Sample Holder Clamping and Pipette Alignment for AST
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analysis instruments for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) face challenges in securely holding and positioning sample holders and accurately determining pipette positions, which can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in sample handling and processing.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus with a sample holder that uses vertical and horizontal clamping mechanisms to securely hold the sample holder in place, combined with a pipette robot system that includes a camera and alignment aperture to determine the position of pipette parts relative to a nominal position, ensuring precise movement and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sample holder is designed to be easily removable from the platform, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of sample holder positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder positioning system transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic controlled state. During loading, the sample holder is freely movable on the platform. During analysis, the clamping means activates to securely hold the sample holder. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction by providing both easy removability and secure positioning at different operational stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping force parameter is changed from zero (during loading) to a specific clamping force (during analysis). The clamping means includes a clamping arm that can be positioned in different states: retracted to allow easy removal, or engaged to apply clamping force for secure holding. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and positioning stability.
2Reliability
If clamping means are added to securely hold the sample holder, then the reliability of sample holder positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping means is merged with the existing platform structure. The clamping arm is integrated into the platform, and the clamping means works in conjunction with the recessed portion that is already part of the platform design. This merging approach provides secure sample holder positioning while minimizing the addition of separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holder's own structure (including its wheels and outer periphery) is utilized as part of the clamping mechanism. The clamping arm engages with features already present on the sample holder, such as the wheels and recessed portion, rather than requiring additional attachment points or complex interface structures. This self-service approach reduces overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the pipette robot system includes camera and alignment aperture for position determination, then the measurement precision of pipette position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment aperture serves as an intermediary element between the camera and the pipette. Instead of requiring the camera to directly and precisely track the pipette's complex movements, the alignment aperture provides a simplified reference frame. The camera captures images of the alignment aperture and the pipette tip's relationship to it, enabling accurate position determination through a mediating reference structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment aperture creates a two-dimensional reference copy or representation of the three-dimensional space where the pipette operates. By capturing images of the alignment aperture with the pipette tip positioned relative to it, the system creates a visual reference that can be processed to determine precise pipette position without requiring complex direct measurement systems.
4Reliability
If vertical and horizontal clamping means are used to secure the sample holder, then the reliability of sample holder holding is improved, but the ease of operation for sample holder loading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping means is designed to be dynamically controllable, transitioning between engaged and disengaged states. During loading, the clamping means is disengaged or in a relaxed state, allowing the sample holder to be easily placed onto the platform. During analysis, the clamping means transitions to an engaged state to securely hold the sample holder. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between loading ease and securing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping means is designed to activate automatically or in advance of the analysis process. The sample holder can be loaded onto the platform without resistance from the clamping means, and then the clamping means is activated to secure the sample holder before analysis begins. This preliminary action sequence ensures easy loading followed by reliable securing.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is for moving a sample holder on a platform from a loading position where the sample holder can be removed from the platform to a locked position where the sample holder is securely held. The sample holder is configured to rest on wheels within a recessed portion on the platform. The apparatus is configured such that: (i) movement of the platform from the loading position to the locked position causes a vertical clamp to lower down on top of the sample holder, and a horizontal clamp to be pressed to an outer periphery of the sample holder; and (ii) movement of the platform from the locked position to the loading position causes the vertical clamp to rise above the sample holder, and the horizontal clamp to be moved away from the outer periphery of the sample holder.