Staggered Pipetting Units for Compact Lab Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipetting devices with multiple units face challenges in achieving appropriate spacing between units due to their broad diameter, making adjacent placement impossible, which limits their packing efficiency and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The device employs staggered mounting of pipetting units and modules, along with a Y-axis transfer mechanism and ball bearings, to achieve optimal spacing between units, allowing for closer proximity and efficient operation, and includes sensor modules for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pipetting units are placed adjacently at the same level, then packing efficiency is improved, but the broad diameter of pipetting units makes adjacent placement impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional adjacent placement (same level) to three-dimensional staggered placement (different levels). Pipetting units are arranged at different vertical levels with offset horizontal positions, enabling closer effective spacing while accommodating the broad diameter of each unit. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by achieving high packing efficiency without requiring impossible adjacent placement at the same level.
2Ease of operation
If pipetting units are staggered at different levels, then appropriate spacing between units is achieved, but device complexity increases due to Y-axis transfer mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning where pipetting units can move along the Y-axis to switch between operational levels. The Y-axis transfer mechanism enables units to dynamically transition between upper and lower levels, allowing appropriate spacing during operation while maintaining a compact overall structure. This dynamic approach balances the need for spacing with the goal of reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pipette tips are independently movable, then sampling flexibility is improved, but control precision becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position and status of independently movable pipette tips, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of each tip's movement and positioning, resolving the contradiction by maintaining control precision despite the increased flexibility from independent movability. The sensor-driven feedback ensures accurate sampling operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipetting device is described comprising more than one pipetting unit, wherein said pipetting units are independently movable in Y and Z direction and comprise at least one module arranged in a staggered manner compared to the adjacent pipetting unit.