Light safe straw
By designing a lightweight safety pipette with a sliding protective sleeve and a limiting collar, the problem of excessively long sample tube protective sleeves leading to long travel distances and large equipment space occupation is solved, achieving safe protection and space saving during sample transfer.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520333744.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-28
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the excessively long protective sleeve of the sample tube results in an excessively long travel distance for the pipette tip and sample tube, occupying a large amount of equipment space and causing inconvenience.
A lightweight safety pipette was designed, featuring a sliding protective sleeve with a limiting collar restricting the sliding range. Combined with a lifting assembly and a monitoring device, it achieves sample protection and reduces space requirements during the transfer process.
It achieves full protection of samples during the transfer process, while shortening the activity range and equipment space occupation, saving energy and reducing costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN223888048U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a lightweight safety straw. Background Technology
[0002] In the biomedical field, to prevent damage to sample tubes, sample tube pipette devices are typically used for suction and transport of the sample tubes.
[0003] To ensure the safety of the sample tube during transfer, it needs to be completely sucked into the cannula and not exposed to the air. For this purpose, existing technologies usually use very long cannulas to protect the sample. However, excessively long cannulas result in excessively long travel distances for the pipette tip and sample tube, occupy more equipment space, and cause inconvenience.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the existing technology for a lightweight safety straw to solve the problem of excessively long protective sleeves, which result in long strokes and large space occupation of equipment. Utility Model Content
[0005] This invention addresses the problems existing in the prior art by providing a lightweight safety pipette that can safely protect sample tubes without occupying more equipment space.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0007] A lightweight safety straw, comprising a straw for drawing or releasing a sample, characterized in that it further comprises a protective sleeve fitted over the outside of the straw, the protective sleeve being slidable along the extension direction of the straw.
[0008] Under normal conditions, the protective sleeve is fixed to the outside of the pipette and falls automatically to protect the sample grasped by the pipette. When grasping or releasing the sample, the protective sleeve is blocked by the external mechanism and is automatically lifted to expose the internal sampling port. After the mechanism moves away from the obstruction, the protective sleeve falls automatically. This not only protects the sample during the transfer process, but also shortens the movement distance and space occupied. Moreover, it moves up and down in a self-sliding manner without the need for additional drive, saving energy.
[0009] Preferably, a limiting collar is also included, which is disposed outside the suction tube and is used to limit the sliding range of the protective sleeve.
[0010] The limiting collar guides the sliding of the protective sleeve while limiting its sliding distance, preventing it from detaching.
[0011] Preferably, the limiting collar includes two sets of limiting rings, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the straw.
[0012] The two sets of limit rings spaced apart increase the contact points with the protective sleeve, making the sliding of the protective sleeve more stable.
[0013] Preferably, the straw includes:
[0014] suction head;
[0015] An air rod, one end of which is connected to the suction head;
[0016] A cooling tube is sleeved around the air rod and close to one end of the suction head, and a protective sleeve is sleeved over the cooling tube.
[0017] The air rod uses negative pressure to cause the suction head to adsorb and grab the sample tube. The cooling tube can conduct cold during the adsorption and transfer process. The cooling tube is made of a cold-conducting material, which introduces the external cold source into the tube body through the cooling tube body, so that the grabbed sample tube is still in a low-temperature environment, realizing a cold chain throughout the process.
[0018] Preferably, the device also includes a lifting assembly, the output end of which is connected to the straw, and the lifting assembly is used to drive the straw to move up and down.
[0019] The lifting assembly allows the straw to be brought close to the external mechanism for retrieval, and can also be used in conjunction with a stationary external mechanism to raise and lower the protective sleeve.
[0020] Preferably, the lifting assembly includes:
[0021] A fixed base, wherein a slide rail is provided on the fixed base along the vertical direction, and a magnetic coil is provided inside the fixed base;
[0022] The movable seat is slidably connected to the slide rail via a first slider. The straw is connected to the movable seat and passes through the fixed seat in a vertical direction. A magnetic rod is connected to the movable seat in a vertical direction, and the magnetic rod passes through the magnetic coil.
