Segmented Microplate Nozzle Head Alignment for Compact Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microplate processing technologies face inefficiencies when handling a large number of types of solutions or specimens, as they require multiple microplates and nozzle heads, leading to increased work area and potential deterioration of dispenser tips, especially when the number of specimens is small or the number of process steps is high.
Innovation Solution
A segmented process apparatus for microplates with nozzle heads that can be moved to align with sub-arrays of wells, allowing for efficient processing of multiple types of solutions or specimens within a single microplate, using magnetic force means and light detecting mechanisms to enhance process control and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microplates and nozzle heads are used to handle a large number of types of solutions or specimens, then the processing capability is improved, but the work area increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microplate is divided into multiple sub-arrays of wells, where each sub-array can be independently accessed by the nozzle head. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple types of solutions or specimens within a single microplate by processing different sub-arrays, thereby increasing processing capability without proportionally increasing the work area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces the concept of moving the nozzle head between different positions to access different sub-arrays of wells. By utilizing spatial movement in multiple dimensions (X, Y, and Z axes), the system can access multiple wells without requiring multiple stationary microplates, thus solving the contradiction between processing capability and work area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microplates are used to handle a large number of types of solutions or specimens, then the processing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle head is designed with multi-functionality to handle different types of solutions or specimens by moving to different positions and accessing different sub-arrays of wells. This universal design allows a single nozzle head to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require multiple specialized nozzle heads or microplates, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic movement of the nozzle head between different positions to access different sub-arrays of wells. This dynamic approach replaces the need for multiple static microplates and nozzle heads, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple types of solutions or specimens.
3Area of stationary object
If the number of specimens is small, then the work area can be reduced, but the number of process steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microplate is segmented into multiple sub-arrays of wells, allowing the system to process multiple specimens simultaneously by accessing different sub-arrays. Even when the number of specimens is small, this segmentation enables efficient use of the microplate area and reduces the number of process steps by allowing parallel processing of multiple specimens in different sub-arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle head can continuously move between different sub-arrays of wells to process multiple specimens without interruption. This continuous action allows the system to handle a small number of specimens efficiently by performing multiple operations in sequence without idle time, thereby reducing the overall process time while maintaining a compact work area.
4Adaptability or versatility
If nozzle heads are moved over a great distance to pass through all microplates, then the processing capability is improved, but the risk of not being able to carry out the process quickly and efficiently increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microplate is divided into multiple sub-arrays of wells that are distributed within a compact area. The nozzle head only needs to move between these sub-arrays rather than traversing the entire microplate, significantly reducing the movement distance and improving process efficiency while maintaining the ability to handle multiple types of solutions or specimens.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing three-dimensional movement (X, Y, and Z axes), the nozzle head can access different sub-arrays of wells without traveling long distances along a single plane. This multi-dimensional movement strategy reduces the overall path length and improves processing efficiency while maintaining versatile processing capability.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the number of wells in the microplate is great, then the processing capability is improved, but the intervals between dispenser tips become small and the built-in function of the dispenser tips deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The microplate is segmented into multiple sub-arrays of wells with sufficient spacing between them. The nozzle head accesses these sub-arrays in a systematic manner, ensuring that the intervals between dispenser tips remain adequate to maintain the built-in function and reliability of the dispenser tips, while still allowing processing of a large number of wells through multiple sub-arrays.
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
This approach enables efficient handling of multiple types of solutions or specimens within a single microplate, reducing the work area and improving the stability and heat retention of nozzles and wells, while allowing for high-density integration and reliable magnetic field application.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic force means for applying a magnetic field to the nozzles
Implementation Method 2
light detecting means for detecting the liquid inside the nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide a highly effective segmented process apparatus for a microplate using a standard microplate without increasing the scale of the apparatus, as well as a method for processing a microplate. The apparatus includes: a predetermined microplate provided with a number of wells are set in array; one or more nozzle heads provided with a number of nozzles set in array; a suction and ejection mechanism for sucking and ejecting a gas via the nozzles; and a moving means which allows relative movement between the microplate and the nozzle heads, wherein tips of all of the nozzles provided on each nozzle head are provided in such a manner that the tips can be inserted into the wells in a portion of the microplate all together, and the row intervals and column intervals of the nozzles in array are respectively same as the row intervals and column intervals of the wells in array.