Group 5 – Simple Sample

This project presents a novel autosampler design according to specific customer requirements. Emphasizing size, efficiency, and portability, the design integrates mechatronics, thermodynamics, and fluid systems to deliver precise and reliable functionality for laboratory applications. The Mechatronics team focused on a centralized SCARA arm which has the flexibility and strength to allow smooth access to selected samples. Calculations indicated that the selected motor achieves a maximum rotational speed of 6.28 rad/s with an accuracy of 0.005 mm, ensuring a fast and precise fluid selection process. The Fluids team focused on developing a pump system to accurately deliver the chosen sample amount to a microfluidic device. Calculations demonstrated a sampling time running from 4.48- 100.38 seconds with an accuracy of ±0.05-2.49 μL for the minimum and maximum sample volumes respectively. The Thermodynamics team designed a compact temperature control system based on a Peltier module. This system independently regulates two sample trays, maintaining temperatures within ±2°C of the setpoint. It effectively heats or cools samples across a range of 4°C to 37°C, ensuring sample integrity without compromising the design’s portability. The autosampler design enhances compactness of an autosampler while optimizing all sampling functions. Future design improvements could include developing a thermodynamics prototype to ensure uniform heating or cooling of all samples. A water bath system could improve temperature consistency as an alternative based on testing, however it would compromise portability.