[0023] By energizing the magnetic coil, the magnetic rod is moved, which in turn drives the movable seat to move vertically relative to the fixed seat. The movable seat then drives the connected straw to move up and down.
[0024] Preferably, a monitoring device is also included, which is disposed on the lifting assembly and is used to provide feedback on the distance of the lifting assembly's vertical movement.
[0025] The distance the straw rises and falls is monitored by a monitoring device to prevent it from exceeding the range of motion and causing safety hazards.
[0026] Preferably, the system also includes an elastic element, with its two ends connected to the fixed seat and the movable seat, respectively.
[0027] The elastic element can push the movable seat to rise and reset after the magnetic rod is attracted by the magnetic coil and the movable seat is lowered.
[0028] Preferably, the elastic element is a spring.
[0029] Springs are simple and readily available, saving time, effort, and resources.
[0030] Preferably, the slide rail is provided with a second slider extending in the vertical direction, and the lightweight safety straw is slidably connected to the external support mechanism in the vertical direction through the second slider.
[0031] This allows the entire device to float vertically, preventing impact when it comes into contact with the sample tube or the container holding the sample tube, thus improving safety.
[0032] Preferably, the fixed base is provided with a limiting block, which is configured to abut against the second slider to limit the range of motion of the second slider.
[0033] It can prevent the device from floating out of its range and causing it to detach from the external support mechanism.
[0034] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0035] Under normal conditions, the protective sleeve is fixed to the outside of the pipette and automatically falls along the guide ring to protect the sample inside. When grabbing or releasing the sample, the protective sleeve is blocked by the external mechanism and is automatically lifted, moving upward along the guide ring until the internal sampling port is exposed. After the mechanism moves away from the obstruction, the protective sleeve automatically falls along the guide ring. This ensures that the sample is protected by a cold chain throughout the transfer process, while shortening the movement distance and space occupation. Moreover, the self-sliding up and down movement does not require additional drive, achieving weight reduction, cost reduction, and energy saving for the lightweight safety pipette. Attached Figure Description
[0036] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention;
[0037] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image;
[0038] Figure 3 This is the front view of the present invention;
[0039] Figure 4 for Figure 3 B-line cross-section;
[0040] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of part A;
[0041] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A magnified view of section B;
[0042] Figure 7This is a side view of the present invention;
[0043] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of the image;
[0044] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the present invention;
[0045] Figure 10 This is a partial exploded view of the present invention;
[0046] Figure 11 This is a top view of a specific embodiment of the present utility model;
[0047] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A-line cross-section;
[0048] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A magnified view of a portion of the image.
[0049] Label Explanation:
[0050] 1. Straw; 11. Suction tip; 12. Air rod; 13. Cooling tube;
[0051] 2. Protective cover;
[0052] 3. Limiting collar; 31. Limiting ring;
[0053] 4. Lifting assembly; 41. Fixed base; 411. Magnetic coil; 412. Slide rail; 42. Movable base; 421. Magnetic rod;
[0054] 5. Monitoring device; 51. Reading head; 52. Magnetic strip;
[0055] 6. Elastic components;
[0056] 7. First slider;
[0057] 8. Second slider;
[0058] 9. Sample tube; 91. Aluminum tube. Detailed Implementation
[0059] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.
[0060] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0061] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0062] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.
[0063] In the biomedical field, to prevent damage to sample tubes, sample tube pipette devices are typically used for suction and transport of the sample tubes.
[0064] To ensure the safety of the sample tube during transfer, it needs to be completely sucked into the cannula and not exposed to the air. For this purpose, existing technologies usually use very long cannulas to protect the sample. However, excessively long cannulas result in excessively long travel distances for the pipette tip and sample tube, occupy more equipment space, and cause inconvenience.
[0065] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the existing technology for a lightweight safety straw to solve the problem of excessively long protective sleeves, which result in long strokes and large space occupation of equipment.
[0066] Therefore, this embodiment provides a lightweight safety pipette that can protect the sample without increasing the required space.
