elements (36) on the process device and positioning elements (31,32) on the consumable.