Pipette tip holding device, pipetting system, method of manufacture, and method of performing a pipetting operation

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns a pipette tip holding device for holding a pipette tip, comprising a pipette tip holding unit configured to hold the pipette tip by exerting a holding force onto a cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip. The pipette tip holding unit comprises a central section extending along a central axis, and at least one spring element fixedly attached to the central section, wherein one or more of the at least one spring element extend, along a circumferential direction, partially around the central axis. The at least one spring element is elastically deflectable by the cylindrical inner surface towards the central axis to generate the holding force, and the pipette tip holding unit is configured to, by exerting the holding force, align the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip concentrically around the central axis. The disclosure further concerns a pipetting system and a manufacturing method.

Description

[0001] P39625

[0002] PIPETTE TIP HOLDING DEVICE, PIPETTING SYSTEM, METHOD OF MANUFACTURE, AND METHOD OF PERFORMING A PIPETTING OPERATION

[0003] The present invention concerns a pipette tip holding device, a pipetting system, a method of manufacture, and a method of performing a pipetting operation.

[0004] The present invention lies in the field of pipette technology, specifically in the field of pipette tip technology. In particular, concentricity of pipette tips has been recognised as an important quality assurance metric for pipette tips, wherein concentricity of a pipette tip may be a measure of deviation of the pipette tip dispensing opening from an axis defined by the inner surface of the pipette tip. Typically, said concentricity is measured by grasping an outer surface of a pipette tip and subsequently measuring a value of said concentricity, as explained further below. However, the inventors recognised that, by following such an approach, concentricity is measured by using said outer surface of the pipette tip as a reference surface, and thus fails to employ the correct reference surface.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide improved pipette tip holding means having enhanced efficiency, precision, and reliability. The object is solved by a pipette tip holding device, a pipetting system, a method of manufacture, and a method for performing a pipetting operation having the features as recited in the independent claims.

[0006] The invention is defined by the independent claims, while preferred embodiments form the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure concerns a pipette tip holding device for holding a pipette tip. The pipette tip holding device may be configured to physically, preferably releasably physically, hold the pipette tip on the pipette tip holding device. The pipette tip holding device may comprise the pipette tip, but is not restricted to such a configuration. In particular, the pipette tip holding device may be implemented and / or provided separately from the pipette tip.

[0008] The pipette tip may be configured to be mountable, preferably releasably mountable, on and / or to a pipette. A pipette is understood herein to correspond to a, for example handheld, device configured to measure out and / or transfer liquids. Specifically, a pipette as understood herein may be configured to draw a, for example predetermined, volume of liquid into a corresponding pipette tip mounted on the pipette. Additionally, or alternatively, a pipette as understood herein may be configured to discharge a, for example predetermined, volume of liquid from a corresponding pipette tip mounted on the pipette.

[0009] The pipette tip may extend substantially along a pipette tip axis. The pipette tip may have a pipette tip length measured as a maximal length along the pipette tip axis of the pipette tip radially projected onto the pipette tip axis. The pipette tip may comprise a circumferential wall substantially circumferentially extending around the pipette tip axis. The circumferential wall may define a first opening (e.g., an orifice, see below) at a first end (e.g., a liquid-contacting end, see below) of the pipette tip substantially along the pipette tip axis. The circumferential wall may further define a second opening (e.g., a mounting opening, see below) at a second end (e.g., a mounting end, see below) of the pipette tip substantially along the pipette tip axis. An internal cavity may be defined between the first opening, the circumferential wall, and the second opening.

[0010] An inner diameter of the internal cavity measured between opposing portions (e.g., with respect to the pipette tip axis) of an inner wall surface of the circumferential wall may vary over the pipette tip length. For example, a pipette tip may have an inner diameter that decreases in a portion towards the first end, resulting in, e.g., a conical shape of the internal cavity towards the first end. In a further example, a pipette tip may have a substantially constant inner diameter in a portion (e.g., the mounting portion, see below) of the pipette tip towards the second end, resulting in, e.g., a substantially cylindrical shape of the internal cavity towards the second end. The internal cavity may further be substantially rotationally symmetric, although the internal cavity is not limited to such an implementation.

[0011] The pipette tip may comprise an orifice portion having an orifice through which liquid may be drawn into the pipette tip, e.g., by a pipette. Similarly, the orifice may also be configured to allow discharging of a fluid contained and / or held in the pipette tip. In particular, the orifice may correspond to a substantially circular hole at a liquid-contacting end of the pipette tip. The orifice may further comprise an orifice center defined as a geometric center of the orifice. The orifice center may be located in a plane defined by the orifice and / or its outer boundary.

[0012] The pipette tip may further comprise a body portion. The body portion may be located adjacent, preferably directly adjacent to the orifice portion and / or the orifice. The body portion may be substantially conically shaped, but other geometries may be possible. For example, the body portion may comprise one or more curved subportions, straight subportions, conical subportions, and / or cylindrical subportions.

[0013] The pipette tip may further comprise a mounting portion. The mounting portion may be located at a mounting end of the pipette tip. The mounting end and the liquid-contacting end may correspond to the second and first ends of the pipette tip, respectively, along the pipette tip axis. The mounting portion may comprise a mounting opening at the second end and an inner mounting cavity connected to the mounting opening. The inner mounting cavity may be part of the internal cavity. The mounting portion and / or the mounting opening may be configured to allow mounting of the respective pipette tip on an external device, such as a pipette, for example by allowing partial insertion of the external device into the mounting opening.

