Low-power electronic pipettes

Abstract

The present invention provides a low-power electric pipette, which includes a charge management module, a control module, a motor drive module, a display module, a communication module, a sensing module, and a battery module. The charge management module, the communication module, and the sensing module are respectively bidirectionally connected to the control module, the display module and the motor drive module are respectively unidirectionally connected to the control module, and the battery module is used to provide energy to the low-power electric pipette. When the sensing module obtains a signal and determines that the low-power electric pipette has not been operated for a certain period of time and is not in a charging state, the low-power electric pipette enters a low-power mode, the control module shuts down the charge management module, the motor drive module, the display module, and the communication module, and the control module enters a sleep state. The present invention can achieve intelligent activation, fast response speed, low motor power consumption, and the like, and is suitable for portable rechargeable biochemical equipment with short-range communication and low-power motors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of auxiliary devices for detection and analysis, and in particular to a low-power electric pipette. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, electronic pipettes are commonly used in biology, chemistry, biochemistry and other laboratories. In experiments, pipettes are used to transmit and transfer fluid samples.

[0003] Typically, when a rechargeable electronic pipette is low on power, it may require a short charge to meet long-term use in certain special circumstances, such as charging for 5 minutes for 1 hour of use.

[0004] When electronic pipettes are not in use, power consumption should be reduced to microwatts, ensuring a standby time of at least six months on a full charge. If staff are using an electronic pipette, the current battery level should be displayed upon contact, allowing the user to make a decision on whether to use it.

[0005] When in active mode, electronic pipettes must maintain low power consumption to extend battery life. This mode handles communication and motor control. In laboratory environments, electromagnetic radiation from electronic pipettes must be minimized to avoid interference with other precision equipment.

[0006] Electronic pipettes should intuitively display the current charging status and power level to facilitate reliable prediction by the operator. Electronic pipettes should also have communication capabilities to facilitate integration into other systems for automated or semi-automated control.

[0007] However, existing electronic pipettes typically lack a low-power mode or require a button to switch from low-power to active mode. This button-activated mode can affect the design and waterproofing or cause incorrect operation, and is considered an active activation mode.

[0008] In view of this, those skilled in the art have developed low-power electric pipettes in order to overcome the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects in the prior art of electric pipettes that there is no low-power mode and the key switching mode affects the structural design, and to provide a low-power electric pipette.

[0010] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions:

[0011] A low-power electric pipette, characterized in that the low-power electric pipette includes a charging management module, a control module, a motor drive module, a display module, a communication module, a sensing module, and a battery module, wherein the charging management module, the communication module, and the sensing module are respectively bidirectionally connected to the control module, the display module and the motor drive module are respectively unidirectionally connected to the control module, and the display module and the motor drive module are controlled by the control module, and the battery module is used to provide energy for the low-power electric pipette;

[0012] When the sensing module obtains a signal and determines that the low-power electric pipette has not been operated for a certain period of time and is not in a charging state, the low-power electric pipette enters a low-power mode, the control module turns off the charging management module, the motor drive module, the display module and the communication module, and the control module enters a sleep state.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control module includes a microcontroller, a voltage monitoring IC and an electrically erasable programmable memory, the microcontroller is used to switch the active state and low power state of the low-power electronic pipette, the voltage monitoring IC is used to provide the normal operating voltage of the low-power electronic pipette, and the electrically erasable programmable memory is used to store information.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the charging management module interacts with the microcontroller to perform charging and discharging management.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the charging voltage of the charging management module is 4.5V-5.5V, or 12V.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensing module includes an acceleration sensor, the acceleration sensor is electrically connected to the microcontroller, and the microcontroller determines whether a staff member wants to use it by collecting an output signal of the acceleration sensor;

[0017] If it is determined that the staff is going to use it, the power status is displayed, and the microcontroller controls the low-power electric pipette to enter the active mode; if it is determined that the staff is not going to use it, the sensing module first determines whether the low-power electric pipette is in a charging state; if it is in a charging state, the microcontroller controls the low-power electric pipette to enter the active mode; otherwise, the low-power electric pipette enters the low-power mode after displaying the power status for a short time.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensing module further includes a capacitive touch switch, and the capacitive touch switch is electrically connected to the microcontroller;

[0019] When the sensing module detects the charging status signal, the sensing module combines the signals detected by the capacitive touch switch and the acceleration sensor to determine whether there is a staff member who wants to use it;

[0020] If it is determined that the staff is going to use it, the power status is displayed, and the microcontroller controls the low-power electric pipette to enter the active mode; if it is determined that the staff is not going to use it, the sensing module first determines whether the low-power electric pipette is in a charging state; if it is in a charging state, the microcontroller controls the low-power electric pipette to enter the active mode; otherwise, the low-power electric pipette enters the low-power mode after displaying the power status for a short time.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensing module further includes a micro switch, and the micro switch is electrically connected to the microcontroller;

[0022] If the micro switch detects a trigger signal, the microcontroller switches the low-power electronic pipette from a low-power mode to an active mode.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the motor drive module includes a motor and an analog switch. The motor is connected to the microcontroller, and the microcontroller controls the output of the power chip to adjust the pipette aspiration or discharge speed of the motor at a constant voltage.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the communication module includes a USB device, a Bluetooth device, or a near field communication device.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the display module includes an LED or a display for displaying information.

