Reagent Carrier Coupling for Pipetting Arm Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory robots require separate arms for pipetting and handling reagent carrier units, leading to reduced throughput and increased costs due to the need for multiple specialized robot arms.
Innovation Solution
A reagent carrier unit and adapter system that allows a single pipetting arm to handle both pipetting and reagent carrier units using frictional and vacuum forces, enabling efficient handling and pipetting with existing liquid handlers without the need for additional mechanical adaptations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate robot arms are provided for handling vessels and for pipetting fluids, then the reliability of each specialized function is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the pipetting arm to perform both its original pipetting function and the additional function of handling reagent carrier units. The coupling section on the reagent carrier unit is designed to be compatible with the pipetting arm's coupling mechanism, allowing the same arm to grip and transport reagent carriers just as it grips pipetting tips. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate handling arms while maintaining operational reliability through the robust coupling design.
2Productivity
If a single pipetting arm is used for both pipetting and handling reagent carrier units, then the productivity and cost efficiency are improved, but the ease of operation may worsen due to dual functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling section design enables the pipetting arm to handle both pipetting tips and reagent carrier units using the same coupling mechanism. The reagent carrier unit's coupling section features a recess with an inner surface complementary to the pipetting arm's outer surface, allowing automatic gripping without additional programming complexity. This universal interface simplifies operation while significantly improving productivity by eliminating the need for separate handling arms.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing liquid handlers are used without mechanical adaptations, then the ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but the adaptability to handle reagent carrier units worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent carrier unit itself serves as the intermediary that bridges the existing liquid handler and the reagent handling function. By incorporating a coupling section directly onto the reagent carrier unit, the invention enables compatibility with standard pipetting arms without requiring modifications to the liquid handler. The coupling section acts as the mediator that translates the universal pipetting arm interface into a secure grip on the reagent carrier unit, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving full adaptability.
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
Significantly increases the throughput of laboratory robots by allowing a single pipetting arm to handle reagent carrier units, reducing the need for multiple arms and lowering overall costs while maintaining flexibility in handling and pipetting tasks.
Implementation Method 1
fixing the reagent carrier unit to the pipetting arm coupling section (18) by frictional force
Implementation Method 2
fixing the reagent carrier unit to the pipetting arm coupling section (18) by means of a vacuum applied by the pipetting arm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2g
Figure 3
AI summary
Reagent carrier unit comprising a coupling section for releasable coupling with a pipetting arm coupling section of a pipetting means of a laboratory robot or with a pipetting tip of a pipetting means of a laboratory robot.