Sloping Holder and RFID Plate for Automated Microplate Washing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for handling and washing microplates with hydrophilic elements in a hydrophobic background face challenges in efficient liquid handling, particularly in maintaining the integrity of the hydrophobic background and ensuring accurate identification and control of washing parameters, which can lead to confusion and potential safety hazards during automated processes.

Innovation Solution

A holder and plate system with a sloping feature for efficient liquid drainage, an identification feature such as RFID for authenticating the plate and controlling washing parameters, and a fluid-exchange cover that minimizes disruption to hydrophilic elements, along with a method for controlling residual volumes using specific angles and immiscible liquids to protect the hydrophobic background.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a microplate with hydrophilic elements in a hydrophobic background is used for liquid handling, then liquid retention and handling efficiency are improved, but the integrity of the hydrophobic background may be compromised and identification control becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid handling efficiencyVSAvoidintegrity of hydrophobic background

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The microplate is divided into distinct functional zones: hydrophilic elements for liquid retention and hydrophobic background for structural integrity. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally while protecting the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the microplate are assigned different surface properties (hydrophilic vs. hydrophobic) to achieve specific functional requirements. The hydrophilic elements provide liquid retention capability while the hydrophobic background maintains structural stability and prevents unwanted liquid adhesion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If automated washing processes are implemented, then productivity is improved, but identification and control of washing parameters becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing throughputVSAvoididentification and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microplate incorporates self-identifying features (such as RFID tags or unique physical markers) that automatically provide washing parameters to the automated system. This eliminates the need for complex manual identification and control systems, allowing the plate to essentially tell the washing machine how to process it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the microplate's identification features communicate with the automated washing instrument to automatically adjust washing parameters. This closed-loop control ensures accurate parameter selection without manual intervention or complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If liquid drainage is improved by adding sloping features, then liquid handling efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid drainage efficiencyVSAvoidholder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Sloping features are incorporated into the holder structure to enable gravity-assisted liquid drainage. The curved or inclined surfaces allow liquid to flow smoothly from the microplate during washing cycles, improving drainage efficiency without requiring complex mechanical drainage systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 system ensures efficient liquid handling, maintains the integrity of the hydrophobic background, and provides accurate identification and control of washing parameters, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in automated processes.

Implementation Method 1

gravity will cause the liquid to be drawn downward along the slope

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

Arrays with hydrophilic elements in a hydrophobic background are available commercially

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS9874501B2Use of chemically patterned substrate for liquid handling, chemical and biological reactions

Publication Date: 2018.01.23 CURIOX BIOSYST PTE

AI summary

A device for washing an array plate having an array of liquid droplets adhered thereto is described. The array of liquid droplets is covered with a hydrophobic medium immiscible with the array of liquid droplets. The device includes a mechanism for draining the hydrophobic medium from the array plate; a mechanism for providing an aqueous wash liquid over the array plate; a mechanism for shaking the array plate in a presence of the aqueous wash liquid; and a mechanism for removing the aqueous wash liquid from the array plate. A method for washing an array plate is also described.