[0014] The mounting portion may comprise a cylindrical inner surface. The cylindrical inner surface may correspond to a surface of the circumferential wall facing in towards the pipette tip axis. In particular, the cylindrical inner surface may be arranged to face the inner mounting cavity. The cylindrical inner surface may extend along (and / or circumferentially and concentrically surround) a cylindrical inner surface axis, wherein the pipette tip axis may be identical to the cylindrical inner surface axis. The cylindrical inner surface may have an inner surface radius. The inner surface radius may in particular be measured and / or defined with respect to the cylindrical inner surface axis and / or to the pipette tip axis (in particular perpendicularly thereto). The cylindrical inner surface may further have a maximal manufacturing tolerance. The maximal manufacturing tolerance may be defined as a maximally tolerated deviation of the inner surface radius from a target inner surface radius. As an example, the maximal manufacturing tolerance may be at most approx. 15%, preferably at most approx. 5%, further preferably at most approx. 3% of the target inner surface radius. A maximum tolerated inner surface radius may be defined as the sum of the target inner surface radius and the maximal manufacturing tolerance of the cylindrical inner surface and / or of the respective pipette tip. The cylindrical inner surface may be arranged substantially adjacent to the mounting opening. Alternatively, at least a sealing groove may be provided in the mounting portion between the cylindrical inner surface and the mounting opening, wherein the sealing groove may be configured to at least partially receive a circular sealing element such as an O-ring.

[0015] The cylindrical inner surface may be substantially free from indentations and / or protrusions. However, the cylindrical inner surface is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the cylindrical inner surface may further comprise at least one threaded cylindrical subsection, at least one smooth (or indentation-free and / or protrusion-free) cylindrical subsection, and / or at least one functional cylindrical subsection. The at least one threaded cylindrical subsection may be, for example, configured to be engageable (e.g., via a screwing motion) with a matching threaded surface of a pipette. The at least one functional cylindrical subsection may comprise at least one functional element. The at least one functional element may comprise a mounting element, such as a mounting groove, configured to enter into engagement with, e.g., a corresponding mounting element of a pipette. The at least one functional element may further comprise, for example, an ejection element configured to enter into engagement with a corresponding ejection mechanism of a pipette configured to eject the pipette tip from the pipette. A concentricity of a pipette tip may be defined as a deviation, preferably a maximal deviation, of the orifice center from the pipette axis. In particular, the inventors realised during the conception of the present invention that the higher the deviation, the more unpredictable the location of the pipette tip orifice when mounted on, for example, a pipette. This in turn may lead to accidents, such as collisions of the pipette tip during movement of the mounted pipette tip with external objects. Such accidents may not only pose a safety risk, but may also subsequently require significant operator intervention. Furthermore, such accidents may also cause contamination of a sample. For example, a collision of a pipette tip with a sample plate and / or an inner surface of a sample well may result in the sample becoming contaminated and thus unusable. Consequently, the concentricity may be an important quality control characteristic for the manufacture of pipette tips. Furthermore, the inventors realised during conception of the present invention that a high deviation will also affect the orientation of the outflow direction of fluid when discharged from the pipette tip when mounted. Thus, a high deviation may result in spillages and lack of aim control when discharging fluid from the pipette tip. Therefore, it was recognised by the inventors that it is not only desirable to keep such a deviation as small as possible, but also to ensure that concentricity (and / or the deviation) can be accurately and efficiently measured.

[0016] The pipette tip holding device further comprises a pipette tip holding unit configured to hold the pipette tip by exerting a holding force onto the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip.

[0017] The pipette tip holding unit comprises a central section extending along a central axis. The central section may be a substantially cylindrical central section. The central section may further comprise one or more engagement elements configured to, preferably releasably, enter into engagement with a base unit, such as further described below. For example, the central section may comprise a cavity engagement element configured to releasably enter into engagement with a correspondingly formed mounting protrusion, e.g., of the base unit. The cavity engagement element may further have a cross-section, wherein the cross-section may be a substantially circular cross-section. The cross-section may in particular be measured perpendicular to the central axis. Such a configuration provides for an easily mountable pipette tip holding unit. Alternatively, the cavity engagement element may have a substantially non-circular cross-section. Using such a configuration, it becomes possible to predetermine the relative orientation between the pipette tip holding unit and, e.g., the base unit to one or more predetermined orientations. Furthermore, it may therefore be possible to prevent unwanted relative rotations between the pipette tip holding unit and, e.g., the base unit.

[0018] The pipette tip holding unit further comprises at least one spring element fixedly attached to the central section. In particular, the at least one spring element may be preferably integrally attached to and / or formed with the central section. In particular, the at least one spring element may be configured to have a neutral configuration, in which the at least one spring element does not exert a force in a direction radially outward from the central axis, and a deflected configuration, in which the at least one spring element is elastically deflected towards the central axis. When the at least one spring element is elastically deflected towards the central axis, the at least one spring element may generate a restoring force, in particular acting radially outwards with respect to the central axis, in order to return to the neutral configuration. Said restoring force may be the holding force generated by the at least one spring element.

[0019] One or more of the at least one spring element extends, along a circumferential direction, partially around the central axis. In particular, the circumferential direction may be a circumferential direction around the central axis. Extending partially around the circumferential direction may be understood as extending over an angular section around the central axis between at least approx. 1° and at most approx. 359°, preferable between at least approx. 10° and at most approx. 180°, most preferably between at least approx. 60° and at most approx. 180°. Furthermore, each spring element may extend, along the circumferential direction, partially around the central axis. In particular, the at least one spring element may not be configured as a sealing ring, such as an O-ring.

[0020] The at least one spring element is elastically deflectable by the cylindrical inner surface towards the central axis to generate the holding force. In other words, the at least one spring element may be configured such that when a pipette tip is mounted on the pipette tip holding unit, the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip elastically deflects the at least one spring element towards the central axis to generate the holding force. Specifically, as discussed above, the at least one spring element may be elastically deflectable towards the central axis in the deflected configuration to generate the restoring force, wherein the restoring force may be the holding force acting radially outwards with respect to the central axis on the cylindrical inner surface. By generating such a holding force, the pipette tip holding unit may be configured to hold the cylindrical inner surface and / or the pipette tip on the pipette tip holding unit.

[0021] Furthermore, the pipette tip holding unit is configured to, by exerting the holding force, align the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip concentrically around the central axis. Specifically, the pipette tip holding unit may be configured to exert the holding force such that the pipette tip axis is superposed on the central axis of the pipette tip holding unit. In other words, the pipette tip holding unit may be configured to exert the holding force such that the pipette tip axis is identical to the central axis of the pipette tip holding unit.

