Rotation-Limiting Well Plate Assembly with Anti-Rotation Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well plate assemblies fail to securely hold glass vials, which have a low coefficient of friction and tend to rotate during capping or de-capping processes, especially when torque is applied, posing a challenge in analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical applications.
Innovation Solution
A well plate assembly with a base plate featuring recessed convoluted anti-rotation features and vials with matching spline cross-sections, preventing rotation by forming a transition or interference fit when torque is applied during capping or de-capping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass vials are used in traditional microplate assemblies, then chemical compatibility with acid-based or solvent-based solutions is improved, but the vials easily move or twist when torque is applied during capping or de-capping due to low coefficient of friction
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate features asymmetric convoluted anti-rotation features with lobes that correspond to asymmetric splines on the vial. This asymmetric geometry creates a mechanical interlock that prevents rotation while maintaining chemical compatibility of glass vials with aggressive solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vial with spline features is nested within the base plate compartment that contains corresponding anti-rotation features. This nested arrangement allows the vial to be held securely in position while maintaining the chemical benefits of glass construction.
2Ease of operation
If plastic vials are used to provide friction to prevent twisting, then ease of operation during capping is improved, but the vials dissolve or degrade when exposed to acid-based or solvent-based solutions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on friction from plastic material, the invention uses asymmetric geometric features (splines and lobes) to prevent rotation. This allows the use of chemically stable glass vials while still providing the mechanical advantage of positive anti-rotation engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from material-based friction (plastic) to geometry-based mechanical engagement (spline and lobe interaction). This parameter change allows glass vials to be used while still preventing rotation through the anti-rotation features.
3Device complexity
If conventional well plate assemblies are used without anti-rotation features, then device complexity is reduced, but the vials cannot be securely held when torque is applied during automated capping or de-capping processes
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is segmented into multiple compartments, each containing convoluted anti-rotation features with lobes. This segmentation allows the anti-rotation functionality to be distributed across multiple locations while maintaining a relatively simple overall base plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complex external clamping or securing mechanisms to prevent rotation, the invention inverts the approach by integrating anti-rotation features directly into the base plate structure itself. The lobes in the base plate engage with splines on the vial, providing security through the base plate's own geometry rather than through additional external components.
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 assembly effectively minimizes or eliminates vial rotation during capping and de-capping operations, allowing for secure handling of glass vials suitable for aqueous and solvent-based solutions, enhancing the stability and usability in analytical chemistry assays.
Implementation Method 1
Glass vials do not have a high coefficient of friction, however, and can easily move or twist in traditional microplate or well assemblies, especially when a torque is applied during the capping or de-capping process
Implementation Method 2
A well plate assembly with a base plate featuring recessed convoluted anti-rotation features and vials with matching spline cross-sections, preventing rotation by forming a transition or interference fit when torque is applied during capping or de-capping
Data Source
AI summary
A well plate assembly including a base plate and vials. The well plate assembly includes a base plate having a bottom, a perimeter having opposing edges, and a plurality of protrusions extending from the bottom spaced apart from each other to form a plurality of compartments sized and configured for releasably holding vials. Each of the compartments includes a convoluted anti-rotation feature recessed into the bottom. The vials each have a bottom wall, a first side wall segment extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and a second side wall segment extending from the first side wall segment to an open top. The first side wall segment includes at least one spline designed to mate with the convoluted anti-rotation feature to prevent rotation of the vials when a torque is applied, for example, during capping or de-capping operations.