Reagent Well Container Geometry for Spill-Proof Robotic Pipetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratories face challenges with labor-intensive reagent preparation and issues such as degradation and spillage during shipping and handling of liquid reagents in kits.
Innovation Solution
A reagent container design featuring a base with multiple wells and a top, including a tube receptacle, where wells are accessible through openings with specific angular configurations and can be sealed with a film or foil, compatible with robotic pipetting systems for efficient reagent handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If liquid reagents are provided in kits for shipping and handling, then reagent preparation time is reduced, but degradation and spillage occur during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent system is segmented into separate components: a stable lyophilized reagent in the container and a liquid activator in the cartridge. This segmentation allows the reagent to be shipped in a stable, dry state while preventing degradation and spillage, then reconstituted immediately before use to maintain integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent is prepared in advance in a lyophilized (freeze-dried) state, which preserves it in a stable, non-degradable form during shipping. The reconstitution action is delayed until the moment of use, ensuring the reagent maintains its integrity throughout transport and storage.
2Extent of automation
If robotic pipetting systems are used for automated reagent handling, then labor intensity is reduced, but precise access to reagent wells is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-servicing for robotic systems: the cartridge automatically docks with the container, the seal is automatically breached, and reagents are automatically dispensed through the side channel access points. This eliminates the need for complex robotic manipulation while maintaining precise access.
Solution Approach 2:
The side channel acts as an intermediary structure that provides automated access to the reagent well without requiring direct penetration through the well opening. The channel allows robotic systems to access reagents through a controlled interface, simplifying the operation while maintaining precision.
3Ease of operation
If wells have direct openings for access, then reagent dispensing is simplified, but spillage and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible seal film covers the well opening, preventing spillage and contamination while allowing controlled access. The film can be breached by robotic systems to enable reagent dispensing, then sealed again to prevent harmful factors, combining ease of operation with protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal function is extracted from the rigid container structure and implemented as a separate, removable film. This allows the opening to remain sealed during storage and transport, then be easily breached for dispensing, and resealed to prevent spillage and contamination.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reagents are stored in separate wells, then reagent versatility is improved, but complex interface design is required for automated access
Solution Approach 1:
The container and cartridge interface is designed with universal features: standardized docking mechanisms, uniform seal breach points, and consistent side channel access for all wells. This multi-functional design allows the same interface structure to handle multiple different reagents, maintaining versatility while minimizing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A reagent container includes a base defining a plurality of wells having openings exposed at an upper surface of the base and a tube receptacle. The plurality of wells include a first set of wells and a second set of wells. Each well of the first set of wells has an opening to a well bore and a channel in communication with the well bore. The opening has a first portion disposed over the well bore and a second portion disposed over the channel. The first portion has a larger area than the second portion. An angle defined by tangents to the inner surface of the first and second portions at a junction between the first and second portions is at least 100° and not greater than 180°. The reagent container further includes a top coupled over the top surface of the base and defining windows providing access to the openings of the plurality of wells and the tube receptacle.