Recovering from a head collision

About this topic

Occasionally, the Bravo head might collide with an accessory or labware on a deck location because the accessory or labware has been misplaced or mistaught.

This topic describes what to do after a head collision has occurred.

Before you start

Before you start the inspection of the Bravo Platform, clean up any spills that might have occurred as a result of the collision.

Procedure

To inspect the Bravo Platform:

1	Inspect the impacted parts for visible signs of damage.

Look carefully for any subtle signs of damage.

2	If contact was made to the pipette barrel or tip:

a	Compare the impacted region to the surrounding barrels or tips.

Dented barrels can affect tip sealing.

b	Replace damaged tips or barrels if disposable.

3	If contact was made with a:

a	Standard platepad, make sure the alignment tabs did not become damaged and still allow plates to be easily picked or placed.

b	Alignment Station, make sure the rollers and springs are not damaged and still allow plates to be easily picked and placed.

c	Other deck locations, make sure the alignment tabs are not damaged and still allow plates to be easily picked and placed.

Make sure the specific functionality of the deck location is not compromised. If the operation is hindered, contact Agilent Technical Support. Be ready to describe how the collision occurred.

To verify system components are still working:

1	Jog each axis back and forth and listen for any new noise.

If new noises are present or if any axis movement is impaired, contact Agilent Technical Support.

2	Make sure the Bravo Platform alignment was not compromised:

a	If the liquid-handling head was impacted side-to-side, re-install the head.

b	Attach the correct pipette tip type.

c	Move to the location you taught (typically location 5).

d	Check the alignment of the x- and y-axes.

If the x- or y-axis are not aligned, contact Agilent Technical Support.

Misalignment could be the result of a shift in the x or y screw in their mounts. Re-homing would reset the teach positions correctly but the mounts would still need to be retightened.

3	If the contact occurred in the vertical direction:

a	Attach the correct tip type

b	Move to location 8.

c	Check the alignment of the z-axis.

If the z-axis is out of alignment, contact Agilent Technical Support.

The tie bar may need adjustment to align the y arm to be parallel with the deck.

Related information

 

For information about...	See...
Removing and installing a liquid-handling head	Changing the Bravo head
Troubleshooting problems	• Troubleshooting hardware problems • Troubleshooting hardware-related error messages
How to report a problem	Reporting problems