[0022] By providing such a pipette tip holding device and / or such a pipette tip holding unit, multiple technical advantages may be achieved.

[0023] For example, in conventional approaches for measuring concentricity of pipette tips, as already briefly addressed above, concentricity of a pipette tip is measured by grasping the outside of the pipette tip near the mounting portion via a grasping device. The grasping device may then be turned around its axis, while the orifice and / or orifice portion is monitored with the aim to obtain a value for the concentricity. However, the inventors recognised that such an approach, while technically simple and facile, uses an outer surface of the pipette tip instead of its cylindrical inner surface, and thus does not actually and / or correctly measure concentricity. For example, manufacturing deficiencies and / or deviations between the outer surface of the pipette tip and the cylindrical inner surface may thus directly affect the measurement of the concentricity. Furthermore, such an approach may lead to a faulty grasping of the pipette tip, which in turn may lead to deformations of the pipette tip.

[0024] In contrast, by providing a pipette tip holding device and / or a pipette tip holding unit as described herein, accurate and reliable measurement of pipette tip concentricity may be achieved due to the alignment of the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip around the central axis. In particular, by aligning the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip, and thus the pipette tip axis, with the central axis, it becomes possible directly measure concentricity based on the (known) central axis of the pipette tip holding unit. In other words, pipette tip concentricity may thus be measured as a deviation of the orifice centre from the central axis of the pipette tip holding unit. Specifically, it may therefore become possible to conduct such a concentricity measurement by using the cylindrical inner surface as the relevant reference surface.

[0025] In addition, by aligning the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip with the central axis, a more precise control of the pipette tip orifice may be achieved. This, on the one hand, may allow better spacial control of the pipette tip and thus result in reduced accident rates. On the other hand, this may also allow better control of the positioning and orientation of the pipette tip orifice, allowing higher precision for, e.g., dispensing of fluids from the pipette tip orifice.

[0026] Furthermore, by providing a pipette tip holding device and / or pipette tip holding unit, as described herein, a more secure holding of a pipette tip may be enabled. Specifically, by exerting the holding force on the cylindrical inner surface in a direction radially outward from the central axis and / or the pipette tip axis, deformations in the pipette tip during holding thereof may be beneficially avoided and / or reduced. In particular, the pipette tip holding device and / or the pipette tip holding unit may be configured to exert the holding force on the pipette tip equally spread out across the cylindrical inner surface, thereby beneficially reducing any potential deformations of the pipette tip.

[0027] In addition, by providing a pipette tip holding unit comprising the at least one spring element being elastically deflectable towards the central axis, the pipette tip holding unit may be compatible with pipette tips over a broader range of manufacturing tolerances.

[0028] Each spring element and / or one or more spring elements may comprise a connection portion fixedly connected to the central section. The connection portion may be preferentially integrally formed with the central section. In addition, each spring element and / or one or more spring elements may comprise a pipette tip contacting portion configured to contact the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip. In particular, the pipette tip contacting portion may be formed to directly contact the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip without causing damage thereto. For example, the pipette tip contacting portion may have a rounded surface in order to prevent scratching of the cylindrical inner surface.

[0029] Furthermore, each spring element and / or one or more spring elements may further comprise a leaf spring portion connecting the connection portion and the pipette tip contacting portion. Specifically, by implementing such a leaf spring portion, the respective spring element may be easily and efficiently elastically deflectable towards the central axis. Furthermore, such a configuration of the at least one spring element may allow for a simple manufacturing thereof.

[0030] Thus, by providing such spring elements, a particularly simple and robust implementation of the pipette tip holding unit may be enabled.

[0031] The pipette tip contacting portion may further comprise a pipette tip contacting surface, wherein the pipette tip contacting surface may be configured to contact the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip. Specifically, the pipette tip contacting surface may extend substantially parallel to the central axis. The pipette tip contacting surface may be a substantially linear surface. In other words, the pipette tip contacting surface may be configured such that said pipette tip contacting surface is configured to contact the cylindrical inner surface along a line substantially parallel to the central axis and / or the pipette tip axis. For example, the pipette tip holding unit may have a pipette tip holding unit length measured along the central axis. The pipette tip contacting surface may extend parallel to the central axis for at least approx. 40% of the pipette tip holding unit length, preferably at least approx. 60% of the pipette tip holding unit length, further preferably at least approx. 80% of the pipette tip holding unit length. In particular, by providing such a configuration of the pipette tip contacting surface and / or of the pipette tip contacting portion, alignment of the pipette tip axis relative to the central axis may be further facilitated and improved.

[0032] An outer maximal radius may be defined as a maximal distance between the pipette tip contacting surface and the central axis measured perpendicular to the central axis (e.g., in the neutral configuration). The outer maximal radius may in particular be selected to be greater than or equal to the maximal tolerated inner surface radius. Preferably, the outer maximal radius may in particular be selected to be greater than the maximal tolerated inner surface radius. In particular, the outer maximal radius may in particular be selected to be at most approx. 110%, preferably at most 105%, further preferably at most approx. 103%, yet further preferably at most approx. 101.5% of the maximal tolerated inner surface radius. Thereby, a secure holding of the pipette tip on the pipette tip holding device and / or on the pipette tip holding unit may be achieved even at the outer acceptable tolerance ranges for the cylindrical inner surface.

