Reagent Drop Detection for Dispensing Tip Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reagent dispensers face issues with improper or failed dispensing of drops, making it difficult to confirm if all drops have been properly dispensed, especially due to hanging drops or clogged valves.
Innovation Solution
A reagent dispensing apparatus equipped with a drop detection sensor, such as laser emitter/detector devices, positioned below the dispensing tips, and a computer system to monitor and control the dispensing process, ensuring accurate detection of drop success or failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is positioned to remain focused on the area immediately underneath the dispensing tip for drop detection, then drop dispensing verification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is introduced as an intermediary component between the dispensing tip and the control system to detect dropped reagent. The sensor acts as a mediator that converts physical drop presence into detectable signals, enabling verification without direct human observation and resolving the contradiction by adding a specialized detection component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection of dropped reagent with an automated optical or electromagnetic sensor system. This substitution of mechanical/optical detection for human observation improves reliability while the modular integration keeps the added complexity manageable.
2Ease of operation
If discrete fluid tubes are used for each dispensing device, then fluid delivery control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system is segmented into discrete fluid tubes, each dedicated to a specific dispensing device. This segmentation allows independent control and monitoring of each fluid path, improving ease of operation by enabling selective dispensing from specific tips while the modular tube design keeps the overall system manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Each discrete fluid tube is optimized for its specific dispensing location, with local adaptations in tube routing, connection points, and sensor positioning. This local optimization improves fluid delivery control for each tip while the standardized tube design maintains overall system simplicity.
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
The system provides real-time verification of drop dispensing, preventing hanging drops and identifying valve leaks, thereby ensuring reliable and complete dispensing of reagents.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor, such as laser emitter/detector devices, remains focused on the area immediately underneath the dispensing tip
Data Source
AI summary
A reagent dispensing apparatus. A dispensing module is attached to a support frame and includes a pressurized fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system includes a reagent container, a dispensing head connected to the reagent container, a dispensing valve connected to the dispensing head, and a dispensing tip connected to the dispensing head. The reagent dispensing system also includes a motion drive system. A sensor remains focused on the area immediately underneath the dispensing tip. A computer is programmed to receive inputs from said sensor to determine drop success or failure from the dispensing tip. The computer is programmed to control the motion drive system to position a plate under the dispensing tip, and the computer is also programmed to open and close the dispensing valve to permit and stop fluid from flowing to the dispensing tip.