Volume Gauge Using Pressure Sensing for HTS Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-Throughput Screening (HTS) and Ultra-High-Throughput Screening (uHTS) systems face challenges in accurately measuring the volume of substances in containers due to clogged dispensing nozzles and irregular container shapes, leading to wasted test substances and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A volume measurement system utilizing a pressure sensing system with a chamber, pressure changing device, and processor, or a motion sensing system with a flexible seal and heating device, both employing the ideal gas law to determine the volume of substances in containers, capable of handling undefined container shapes and irregularly shaped substances, and providing contact-free measurements to prevent cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical sensing systems are used to detect volume of test substances, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy is limited by container shape and substance properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensing systems with a pressure-based mechanical sensing system. A pressure sensor detects pressure changes in the container headspace, and a processor calculates volume from these pressure changes using the ideal gas law. This mechanical substitution eliminates the limitations of optical methods regarding container shape and substance optical properties, achieving accurate volume measurement without being affected by irregular container geometries or substance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from optical properties (light reflection, absorption) to pressure properties. By measuring pressure changes in the headspace gas and applying the ideal gas law, the system calculates volume based on pressure variations rather than optical characteristics. This parameter change enables accurate measurement regardless of container shape irregularities or substance optical properties.
2Productivity
If dispensing nozzles are used for high-volume dispensing operations, then productivity is improved, but nozzle blockages occur leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary volume verification by measuring the actual volume dispensed into each container before the main HTS/uHTS process proceeds. The pressure sensor detects volume in real-time or near-real-time, allowing the system to identify under-filled or empty containers due to nozzle blockages before substantial resources are consumed. This preliminary detection enables early intervention to maintain dispensing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring dispensed volume using pressure sensors and providing real-time information about dispensing status. The processor analyzes pressure changes to determine if containers are properly filled, and this feedback can trigger alerts or stop the dispensing process when blockages are detected, maintaining both high productivity and reliability through continuous monitoring.
3Productivity
If large quantities of containers are processed in HTS/uHTS systems, then productivity is improved, but waste of test substances increases when errors are undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The volume measurement system performs preliminary verification of each container's fill status before the containers proceed through the full HTS/uHTS workflow. By detecting empty or under-filled containers early using pressure sensors, the system prevents subsequent processing of invalid samples, thereby avoiding waste of expensive test substances while maintaining high screening throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor acts as an intermediary detection device between the dispensing operation and the main screening process. It provides a non-intrusive, rapid volume verification method that doesn't consume test substances or interfere with the screening workflow, enabling efficient quality control that reduces substance waste while preserving productivity.
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
Ensures accurate and efficient volume measurement of substances in large quantities, increasing the reliability of HTS and uHTS systems by preventing nozzle blockages and accounting for irregular container shapes, while maintaining specimen integrity.
Implementation Method 1
employing the ideal gas law to determine the volume of substances in containers
Implementation Method 2
a motion sensing system with a flexible seal and heating device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Several aspects of the volume gauge may be implemented with a pressure sensing system and/or a motion sensing system. The pressure sensing system for volume measurements may include a chamber, a pressure changing device, a pressure sensing device, and a processor. The motion sensing system for volume measurements may include a container, a flexible seal, a heating device, a sensing device, and a processor.