[0033] Each spring element and / or one or more spring elements may further comprise a protective rib element. The protective rib element may be fixedly, preferably integrally, connected to the connection portion. The protective rib element may be configured to extend substantially along the circumferential direction, wherein the protective rib element may extend substantially along the circumferential direction and (at least partially) along the leaf spring portion of the respective spring element connected to the respective connection portion. The leaf spring portion may be radially positioned, with respect to the central axis, between the central portion and the respective protective rib element. The protective rib element may be configured to have a first radial distance (with respect to the central axis) to the respective leaf spring portion such that a plastic radial deflection of the leaf spring portion away from the central axis may be prevented. Therefore, an unwanted plastic deformation of the leaf spring portion and / or, e.g., mechanical damage to the leaf spring portion by external impacts may be efficiently prevented. While the above has been described for each spring element, it is noted that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, one or more of the at least one spring element may comprise at least one connection portion, at least one leaf spring portion, and / or at least one pipette tip contacting portion. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more spring elements may comprise other types of elastic elements, such as (merely provided as an example) at least one coil spring portion, at least one variable spring portion, and / or a volute spring portion.

[0034] For each spring element and / or for one or more of the at least one spring element, a radial position of the connection portion around the central axis may be different than a radial position of the pipette tip contacting portion around the central axis. Specifically, the radial position may be measured as a longest distance between the respective connection portion and / or pipette tip contacting portion, and the central axis. Furthermore, the pipette tip contacting portion and / or the leaf spring portion may be separated from the central portion by a separation radial distance (with respect to the central axis), wherein the separation radial distance may be chosen to prevent plastic deformation of the leaf spring portion during deflection inwards towards the central axis. In particular, the separation radial distance may be chosen such that, during deflection of the leaf spring portion inwards towards the central axis, the pipette tip contacting portion and / or the leaf spring portion enter into contact with the central portion prior to plastic deformation of the leaf spring portion occurring.

[0035] For each spring element and / or for one or more of the at least one spring element, a circumferential position of the connection portion around the central axis may be different than a circumferential position of the pipette tip contacting portion around the central axis. Specifically, the circumferential position may be measured as an angular position of the respective connection portion and / or pipette tip contacting portion along a circumferential direction around the central axis.

[0036] In particular, the leaf spring portion of a respective spring element may have a leaf spring length. The leaf spring length may be measured as an angular length of the leaf spring portion around the central axis. Specifically, the leaf spring length may be chosen according to a desired maximal holding force exertable by the respective spring element. In particular, a longer or larger leaf spring length may result in a lower or softer exertable holding force than a shorter or smaller leaf spring length.

[0037] In particular, each spring element may be substantially identically shaped. Substantially identically shaped may be understood herein as including small manufacturing-based and / or environment-based deviations. Specifically, by providing such spring elements, a manufacture of the pipette tip holding unit and / or pipette tip holding device may be facilitated. Additionally, by providing such spring elements, an even distribution of the generated holding force may be enabled, thereby facilitating the alignment between the central axis and the cylindrical inner surface, and, preferentially, the pipette tip axis.

[0038] However, it is noted that the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. In particular, the at least one spring element may comprise at least a first spring element and at least a second spring element, wherein the first spring element and the second spring element may have different shapes. Such a configuration of the at least one spring element may allow for more flexibility in the design and operational characteristics of the pipette tip holding unit.

[0039] The pipette tip holding unit may comprise at least two, preferentially at least three, spring elements. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, such that the at least one spring element may also comprise only one spring element or four or more spring elements. In particular, the pipette tip holding unit may comprise three or more spring elements. Specifically, it was found that three or more spring elements may facilitate the alignment between the central axis and the pipette tip axis. Furthermore, the at least one spring element may comprise exactly three spring elements. Specifically, it was found that providing exactly three spring elements provides an efficient and beneficial trade-off between facilitation of the alignment between the central axis and the cylindrical inner surface (and, preferentially, the pipette tip axis), and a simplicity of manufacture of the pipette tip holding unit.

[0040] The at least two spring elements may be equally spaced around the central axis. In particular, by providing such an equal spacing of the at least two spring elements, the alignment between the central axis and the cylindrical inner surface (and, preferentially, the pipette tip axis) may be facilitated. Furthermore, such an equal spacing may also beneficial prevent and / or reduce any potential deformations of the pipette tip due to the exertion of the holding force.

[0041] The pipette tip holding unit may be formed from titanium. In particular, it was found that titanium is highly suitable for use as the material for the pipette tip holding unit due to its robustness and elastic properties. However, the present disclosure is not only limited to such a configuration, and other materials for the pipette tip holding unit, such as other metals, alloys, plastics, elastomers, and / or compound materials could be used.

[0042] The pipette tip holding unit may be integrally formed. In particular, such an integrally formed pipette tip holding unit may be efficiently manufactured, and / or may be particularly robust and thus have a long lifetime.

[0043] The pipette tip holding device may further comprise a base unit. The pipette tip holding unit may be releasably or fixedly mountable on the base unit. In particular, the base unit may be configured to act as an adapter between the pipette tip holding unit and an external device, such as a concentricity measurement device. Therefore, the base unit may be configured to be connectable and / or graspable by an external device. In other words, the base unit may comprise an engagement section configured to enter into engagement with the external device. The engagement section may comprise, for example, a threaded element, a latching element, a locking element, and / or the like.

[0044] The base unit may be formed from stainless steel. In particular, stainless steel may be particularly suited as a material for the base unit due to its cost, ease of use during manufacture, and robustness. However, the present disclosure is not only limited to such a configuration, and other materials for the base unit, such as other metals, alloys, plastics, elastomers, and / or compound materials could be used.

[0045] During the conception of the present invention, the inventors found that a pipette tip holding unit formed from titanium and a base unit formed from stainless steel corresponds to a particularly efficient and effective material combination for both operational characteristics, as well as for manufacturing properties. The pipette tip holding device may further comprise at least one sealing element. The at least one sealing element may be arrangeable, for example, on the base unit to create a fluid seal between the base unit and the at least one sealing element. The at least one sealing element may further be configured to be contactable with the pipette tip and / or the cylindrical inner surface to create a further fluid seal between the pipette tip, in particular the internal cavity, and the at least one sealing element. Specifically, it may therefore be possible to efficiently fluidly seal the pipette tip against the pipette tip holding device at the second end.

