Automated Well Plate Liquid Handling for Precise Cell Culture Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional manual liquid handling in laboratories is prone to variations in precision and reproducibility, leading to reduced productivity and quality in cell culture processes due to operator skill dependence and potential sample loss.

Innovation Solution

A liquid handling device comprising a well plate, a dispenser unit, a gripper unit, and a reservoir unit, which automates the dispensing and aspirating of coating solutions and culture media, enhancing precision and reproducibility by moving the well plate along a preset path and using pipette tips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual liquid handling is performed by workers using volume-adjustable pipettes, then flexibility in liquid transfer is achieved, but precision and reproducibility deteriorate due to operator skill dependence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in liquid transferVSAvoidprecision and reproducibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical pipetting operations with an automated liquid handling device that uses robotic arms, precision motors, and computer control systems to perform liquid transfers. This substitution eliminates operator skill dependence while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable sequences and adjustable parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated device performs liquid handling operations autonomously without requiring continuous human intervention. The system self-regulates liquid transfer volumes, speeds, and sequences through embedded controllers and sensors, ensuring consistent precision while workers focus on higher-level experimental design and analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual liquid handling is performed by skilled workers, then some level of precision is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to high training costs and workforce requirements for mass cell production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of liquid handlingVSAvoidproductivity in mass cell production

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated liquid handling device operates continuously without interruption, performing liquid transfers at high speed and consistency. The robotic system can work uninterrupted for extended periods, processing multiple well plates in sequence, thereby dramatically increasing productivity compared to manual operations that require breaks, repositioning, and human fatigue management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The device processes liquid handling tasks in discrete, repeatable units corresponding to individual well plates or even individual wells. This segmentation allows the system to optimize each transfer operation independently while maintaining overall workflow continuity, enabling high-throughput processing of large numbers of samples.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If manual liquid handling is performed, then operator judgment can be applied, but sample loss increases due to evaporation and liquid sticking to pipettes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator judgmentVSAvoidsample loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The automated device replaces manual pipetting with precisely controlled robotic dispensing systems that minimize liquid contact time and use optimized aspiration/expulsion techniques. The system maintains sterile conditions and controlled environments that reduce evaporation, while programmable sequences ensure complete liquid transfer and minimize adherence losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250375762A1Liquid handling device

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 S-BIOMEDICS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is to a liquid handling device, and more particularly, to a liquid handling device that automates liquid handling for a cell culture process, thereby improving precision and reproducibility.