[0026] The positive progress effect of the present invention is:

[0027] The low-power electric pipette of the present invention adopts an acceleration sensor, a capacitive touch switch, and a micro switch for integrated sensing, forming a passive mode. This structure is conducive to appearance design and waterproof design. The moment the customer picks up the electric pipette, it can switch from low-power mode to active mode, displaying the remaining power of the pipette, and turning the pipette into an intelligent pipette.

[0028] This low-power electric pipette features long standby time, low operating power consumption, intelligent sensing, and communication capabilities, making it suitable for IoT applications. It offers intelligent activation, fast response, and low motor power consumption, making it suitable for portable, rechargeable biochemical equipment equipped with short-range communication and a low-power motor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which like reference numerals represent like features throughout, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the principle of the low-power electric pipette of the present invention.

[0031] Reference numerals

[0032] Charging management module 10

[0033] Control module 20

[0034] Motor drive module 30

[0035] Display module 40

[0036] Communication module 50

[0037] Perception module 60

[0038] Battery module 70 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same or similar parts.

[0041] Furthermore, although the terms used in the present invention are selected from well-known and commonly used terms, some terms mentioned in the present specification may be selected by the applicant at his or her discretion, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant parts of the description herein.

[0042] Furthermore, it is required that the present invention be understood not only by the actual terms used but also by the meanings lying behind each term.

[0043] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the principle of the low-power electric pipette of the present invention.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, the present invention discloses a low-power electric pipette, which includes a charging management module 10, a control module 20, a motor drive module 30, a display module 40, a communication module 50, a sensing module 60 and a battery module 70. Among them, the charging management module 10, the communication module 50 and the sensing module 60 are respectively bidirectionally connected to the control module 20, and the display module 40 and the motor drive module 30 are respectively unidirectionally connected to the control module 20. The display module 40 and the motor drive module 30 are controlled by the control module 20. The battery module 70 is used to provide energy to the low-power electric pipette.

[0045] When the sensing module 60 obtains a signal and determines that the low-power electric pipette has not been operated for a certain period of time and is not in a charging state, the low-power electric pipette enters a low-power mode, the control module 20 turns off the charging management module 10, the motor drive module 30, the display module 40 and the communication module 50, and the control module 20 enters a sleep state.

[0046] Preferably, the control module 20 includes a microcontroller, a voltage monitoring IC (voltage monitoring chip), and an electrically erasable programmable memory (e.g., EEPROM, Flash, FRAM). The microcontroller is used to switch the low-power electronic pipette between an active state and a low-power state, the voltage monitoring IC is used to provide the normal operating voltage of the low-power electronic pipette, and the electrically erasable programmable memory is used to store information.

[0047] Furthermore, the charging management module 10 interacts with the microcontroller to manage charging and discharging. The charging voltage of the charging management module 10 is preferably 4.5V-5.5V, or 12V. The charging voltage depends on the battery module 70. The above preferred charging voltage values ​​are only examples and are not limiting.

[0048] Here, the charging current is adjusted based on the battery charge level, enabling fast charging. It also allows for trickle charging when the battery is nearly fully charged to protect the battery. The rechargeable battery can be a lithium polymer or lithium ion battery. Capacity detection is performed using a voltage divider resistor and an op amp. Because capacity detection is performed frequently and to ensure the accuracy of the microcontroller's analog-to-digital conversion, a voltage divider resistor and op amp are used to measure the charge level.

[0049] Furthermore, the sensing module 60 includes an acceleration sensor, which is electrically connected to the microcontroller. The microcontroller determines whether a staff member wants to use it by collecting the output signal of the acceleration sensor.

[0050] If it is determined that the staff is going to use it, the power status is displayed, and the microcontroller controls the low-power electric pipette to enter the active mode; if it is determined that the staff is not going to use it, the sensing module first determines whether the low-power electric pipette is in a charging state; if it is in a charging state, the microcontroller controls the low-power electric pipette to enter the active mode; otherwise, the low-power electric pipette enters the low-power mode after displaying the power status for a short time.

[0051] Preferably, the sensing module 60 further includes a capacitive touch switch electrically connected to the microcontroller. When the sensing module detects a charging status signal, the sensing module combines the signals detected by the capacitive touch switch and the acceleration sensor to determine whether a staff member intends to use the device.