[0067] Example 1:
[0068] like Figure 1 , Figure 3, Figure 4 , Figure 10 As shown, this utility model provides a lightweight safety straw, comprising:
[0069] The pipette, used to pick up or release samples, also includes a protective sleeve that slides along the pipette's extension direction. Under normal conditions, the protective sleeve is fixed to the outside of the pipette and automatically falls to protect the sample held by the pipette. When picking up or releasing a sample, the protective sleeve is automatically lifted by an external mechanism, exposing the internal sampling port. After the mechanism moves away from the obstruction, the protective sleeve automatically falls back down. This design protects the sample during transfer, shortens the travel distance and space required, and uses a self-sliding mechanism for vertical movement, eliminating the need for additional drive and saving energy.
[0070] Preferably, it also includes a limiting collar, which is disposed outside the suction tube and is used to limit the sliding range of the protective sleeve. Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the limiting collar includes two sets of limiting rings, spaced apart along the extension direction of the straw. The limiting collar guides the sliding of the protective sleeve while limiting its sliding distance. The two ends of the protective sleeve are bent inwards and are stopped upon contact with the limiting collar, preventing the protective sleeve from detaching. The spaced arrangement of the two sets of limiting rings increases the contact points with the protective sleeve, making its sliding more stable. Furthermore, the upper and lower limits are each controlled by one set of limiting rings, preventing damage caused by excessive force on both sides if only one set of limiting rings is used.
[0071] Furthermore, the pipette includes a pipette tip, an air rod, and a cooling tube. One end of the air rod is connected to the pipette tip, and the other end is connected to a negative pressure device. The negative pressure causes the pipette tip to adsorb and grasp the sample tube. The cooling tube is sleeved around the air rod and close to one end of the pipette tip. The cooling tube can keep the sample cool during the adsorption and transfer process. A protective sleeve is placed over the cooling tube.
[0072] In some feasible embodiments, mechanical gripping, such as miniature grippers, can be used to replace the suction head and air rod, which can also achieve the function of gripping the sample tube.
[0073] Optionally, it also includes a lifting assembly, the output end of which is connected to the straw. The lifting assembly is used to drive the straw to move up and down. The lifting assembly allows the straw to be brought closer to the external mechanism for picking up the straw, and can also be used in conjunction with the stationary external mechanism to lift and lower the protective sleeve.
[0074] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, the lifting assembly includes a fixed base and a movable base. A slide rail is provided on the fixed base along the vertical direction, and a magnetic coil is installed inside the fixed base. Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 11As shown, the movable seat is slidably connected to the slide rail via a first slider, allowing it to slide vertically along the slide rail. The straw is connected to the movable seat and passes vertically through the fixed seat. A magnetic rod is connected to the movable seat vertically, passing through a magnetic coil. The magnetic rod and the straw are parallel, both passing vertically downwards through the fixed seat. By energizing the magnetic coil, the magnetic rod is moved, thereby driving the movable seat to move vertically relative to the fixed seat. The movable seat then drives the straw to move up and down. In some feasible embodiments, a motor combined with a lead screw can also be used as the lifting assembly.
[0075] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, it also includes an elastic element; the two ends of the elastic element are connected to a fixed seat and a movable seat, respectively. The elastic element can push the movable seat upwards to reset after the magnetic coil attracts the magnetic rod, causing the movable seat to descend.
[0076] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the elastic element is preferably a spring, which is wound around the straw to prevent bending. One end is fixedly connected to the movable seat, and the other end is fixedly connected to the fixed seat. When the magnetic rod drives the straw to move downward, the spring is compressed. When the magnetic rod stops driving, the spring pushes the movable seat to rise and reset. At the same time, the spring is simple and readily available, saving time, effort, and resources.
[0077] Example 2:
[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, based on Embodiment 1, a monitoring device is also included. This monitoring device is mounted on the lifting assembly and is used to provide feedback on the distance the lifting assembly moves vertically. By observing the distance the straw moves vertically using the monitoring device, safety hazards caused by exceeding the range of motion can be prevented. In this embodiment, the detection component is preferably a grating ruler, which includes a magnetic strip and a reading head. The magnetic strip is mounted on a movable base, and the reading head is mounted on a fixed base and slidably connected to the magnetic strip. When the movable base moves vertically relative to the fixed base, the reading head slides the same distance on the magnetic strip. When it reaches a preset distance, it automatically stops the lifting assembly from moving further, thus monitoring the distance of vertical movement and also serving as a critical shut-off mechanism.
