Tilting Microplate Carrier for Compact Automated Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analysis apparatus for microplates are complex and large due to the need for pick-and-place mechanisms, making them difficult to implement and compactify.
Innovation Solution
A tilting microplate handling system that continuously engages with linear transport means, eliminating the need for a picking arm and allowing for compact design, with a hinge axis adjacent to the microplate for efficient movement between processing stations, including heating, cooling, and imaging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pick-and-place mechanism is used to move the microplate between stations, then the microplate can be transported between processing stations, but the apparatus becomes complex and large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microplate carrier means with the tilting mechanism into a single integrated unit. The carrier means includes a platform that can be tilted about a hinge axis, merging the transport function with the positioning function. This eliminates the need for separate pick-and-place mechanisms, reducing overall apparatus complexity while maintaining the ability to transport microplates between processing stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic tilting mechanism where the carrier platform can change its angle of inclination. By tilting the carrier about a hinge axis, the system dynamically adjusts the microplate position to facilitate loading and unloading at different stations. This dynamic adjustment replaces complex robotic picking arms with a simpler mechanical tilting action.
2Ease of operation
If a pick-and-place mechanism is used to move the microplate between stations, then the microplate can be transported between processing stations, but the apparatus size increases undesirably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the carrier platform with the tilting mechanism into a single integrated unit. The carrier means includes a platform that can be tilted about a hinge axis, merging the transport function with the positioning function. This eliminates the need for separate pick-and-place mechanisms, reducing overall apparatus complexity while maintaining the ability to transport microplates between processing stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes angular movement in a third dimension by tilting the carrier platform about a hinge axis. This angular dimension allows the microplate to be presented at different angles to various processing stations without requiring linear displacement in multiple directions, thereby reducing the overall footprint of the apparatus while maintaining access to multiple stations.
3Temperature
If the microplate is tilted into contact with functional apparatus, then heat or mechanical movement transmission is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microplate carrier means with the tilting mechanism into a single integrated unit. The carrier means includes a platform that can be tilted about a hinge axis, merging the transport function with the positioning function. This eliminates the need for separate pick-and-place mechanisms, reducing overall apparatus complexity while maintaining the ability to transport microplates between processing stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the microplate for processing, enables contact with heating/cooling apparatus, and facilitates loading/unloading. By making the carrier platform itself tiltable, the system eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms, allowing the same mechanical action to serve multiple operational requirements.
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 solution enables a compact and efficient microplate handling system that simplifies construction and facilitates accurate movement, improving the effectiveness of temperature transmission and mechanical processes while reducing the apparatus size.
Implementation Method 1
the tilting means comprising means for pivoting the microplate carrier means about a hinge axis to tilt the microplate between a raised position and a lowered position
Implementation Method 2
The functional apparatus may include means for heating and/or cooling the microplate
Data Source
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AI summary
Automated handling apparatus for transporting a microplate (20) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a microplate carrying means (44) upon which a microplate can be releasably secured. Transport means (18) is operable to move the microplate carrying means from one operational station to another. Tilting means (30, 21) is operable to move the microplate carrying means from a lowered position generally within the transport plane to a raised position in which one side of the microplate is above the transport plane. The tilting means operates to tilt the microplate carrying means about a hinge axis that extends parallel to the transport plane.