[0052] If it is determined that the staff is going to use it, the power status is displayed, and the microcontroller controls the low-power electric pipette to enter the active mode; if it is determined that the staff is not going to use it, the sensing module first determines whether the low-power electric pipette is in a charging state; if it is in a charging state, the microcontroller controls the low-power electric pipette to enter the active mode; otherwise, the low-power electric pipette enters the low-power mode after displaying the power status for a short time.

[0053] In addition, the sensing module 60 further includes a micro switch electrically connected to the microcontroller. If the micro switch detects a trigger signal, the microcontroller switches the low-power electronic pipette from a low-power mode to an active mode.

[0054] The microcontroller can enter an active state or a low-power state. In the low-power state, the microcontroller shuts down corresponding power-consuming applications and enters a sleep or deep sleep state to save power. The microswitch, the capacitive touch switch, and the acceleration sensor activate the microcontroller to enter a sleep state when an external trigger signal is detected. Electrically erasable programmable memory (e.g., EEPROM, Flash, FRAM) can be used to store information, and the information content is not limited to system configuration information, battery information, etc. The voltage monitoring IC is used to ensure the normal operating voltage of the system.

[0055] Preferably, the motor driver module 30 includes a motor and an analog switch. The motor is connected to the microcontroller, which controls the output of the power chip and regulates the pipette aspiration or discharge speed of the motor with a constant voltage. The microcontroller controls the low-power pipette to enter a low-power state, shutting down unnecessary peripheral circuits and the sensor to enter a low-power mode to save standby power.

[0056] In addition, the communication module 50 includes a USB device, Bluetooth, or a near-field communication device (e.g., NFC, RFID). USB devices, Bluetooth, and NFC enable two-way communication, while RFID (radio frequency identification) enables one-way communication. The display module 40 includes an LED or a display, etc., for displaying information. The display is not limited to TFT, a TFT screen, etc. There can be one or more LEDs, of any type. The display module 40 is used to display information such as battery charge level and charging status.

[0057] For example, the communication module 50 may include USB devices, Bluetooth, NFC (near-field communication), RS232, RFID (radio frequency identification), etc. Bluetooth and USB devices are used for long-distance communication, and the communication content is not limited to battery level information, battery life, pipette ID, etc. NFC is used for near-field communication, and the communication content is not limited to Bluetooth ID, configuration settings, etc.

[0058] Based on the above structural description, the low-power management mechanism of the low-power electronic pipette of the present invention is mainly implemented between the acceleration sensor, capacitive touch switch, micro switch, and microcontroller. The entire system is divided into several modes, covering active mode and low-power mode.

[0059] Assuming the microcontroller is in low power mode, it can be divided into the following three cases:

[0060] In the first, the accelerometer is always in an active state. Once a certain vibration level is exceeded, the accelerometer outputs a logic signal to trigger the microcontroller. Upon detecting the trigger signal from the accelerometer, the microcontroller switches from low-power mode to active mode. The microcontroller collects the accelerometer output signal and determines whether a staff member intends to use the device and whether it is in a charging state. If it is determined that a staff member intends to use the device, the battery status is displayed, and the microcontroller controls the system to enter active mode. If it is determined that a staff member does not intend to use the device, the microcontroller determines whether it is in a charging state. If so, the microcontroller enters active mode. Otherwise, the system briefly displays the battery status and then enters low-power mode.

[0061] Second, the capacitive touch switch can be used as an auxiliary accelerometer and is optional. If the capacitive touch switch detects a signal, it is integrated with the accelerometer signal to determine whether a staff member intends to use the device and whether it is in a charging state. If it is determined that a staff member intends to use the device, the battery status is displayed, and the microcontroller controls the low-power pipette to enter active mode. If it is determined that a staff member does not intend to use the device, the microcontroller determines whether it is in a charging state. If so, the microcontroller controls the low-power pipette to enter active mode. Otherwise, the low-power pipette enters low-power mode after a short display of the battery status.

[0062] The third type is that the micro switch is used as a separate signal. If a trigger signal is detected, the microcontroller enters the active mode from the low power mode, regardless of whether it is in the charging state.

[0063] These three situations are in an OR relationship, which is the activation method of the low-power electronic pipette from the low-power mode to the active mode, ensuring that customers have a good experience.

[0064] Assume that the low-power electronic pipette is in active mode. Unless the microcontroller analyzes the acceleration sensor signal and determines that no one has operated the electronic pipette for a certain period of time, and is not in a charging state, and the micro switch and the capacitive touch switch have no trigger signal for a certain period of time, the system enters the low-power mode.

