Vacuum Extraction Plate Interface Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-throughput robotic systems for chemical and biological sample preparation face inefficiencies due to the need for frequent movement and manipulation of vacuum blocks, leading to increased processing time and contamination risks, especially when using vacuum or positive pressure manifolds.
Innovation Solution
Design of components and systems that allow for an air-tight, easily reversible vacuum seal, enabling the pipette head of a robotic handler to manage insertion and removal without moving the vacuum block, with specific angles and ridges ensuring proper alignment and minimizing wobble, thus reducing contamination and processing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vacuum block is moved frequently to load/unload plates, then sample processing can be performed, but processing time increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the vacuum block from the plate handling operations. The vacuum block remains stationary while individual plates are loaded/unloaded independently using robotic grippers, eliminating the need to move the entire vacuum block assembly during plate changes.
Solution Approach 2:
A robotic gripper acts as an intermediary between the plate storage and the vacuum block, handling plate insertion and removal without requiring movement of the vacuum block itself. This mediator enables automated plate handling while keeping the vacuum system stationary.
2Ease of operation
If vacuum block is moved frequently, then plate loading/unloading is enabled, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating plate handling from vacuum block movement, the system minimizes the exposure of vacuum components to potential contaminants. Only the plate and gripper interact with the external environment, while the vacuum block remains in a controlled, stationary position.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic gripper autonomously handles plate loading and unloading operations, reducing human intervention and associated contamination risks. The system performs plate handling automatically without requiring manual manipulation of vacuum components.
3Productivity
If positive pressure manifold is used instead of vacuum system, then fewer steps are required, but additional bench top space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum block is designed to accommodate multiple plate types and configurations (different well formats, plate sizes) while maintaining the same vacuum interface. This multi-functionality allows the compact vacuum system to replace both vacuum and positive pressure manifolds, eliminating the need for separate systems.
4Reliability
If vacuum seal is made tighter, then vacuum integrity is improved, but removal of components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum seal mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. During vacuum operation, the seal maintains tight contact for integrity. During release, the vacuum is vented and the seal naturally separates due to loss of adhesive force, enabling easy component removal without manual force or complex release mechanisms.
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 solution significantly reduces processing time, minimizes contamination, and enhances throughput by allowing seamless integration with vacuum systems, enabling efficient sample loading, washing, and elution without losing vacuum between steps.
Implementation Method 1
activating a vacuum through said vacuum block, said vacuum pulling said liquid through said array of extraction or filtration devices into a waste or other receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A process and system for automated extractions using a vacuum system is disclosed. The process includes the use of the robotic liquid handler's pipetting head for performing the elution step, thereby minimizing potential cross-contamination and improving throughput. The various disposable devices are designed to meet with each other at an angle of 7-90° from vertical to provide an air-tight, yet easily reversible seal. They are designed to fit together with minimal wobble, ensuring placement to allow a vacuum seal. An optional protective sheath is also provided to protect columns from tip contamination, the sheath not requiring the vacuum seal.