[0046] The pipette tip holding unit may be configured to be mountable on the base unit such that a relative rotation between the base unit and the pipette tip holding unit may be prevented and / or avoided and / or reduced. In particular, the base unit may comprise one or more base unit engagement elements, such as one or more mounting protrusions (as discussed further above), wherein the one or more base unit engagement elements may be configured to enter into engagement with the pipette tip holding unit, the central section, and / or the one or more engagement elements of the central section. For example, the one or more base unit engagement elements may comprise two mounting protrusions configured to enter into engagement with two corresponding engagement recesses of the pipette tip holding unit and / or the central section. Furthermore, the one or more base unit engagement elements and the one or more engagement elements may be configured to be engageable in one or more predetermined relative orientations of the base unit and the pipette tip holding unit.

[0047] The pipette tip holding device may further comprise at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit, wherein the at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit is configured to exert a secondary holding force onto a secondary cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip. In particular, it may therefore be further possible to exert the secondary holding force on the secondary cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip to further improve alignment of the central axis with the cylindrical inner surface (and, preferentially, the pipette tip axis). The secondary cylindrical inner surface may correspond to a secondary surface of the circumferential wall facing in towards the pipette tip axis. In particular, the secondary cylindrical inner surface may be arranged to face the inner mounting cavity. The secondary cylindrical inner surface may extend along (and / or circumferentially and concentrically surround) the cylindrical inner surface axis. The secondary cylindrical inner surface may be arranged substantially adjacent to the cylindrical inner surface.

[0048] Each secondary pipette tip holding unit and / or one or more secondary pipette tip holding units may comprise, respectively, a secondary central section extending along the central axis.

[0049] A respective secondary central section of one or more of the at least one secondary pipette tip holding units may be a substantially cylindrical secondary central section. The respective secondary central section may further comprise one or more secondary engagement elements configured to, preferably releasably, enter into engagement with the base unit, a further one of the at least one secondary pipette tip holding units, the pipette tip holding unit, and / or the central section. The one or more secondary engagement elements may be configured to, when in engagement with the base unit, a further one of the at least one secondary pipette tip holding units, the pipette tip holding unit, and / or the central section, prevent and / or reduce a relative rotation between the respective secondary pipette tip holding unit and the base unit, a further one of the at least one secondary pipette tip holding units, the pipette tip holding unit, and / or the central section. In particular, a respective secondary central section may comprise one or more features, mutatis mutandis, as described herein for the central section.

[0050] Each secondary pipette tip holding unit and / or one or more secondary pipette tip holding units may comprise, respectively, at least one secondary spring element fixedly attached to the secondary central section, wherein one or more of the at least one secondary spring element extends, along the circumferential direction, partially around the central axis.

[0051] In particular, one or more secondary spring elements may be preferably integrally attached to and / or formed with the respective secondary central section. One or more, preferably each, of the at least one secondary spring elements may extend, along the circumferential direction, partially around the central axis. In particular, the at least one secondary spring elements may comprise one or more features as described herein, mutatis mutandis, for the at least one spring element.

[0052] The at least one secondary spring element may be elastically deflectable by the secondary cylindrical inner surface towards the central axis to generate the secondary holding force. The pipette tip holding unit and the at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit may be configured to, by exerting the holding force and the secondary holding force respectively, align the cylindrical inner surface and the secondary cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip concentrically around the central axis.

[0053] It is further noted that one or more of the at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit may comprise, mutatis mutandis, any combination of features described and / or shown herein for the pipette tip holding unit.

[0054] The pipette tip holding unit may have a maximal radius (which may be the outer maximal radius) measured as the maximal distance between the central axis and a surface of the pipette tip holding unit. One or more secondary pipette tip holding units may have a respective secondary maximal radius measured as the maximal distance between the central axis and a surface of the respective secondary pipette tip holding unit. The maximal radius of the pipette tip holding unit may be larger than one or more, preferably all, maximal radii of the one or more respective secondary pipette tip holding units. One or more of the at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit may be mountable on the pipette tip holding unit and / or another secondary pipette tip holding unit. For example, the pipette tip holding unit may be mountable on the base unit, and one of the at least one secondary pipette tip holding units may be mountable on the pipette tip holding unit.

[0055] The pipette tip holding unit may be further configured such that said pipette tip holding unit, when viewed along the central axis, does not comprise any undercut sections. In other words, a surface of the pipette tip holding unit may substantially comprise an upper surface perpendicular to the central axis and a lower surface perpendicular to the central axis. A distance between the upper surface and the lower surface, measured along the central axis, may substantially correspond to the pipette tip holding unit length. The surface of the pipette tip holding unit may further comprise a circumferential surface substantially parallel to the central axis, connecting the upper surface to the lower surface. The circumferential surface may comprise the pipette tip contacting surface of one or more spring elements and / or of each spring element. An edge between the upper surface and / or the lower surface, and the circumferential surface may be rounded in order to prevent sharp edges. In particular, this may significantly improve the ease of manufacture of the pipette tip holding unit.

[0056] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a pipette tip holding device, such as a pipette tip holding device as described herein. The method of manufacturing comprises forming the pipette tip holding unit.

[0057] In particular, forming the pipette tip holding unit comprises providing a plate blank. The plate blank may be a planar plate blank of the desired material for the pipette tip holding unit, such as a planar titanium plate blank. Length and width of the plate blank may be chosen according to the respective manufacturing characteristics. For example, said length and width may be chosen such that a plurality of pipette tip holding units may be formed from the plate blank. Alternatively, said length and width may be chosen such that from each plate blank exactly one pipette tip holding unit may be formed. A thickness of the plate blank (perpendicular to the length and width of the plate blank) may be chosen to substantially correspond to the pipette tip holding unit length.

[0058] Providing the plate blank may further comprise additional pre-treatment steps. The additional pre-treatment steps may comprise one or more of cutting the plate blank down to size, polishing the plate blank, and / or planing the plate blank. The additional pre-treatment steps may further comprise providing one or more positioning elements in and / or on the plate blank. The one or more positioning elements may comprise at least one positioning bore and / or at least one positioning protrusion. The one or more positioning elements may be configured to allow precise positioning of the plate blank during the method of manufacture.

