Sample Needle Positioning for Low-Residual Volume Aspiration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid chromatography sample managers are not user-friendly, dependable, accurate, reliable, and cost-effective, leading to potential sample degradation and damage during handling.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for aspirating samples using an optical sensor and encoder system to precisely position the sample needle relative to the sample container, minimizing residual volume, and utilizing a control system for accurate sample transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the sample needle is positioned closer to the bottom of the sample container to minimize residual volume, then the sample transfer efficiency is improved, but the risk of sample degradation or damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample transfer efficiencyVSAvoidsample integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs optical sensors to detect the position of the sample needle relative to the sample container bottom, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows precise control of the needle depth, ensuring optimal sample aspiration while preventing excessive insertion that could cause sample degradation or container damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning systems with optical sensing and electronic control. Instead of relying on mechanical stops or manual positioning, the system uses optical detectors to sense needle position and electronically controls the drive mechanism, achieving higher precision and reliability in sample aspiration depth control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If advanced positioning systems are implemented to improve sample aspiration precision, then the accuracy of sample transfer is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle positioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensing system serves multiple functions: it detects the sample container bottom position, monitors the sample needle depth, and provides feedback for aspiration control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing optical path and structural components of the sample manager to implement positioning detection. The optical sensors utilize the natural light interaction with the sample container and needle, eliminating the need for additional complex sensing hardware and keeping the system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the sample needle moves incrementally to prevent overshooting the bottom position, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the time required for sample aspiration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidaspiration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sample needle movement is executed in periodic incremental steps with optical sensing at each step. This stepwise approach with intermediate detection points allows precise positioning while maintaining efficient timing through optimized control sequencing, preventing both overshooting and excessive dwelling time at each position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Ensures precise sample aspiration with minimal residual volume, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of sample handling in liquid chromatography systems.

Implementation Method 1

using an optical sensor in determining a starting position of the sample needle system relative the sample container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

using an encoder system in moving the sample needle and determining that the tip of the sample needle is in contact with the bottom of the sample container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEncoder detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12517096B2Sample manager, system and method

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 WATERS TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

A method of aspirating a sample includes moving a sample needle downward to a first position so a tip of the sample needle touches a bottom of the sample container, determining that the tip of the sample needle is in the first position where the sample needle is in contact with the bottom of the sample container, after the determining that the tip of the sample needle is in contact with the bottom of the sample container, incrementally moving the sample needle upward from the first position, determining the sample needle has moved a predetermined distance upward from the first position and then aspirating a sample in the sample container.