Simulation-Based Substance Consumption Determination in Liquid Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining substance consumption in liquid handling processes are inaccurate and complex due to various influencing factors, making it difficult to optimize material usage in laboratory settings, especially in multistage processes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that simulates the liquid handling process to iteratively determine the starting amount of substances required for a predeterminable number of samples by accounting for secondary conditions such as reservoir volumes, pipetting tool parameters, and process steps, allowing for precise optimization of consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods for determining substance consumption are used in liquid handling processes, then the calculation can be performed with simple approaches, but the accuracy of consumption determination deteriorates due to various influencing factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining all relevant influencing factors (secondary conditions) before the actual liquid handling process. These include reservoir volumes, pipetting tool parameters, and process step specifications. By preparing and storing these parameters in advance in a database, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during process execution, thereby maintaining high accuracy without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model that acts as a mediator between the physical liquid handling process and the consumption calculation. This model simulates the entire process virtually, taking into account all secondary conditions, and produces accurate consumption predictions without requiring complex manual calculations or empirical correction factors. The intermediary model translates physical parameters into accurate consumption data.
2Reliability
If correction factors based on user experience are used to adjust consumption amounts, then the calculation remains simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to high dependence on individual experience and process conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the results of virtual simulations to continuously refine and optimize consumption calculations. The system compares simulated consumption with actual process requirements and adjusts the model parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures high reliability of consumption determination while maintaining a manageable simulation model that accounts for all relevant secondary conditions systematically rather than relying on iterative manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying and optimizing the parameters stored in the database (reservoir volumes, pipetting tool characteristics, process step definitions) to match specific process conditions. Rather than changing the overall complexity of the simulation model, the system achieves high reliability by precisely adjusting these predefined parameters to reflect the actual physical conditions, eliminating the need for experience-based correction factors.
3Manufacturing precision
If linear extrapolation with correction factors is used to determine consumption amounts, then the method remains easy to apply, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to account for various influencing factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring all necessary parameters and conditions in a database before the liquid handling process begins. These include reservoir volumes, pipetting tool specifications, and process step details. This preliminary setup enables precise consumption calculations without requiring complex manual adjustments during operation, thereby maintaining both high precision and ease of application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically perform consumption calculations based on the stored secondary conditions and process parameters. The computational model independently determines consumption requirements without requiring user intervention or application of correction factors, achieving high manufacturing precision while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for determining a starting amount of a first substance which is required for providing a predeterminable number of samples in a liquid handling process. Also disclosed is a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer program product. The liquid handling process is described through at least one work step, taking into account at least one secondary condition. An estimated value for the starting amount of the first substance is determined. A simulation of the at least one work step is then performed. A new estimated value for the starting amount is determined and the simulation is repeated if the prior simulation could not be completed or an actual value ascertained in the simulation deviates from the estimated value by more than a predeterminable tolerance. Otherwise, the actual value ascertained on the basis of the simulation is the starting amount of the first substance.