[0059] Forming the pipette tip holding unit further comprises forming the pipette tip holding unit via wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) from the plate blank. In particular, prior to the WEDM, forming the pipette tip holding unit may comprise milling lead-in radii (in German: “Einlaufradien”) of the at least one spring element and / or the central section on one or two opposite sides of the plate blank. Wire electrical discharge machining may further comprise forming at least one wire entry bore to allow threading of a wire through the plate blank for WEDM.

[0060] Forming the pipette tip holding unit may further comprise one or more posttreatment steps. The one or more post-treatment steps may comprise edge rounding of edges of the pipette tip holding unit and / or polishing of the pipette tip holding unit.

[0061] It is noted that while the above has been described in terms of forming of the pipette tip holding unit, the at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit may be formed in a similar, mutatis mutandis, fashion. In particular, the method of manufacturing may further comprise forming at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit. In particular, forming the at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit may comprise providing a second plate blank. The second plate blank may be a planar plate blank of the desired material for the at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit, such as a second planar titanium plate blank. Length and width of the second plate blank may be chosen according to the respective manufacturing characteristics. For example, said length and width may be chosen such that a plurality of secondary pipette tip holding units may be formed from the second plate blank. Alternatively, said length and width may be chosen such that from each second plate blank exactly one secondary pipette tip holding unit may be formed. Providing the second plate blank may further comprise additional pretreatment steps, as described for the plate blank above. However, the present invention is not restricted to such an embodiment. For example, the pipette tip holding unit and at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit may be formed from the (same) plate blank.

[0062] Forming the at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit may further comprise forming the at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit via wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) and / or one or more post-treatment steps, as described for the pipette tip holding unit above. A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a pipetting system. The pipetting system comprises a pipette tip holding device for holding a pipette tip. Specifically, the pipette tip holding device may be a pipette tip holding device, as described herein, and therefore may comprise one or more features for the pipette tip holding device, as described herein.

[0063] The pipetting system further comprises the pipette tip having the cylindrical inner surface. Specifically, the pipette tip may be a pipette tip, as described herein, and therefore may comprise one or more features for the pipette tip, as described herein.

[0064] The pipette tip is mountable on the pipette tip holding device such that, preferentially at least, the holding force is exerted by the pipette tip holding unit on the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip.

[0065] The pipetting system may further comprise a pressure changing unit configured to variably adjust a pressure in the pipette tip mounted on the pipette tip holding device in order to draw, hold, and / or discharge a fluid in / from the pipette tip. The pipetting system may further comprise at least one sealing element configured to create a fluid seal between the pipette tip and the pipette tip holding device and / or the pipette tip holding unit. For example, the pressure changing unit may be configured to generate a negative pressure in the internal cavity of the pipette tip relative to outside the pipette tip in order to allow a fluid to be drawn into the internal cavity. Additionally, or alternatively, the pressure changing unit may be configured to maintain a current pressure in the internal cavity of the pipette tip in order to hold a fluid in the internal cavity. Additionally, or alternatively, the pressure changing unit may be configured to generate a positive pressure in the internal cavity of the pipette tip relative to outside the pipette tip in order to allow a fluid to be discharged and / or dispensed from the internal cavity.

[0066] The pressure changing unit may, for example, be fluidly connected to the internal cavity of the pipette tip when mounted on the pipette tip holding unit. The base unit may, for example, comprise the pressure changing unit and / or comprise one or more fluid connections. The one or more fluid connections may be configured to fluidly connect the pressure changing unit to the internal cavity of the pipette tip when mounted on the pipette tip holding unit. Furthermore, the pressure changing unit and / or the base unit may, for example, comprise one or more valves configured to regulate the fluid connection between the pressure changing unit and the pipette tip when mounted on the pipette tip holding unit.

[0067] The pipetting system may further comprise a measuring unit configured to perform a concentricity measurement of the pipette tip mounted on pipette tip holding device. The measurement unit may comprise a rotation unit. The rotation unit may be configured to rotate the pipette tip holding unit and / or the base unit around the central axis. The measurement unit may further comprise a monitoring unit configured to monitor, preferentially optically monitor, the pipette tip orifice during rotation of the pipette tip holding unit around the central axis by the rotation unit to determine a value of the pipette tip concentricity. The monitoring unit may be implemented as and / or be a camera. The monitoring unit may be configured to output the value of the pipette tip concentricity. Alternatively, the monitoring unit may be configured to output measurement data corresponding to the monitoring of the pipette tip orifice, wherein the measuring unit may comprise a computation unit configured to determine and / or calculate a value of the pipette tip concentricity based on the output measurement data. The pipetting system may further comprise a quality assessment unit configured to compare the determined value of the pipette tip concentricity against a concentricity threshold. The concentricity threshold may correspond to a maximally acceptable value of the pipette tip concentricity, wherein determined values of the pipette tip concentricity exceeding said concentricity threshold may be considered to be defective.

[0068] A further aspect of the present disclosure concerns a method of performing a pipetting operation. The method comprises a step of providing a pipetting system, as described herein. Specifically, the pipetting system may therefore comprise one or more features, as described herein for the pipetting system.

[0069] The method further comprises a step of mounting the pipette tip on the pipette tip holding device such that the holding force is exerted by the pipette tip holding unit on the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip. Specifically, the pipette tip may comprise one or more features, as described herein for the pipette tip. Mounting the pipette tip further comprises elastically deflecting, by the cylindrical inner surface, the at least one spring element towards the central axis to generate the holding force.

[0070] The method further comprises a step of performing at least one pipetting operation using the mounted pipette tip.

[0071] Preferentially, the at least one pipetting operation may comprise a drawing operation. The drawing operation may comprise a step of drawing a fluid into the pipette tip.

[0072] Preferentially, the at least one pipetting operation may comprise a holding operation. The holding operation may comprise a step of holding a fluid contained in the internal cavity of the pipette tip.