[0065] In addition, the motor is one of the factors that consume the most power in the active mode of the entire system. We use a low-voltage DC motor pump to reduce the power consumption of the aspiration / discharge operation. The low voltage is lower than the battery voltage of the pipette, and the motor is powered by a switching step-down circuit. Unlike the traditional method of adjusting the aspiration / discharge speed of the pipette by controlling whether the motor is powered, the low-power electric pipette of the present invention uses the DC motor operating voltage to reduce the aspiration / discharge power consumption, thereby greatly reducing the number of inrush currents at the moment of motor startup. On the one hand, it is beneficial to reduce power consumption, and on the other hand, it is also beneficial to protect the battery.

[0066] In addition, wireless communication is also one of the factors that contribute to the high power consumption of the entire system in active mode. The low-power electric pipette of the present invention performs regular scanning, and the wireless communication module is in low-power mode during scanning intervals, thereby reducing wireless communication power consumption and extending battery life.

[0067] In summary, the low-power electric pipette of the present invention adopts an acceleration sensor, a capacitive touch switch, and a micro switch for integrated sensing, forming a passive mode. This structure is conducive to appearance design and waterproof design. The moment the customer picks up the electric pipette, it can enter the active mode from the low-power mode, display the remaining power of the pipette, and turn the pipette into an intelligent pipette.

[0068] This low-power electric pipette features long standby time, low operating power consumption, intelligent sensing, and communication capabilities, making it suitable for IoT applications. It offers intelligent activation, fast response, and low motor power consumption, making it suitable for portable, rechargeable biochemical equipment equipped with short-range communication and a low-power motor.

[0069] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely illustrative and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, and such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-power electric pipette, characterized in that The low-power electric pipette includes a charging management module, a control module, a motor drive module, a display module, a communication module, a sensing module and a battery module. The charging management module, the communication module and the sensing module are respectively bidirectionally connected to the control module, the display module and the motor drive module are respectively unidirectionally connected to the control module, and the display module and the motor drive module are controlled by the control module. The battery module is used to provide energy for the low-power electric pipette; When the sensing module obtains a signal and determines that the low-power electric pipette has not been operated for a certain period of time and is not in a charging state, the low-power electric pipette enters a low-power mode, the control module turns off the charging management module, the motor driving module, the display module and the communication module, and the control module enters a sleep state; The control module includes a microcontroller, and the microcontroller is used to switch the active state and the low power state of the low power electronic pipette; The sensing module includes an acceleration sensor, which is electrically connected to the microcontroller. The microcontroller determines whether a staff member wants to use the device by collecting an output signal from the acceleration sensor. If it is determined that the staff is going to use it, the power status is displayed, and the microcontroller controls the low-power electric pipette to enter the active mode; if it is determined that the staff is not going to use it, the sensing module first determines whether the low-power electric pipette is in a charging state; if it is in a charging state, the microcontroller controls the low-power electric pipette to enter the active mode; otherwise, the low-power electric pipette enters the low-power mode after displaying the power status for a short time.

2. The low-power electric pipette according to claim 1, wherein The control module includes a voltage monitoring IC and an electrically erasable programmable memory, wherein the voltage monitoring IC is used to provide the normal operating voltage of the low-power electric pipette, and the electrically erasable programmable memory is used to store information; the communication module includes a USB device, Bluetooth or near-field communication device.

3. The low-power electric pipette according to claim 2, characterized in that The charging management module interacts with the microcontroller to perform charging and discharging management.

4. The low-power electric pipette according to claim 3, characterized in that The charging voltage of the charging management module is 4.5V-5.5V, or 12V.

5. The low-power electronic pipette according to claim 1, wherein: The sensing module further includes a capacitive touch switch, and the capacitive touch switch is electrically connected to the microcontroller; When the capacitive touch switch detects a signal, the sensing module combines the signals detected by the capacitive touch switch and the acceleration sensor to determine whether a staff member wants to use it; If it is determined that the staff is going to use it, the power status is displayed, and the microcontroller controls the low-power electric pipette to enter the active mode; if it is determined that the staff is not going to use it, the sensing module first determines whether the low-power electric pipette is in a charging state; if it is in a charging state, the microcontroller controls the low-power electric pipette to enter the active mode; otherwise, the low-power electric pipette enters the low-power mode after displaying the power status for a short time.

6. The low-power electronic pipette according to claim 1, wherein: The sensing module further includes a micro switch, and the micro switch is electrically connected to the microcontroller; If the micro switch detects a trigger signal, the microcontroller switches the low-power electronic pipette from a low-power mode to an active mode.

7. The low-power electronic pipette according to claim 1, wherein: The motor drive module includes a motor and an analog switch. The motor is connected to the microcontroller. The microcontroller controls the output of the power chip and adjusts the liquid aspiration or discharge speed of the motor with constant voltage.

8. The low-power electronic pipette according to claim 1, wherein: The display module includes an LED or a display for displaying information.

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