Robot Arm Liquid Interface Detection for Pipetting Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot systems in the biomedical field face challenges in achieving high accuracy and reproducibility during bench work operations, such as pipetting, due to the lack of precise detection of liquid interface levels, leading to inconsistent liquid suction and potential mixing of precipitates.
Innovation Solution
A robot system equipped with a sensor and an arm that includes a holding mechanism, where the sensor detects the liquid interface level, and an instructor controls the arm to ensure accurate pipetting by adjusting the liquid interface level during operations, using a detection unit with a light emitting and sensing part to determine the liquid level and adjust the pipetting process accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional robot systems perform bench work operations without precise liquid interface detection, then the system structure remains simple, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of liquid handling operations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is introduced as an intermediary component between the robot arm and the liquid container. The sensor detects the liquid interface level and provides feedback signals to the control unit, which then adjusts the arm's positioning. This intermediary detection mechanism enables precise liquid handling without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the robot arm itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the sensor continuously monitors the liquid interface level, compares it with the target position, and the control unit adjusts the arm's movement based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures high precision in liquid handling operations while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
2Reliability
If the robot system uses basic positioning without liquid interface detection, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of liquid suction operations deteriorates due to inconsistent liquid levels
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor provides real-time feedback on the liquid interface level, allowing the control unit to dynamically adjust the arm's positioning and suction depth. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent and reliable liquid suction operations even when liquid levels vary, without requiring overly complex detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with a simpler sensor-based detection and control system. Instead of using elaborate mechanical stops or guides to maintain consistent suction depth, the patent uses optical or other non-contact sensors to detect liquid levels and electronically control the arm's movement, reducing mechanical complexity while improving reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the robot system performs pipetting operations without real-time liquid level detection, then the operation process remains simple, but the manufacturing precision of liquid transfer deteriorates due to incomplete suction or precipitate mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor continuously monitors the liquid interface level during pipetting operations and provides feedback to the control unit. This enables real-time adjustment of the suction depth and speed, ensuring complete liquid transfer without disturbing precipitates or causing splashing, while keeping the operation process straightforward and automated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the arm's movement speed, suction depth, and pipetting parameters based on real-time liquid level detection. This dynamic adaptation allows the robot to optimize each pipetting operation for the specific liquid conditions, achieving high precision without complicating the overall operation process through manual intervention.
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 enables high accuracy and reproducibility in bench work operations by precisely detecting and maintaining the liquid interface level, preventing incomplete suction or mixing of precipitates, thus enhancing the reliability of liquid handling tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit (21) including a light emitting part (21ba) and a light sensing part (21bb)
Implementation Method 2
detect an interface of a liquid... using a detection unit with a light emitting and sensing part
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A robot system (1) according to an embodiment includes a sensor (21b), an arm (13), and an instructor (31a). The sensor (21b) is configured to detect an interface of a liquid. The arm (13) includes a holding mechanism that holds a container containing the liquid. The instructor (31a) instructs the arm (13) to cause the container to enter a sensing region of the sensor (21b) while holding the container, so as to cause the sensor (21b) to detect the interface.