[0073] Preferentially, the at least one pipetting operation may comprise a dispensing operation. The dispensing operation may comprise a step of dispensing a fluid contained in the internal cavity from the pipette tip via the pipette tip orifice.

[0074] Preferentially, the at least one pipetting operation may comprise a concentricity measurement operation. The concentricity measurement operation may comprise a step of measuring and / or determining a concentricity of the pipette tip. For example, the concentricity measurement operation may comprise a step of rotating the pipette tip holding device and / or the pipette tip holding unit around the central axis, while simultaneously monitoring, e.g., optically observing, the pipette tip orifice (of the pipette tip mounted on the pipette tip holding device) to measure a deviation, preferably a maximal deviation, of the pipette tip orifice (and / or its centre) from the central axis in order to measure and / or determine the concentricity of the pipette tip.

[0075] Further exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the appended Figures. However, it is noted that the embodiments shown in the appended Figures are to be interpreted as exemplary only, and are therefore not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention. The Figures show: Fig. 1: illustrates a schematic cross-section of an exemplary pipette tip;

[0076] Fig. 2: illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary pipette tip holding device;

[0077] Fig- 3: illustrates a different perspective view of the exemplary pipette tip holding device according to Figure 2;

[0078] Fig. 4: illustrates a perspective view of a further exemplary pipette tip holding unit;

[0079] Fig. 5: illustrates a different perspective view of the exemplary pipette tip holding unit according to Figure 4;

[0080] Fig. 6: shows a schematic view of three different exemplary pipette tip holding units;

[0081] Fig. 7: shows a perspective view of an exemplary base unit;

[0082] Fig. 8: shows a perspective view of a further exemplary base unit;

[0083] Fig. 9: shows a perspective view of an exemplary pipette tip holding unit mounted on an exemplary base unit;

[0084] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of an exemplary pipetting system;

[0085] Fig. 11: shows an exemplary secondary pipette tip holding unit;

[0086] Fig. 12: shows a perspective view of an exemplary pipette tip holding unit and an exemplary secondary pipette tip holding unit mounted on an exemplary base unit;

[0087] Fig. 13: shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary method of manufacturing a pipette tip holding device;

[0088] Fig. 14: shows a schematic overview over an exemplary pipetting system; and

[0089] Fig. 15: shows a schematic flow chart of an exemplary method of performing a pipetting operation. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section of an exemplary pipette tip PT. The shown pipette tip PT is configured to be releasably mountable on and / or to a pipette.

[0090] The pipette tip PT extends substantially along a pipette tip axis PA illustrated as a central dashed line in Figure 1. The pipette tip PT comprises a circumferential wall PW substantially circumferentially extending around the pipette tip axis PA. The circumferential wall PW defines an orifice PIO of the pipette tip PT substantially along the pipette tip axis PA. The circumferential wall PW further defines a mounting opening Pll of the pipette tip PT substantially along the pipette tip axis PA. An internal cavity Pll is defined between the orifice PIO, the circumferential wall PW, and the mounting opening Pll. The exemplary internal cavity Pll is substantially rotationally symmetric.

[0091] The exemplary pipette tip PT further comprises an orifice portion PT1 having the orifice PIO through which, for example, liquid may be transferred into and / or out of the pipette tip PT, e.g., by a pipette (not shown). The exemplary orifice PIO (which may also be referred to as pipette tip orifice herein) is a substantially circular hole at a liquid-contacting end of the pipette tip PT. The orifice PIO further comprises an orifice center defined as a geometric center of the circular orifice PIO.

[0092] The pipette tip PT further comprises a body portion PT1 located adjacent to the orifice portion PT1, and a mounting portion PT3 located adjacent to the body portion PT1. In particular, the body portion PT1 may be located between the orifice portion PT1 and the mounting portion PT3.

[0093] The mounting portion PT3 comprises the mounting opening Pll and an inner mounting cavity P13 connected to the mounting opening Pll. The inner mounting cavity P13 forms part of the internal cavity Pll. The mounting portion PT3 and the mounting opening Pll are configured to allow mounting of the exemplary pipette tip PT on an external device, such as a pipette, by allowing partial insertion of the external device into the mounting opening Pll.

[0094] The mounting portion PT3 comprises a cylindrical inner surface P14 corresponding to a surface of the circumferential wall PW facing in towards the pipette tip axis PA. In particular, the cylindrical inner surface P14 is arranged to face the inner mounting cavity P13. The cylindrical inner surface P14 extends concentrically around the pipette tip axis PA.

[0095] The exemplary cylindrical inner surface P14 is substantially free from indentations and / or protrusions. Furthermore, a sealing groove P15 is provided in the mounting portion PT3 between the cylindrical inner surface P14 and the mounting opening Pll, wherein the exemplary sealing groove P15 is configured to at least partially receive a circular sealing element such as an O-ring (not shown).

[0096] Figure 2 and Figure 3 show different perspective views of an exemplary pipette tip holding device 1 comprising a pipette tip holding unit 100. The pipette tip holding device 1 and the pipette tip holding unit 100 are configured to releasably hold a pipette tip PT mounted thereon (not shown for illustrative purposes). Specifically, the exemplary pipette tip holding unit 100 is configured to exert a holding force onto the cylindrical inner surface P14 of the pipette tip PT to hold said pipette tip PT on the pipette tip holding unit 100. The exemplary pipette tip holding unit 100 may be integrally formed from titanium.