[0079] Example 3:
[0080] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 As shown, a second slider extending vertically is provided on the slide rail. The lightweight safety straw is slidably connected to the external support mechanism in the vertical direction via the second slider. This allows the entire lightweight safety straw device to float vertically. When the straw tip contacts the sample tube or the container holding the sample tube, it can float slightly upwards without impact. After losing contact, it will float downwards again due to its own weight to prepare for the next contact, thus improving the safety of the device.
[0081] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the fixed base is equipped with limit blocks, with two sets spaced vertically. The two sets of limit blocks can respectively abut against the upper and lower ends of the second slider to limit the range of motion of the second slider. This is to prevent the device from floating out of the range and causing the slider to detach from the external support mechanism.
[0082] When using this device, the equipment is first connected to the external support mechanism via a second slider. The lifting assembly is activated, the magnetic rod enters the magnetic coil, the movable seat descends, and the connected suction tube descends along with it. At this time, the protective sleeve falls under its own weight. Then, the device contacts the sample tube receiving mechanism. The receiving mechanism first contacts and lifts the falling protective sleeve, and then the suction head contacts the sample tube. Figure 3 As shown.
[0083] Next, the air spring, via a connected negative pressure device, adheres the sample tube to the nozzle. The movable seat moves upward, causing the pipette to move upward and detach from the receiving mechanism. The protective sleeve automatically falls, enveloping the sample tube. Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown. In this embodiment, the external receiving mechanism is an aluminum tube, but in specific applications it can also be a sample plate holder or other sample tube receiving mechanism.
[0084] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.
[0085] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be encompassed within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is clear that the word "comprising" does not exclude other units or steps, and the singular does not exclude the plural. Multiple units or devices recited in the apparatus claims may also be implemented by a single unit or device in software or hardware. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used to indicate names and do not indicate any particular order.
Claims
1. A lightweight safety straw, comprising a straw capable of drawing or releasing a sample, characterized in that, It also includes a protective sleeve that is fitted over the outside of the straw, and the protective sleeve can slide along the extension direction of the straw.
2. The lightweight safety straw according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a limiting collar, which is disposed outside the suction tube and is used to limit the sliding range of the protective sleeve.
3. The lightweight safety straw according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting collar includes two sets of limiting rings, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the straw.
4. The lightweight safety straw according to claim 1, characterized in that, The straw includes: suction head; An air rod, one end of which is connected to the suction head; A cooling tube is sleeved around the air rod and close to one end of the suction head, and a protective sleeve is sleeved over the cooling tube.
5. The lightweight safety straw according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a lifting component, the output end of which is connected to the straw, and the lifting component is used to drive the straw to move up and down.
6. The lightweight safety straw according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lifting assembly includes: A fixed base, wherein a slide rail is provided on the fixed base along the vertical direction, and a magnetic coil is provided inside the fixed base; The movable seat is slidably connected to the slide rail via a first slider. The straw is connected to the movable seat and passes through the fixed seat in a vertical direction. A magnetic rod is connected to the movable seat in a vertical direction, and the magnetic rod passes through the magnetic coil.
7. The lightweight safety straw according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes A monitoring device is installed on the lifting assembly, and the monitoring device is used to provide feedback on the distance of the lifting assembly's vertical movement.
8. The lightweight safety straw according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic element; the two ends of the elastic element are respectively connected to the fixed seat and the movable seat.
9. The lightweight safety straw according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elastic element is a spring.
10. The lightweight safety straw according to claim 6, characterized in that, The slide rail is provided with a second slider that extends vertically, and the lightweight safety straw is slidably connected to the external support mechanism in the vertical direction through the second slider.
11. The lightweight safety straw according to claim 10, characterized in that, The fixed base is provided with a limiting block, which is configured to abut against the second slider to limit the range of motion of the second slider.