[0097] The exemplary pipette tip holding unit 100 comprises a substantially cylindrical central section 101 extending along a central axis 102 (shown perpendicular to the plane of view in Figure 2). The central section 101 further comprises an engagement element 103 configured to, preferably releasably, enter into engagement with a base unit (not shown in Figure 2 and 3). In the shown exemplary central section 101, the engagement element 103 is implemented as a through-hole extending through the central section 101 substantially along the central axis 102. The engagement element 103 is configured to releasably enter into engagement with a correspondingly formed mounting protrusion (not shown in Figures 2 and 3) of, for example, the base unit. The engagement element 103 has a partially circular cross-section viewed perpendicular to the central axis 102. With such a cross-section, it becomes possible to predetermine the relative orientation between the pipette tip holding unit 100 and, e.g., the base unit, and to further prevent unwanted relative rotations between the pipette tip holding unit 100 and, e.g., the base unit. The exemplary pipette tip holding unit 100 further comprises three substantially identically shaped spring elements 104 integrally attached to the central section 101. In particular, each spring element 104 is configured to have a neutral configuration (as shown in Figures 2 and 3), in which the respective spring element 104 does not exert a force in a direction radially outward from the central axis 102, and a deflected configuration (not shown in Figures 2 and 3), in which the respective spring element 104 is elastically deflected towards the central axis 102, e.g., by the cylindrical inner surface P14. Each exemplary spring element 104 extends, along a circumferential direction, partially around the central axis 102. Furthermore, the three spring elements 104 are equally spaced around the central axis 102

[0098] In particular, the pipette tip holding unit 100 is configured to, by exerting the holding force, align the cylindrical inner surface P14 of the pipette tip PT concentrically around the central axis 102.

[0099] Each exemplary spring element 104 comprises a connection portion 105 fixedly and integrally connected to the central section 101. In addition, each exemplary spring element 104 comprises a pipette tip contacting portion 106 configured to contact the cylindrical inner surface P14 of the pipette tip PT. In particular, the exemplary pipette tip contacting portion 106 may have a rounded surface in order to prevent scratching of the cylindrical inner surface P14. Furthermore, each exemplary spring element 104 comprises a leaf spring portion 107 connecting the connection portion 105 and the pipette tip contacting portion 106

[0100] Each exemplary pipette tip contacting portion 106 further comprises a substantially linear pipette tip contacting surface 108, wherein the pipette tip contacting surface 108 is configured to contact the cylindrical inner surface P14 of the pipette tip PT. The pipette tip contacting surface 108 further extends substantially parallel to the central axis 102 for at least approx. 80% of the pipette tip holding unit length (measured along the central axis 102).

[0101] Each exemplary spring element 104 further comprises a protective rib element 109 fixedly and integrally connected to the connection portion 105. The protective rib element 109 extends substantially along the circumferential direction and along the leaf spring portion 107 of the respective spring element 104. Specifically, the exemplary leaf spring portion 107 is radially positioned, with respect to the central axis 102, between the central portion 101 and the respective protective rib element 109.

[0102] The protective rib element 109 is configured to have a first radial distance RD1 to the respective leaf spring portion 107 such that a plastic radial deflection of the leaf spring portion 107 away from the central axis 102 may be prevented. Furthermore, the pipette tip contacting portion 106 and / or the leaf spring portion 107 are separated from the central portion 101 by a separation radial distance RD2, wherein the separation radial distance RD2 may be chosen to prevent plastic deformation of the leaf spring portion 107 during deflection inwards towards the central axis 102. In addition, the leaf spring portion 107 of a respective spring element 104 has a leaf spring length L measured as an angular length of the leaf spring portion 107 around the central axis 102. Specifically, the leaf spring length L may be chosen according to a desired maximal holding force exertable by the respective spring element.

[0103] The exemplary pipette tip holding unit 100 is further configured such that said pipette tip holding unit 100, when viewed along the central axis 102, does not comprise any undercut sections.

[0104] Figure 4 and Figure 5 show different perspective views of an exemplary pipette tip holding device 1 comprising a different exemplary pipette tip holding unit 100A. Similar features of pipette tip holding unit 100 (shown in Figures 2 and 3) and pipette tip holding unit 100A have been labelled with the same reference signs. For sake of brevity, a duplicate description of said features will be omitted here, and instead reference is made to the above descriptions.

[0105] Pipette tip holding unit 100 A differs from pipette tip holding unit 100 of Figures 2 and 3 in particular in that pipette tip holding unit 100A does not comprise protective rib elements 109, as shown for pipette tip holding unit 100. Specifically, such a configuration may enable a facilitated and more efficient manufacture of the pipette tip holding unit 100 A. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of three different exemplary pipette tip holding units 100B, 100C, and 100D.

[0106] In particular, each leaf spring portion 107 of a respective spring element 104 of pipette tip holding unit 100B may have a first leaf spring length LI. Each leaf spring portion 107 of a respective spring element 104 of pipette tip holding unit 100C may have a second leaf spring length L2. Each leaf spring portion 107 of a respective spring element 104 of pipette tip holding unit 100D may have a third leaf spring length L3.

[0107] Specifically, the first leaf spring length LI may be smaller than the second leaf spring length L2, which in turn may be smaller than the third leaf spring length L3. As already discussed above, a longer or larger leaf spring length may result in a lower or softer exertable holding force than a shorter or smaller leaf spring length. Thus, a holding force exertable by pipette tip holding unit 100D may be lower or softer than a holding force exertable by pipette tip holding unit 100C, which in turn may be lower or softer than a holding force exertable by pipette tip holding unit 100B

[0108] Thus, the leaf spring length may be chosen according to a desired maximal holding force exertable by the respective spring element 104, allowing for a broad adaptability of the described pipette tip holding unit.

[0109] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an exemplary base unit 200. In particular, the base unit 200 may be comprised by the pipette tip holding device 1.

[0110] In particular, a pipette tip holding unit, such as pipette tip holding unit 100 of Figures 2 and 3, may be releasably or fixedly mountable on the base unit 200. Furthermore, the base unit 200 may comprise a grasping groove 201 and / or a grasping surface 202 (non-limiting examples of possible engagement sections) configured to be graspable by an external device (not shown), such as a concentricity measurement device. Thus, the base unit 200 may be configured to act as an adapter between a pipette tip holding unit and the external device. In particular, the base unit 200 may be formed from a different material than the pipette tip holding unit, wherein the base unit 200 may be formed from stainless steel.

[0111] The exemplary base unit 200 further comprises a base unit engagement element in the form of a mounting protrusion 203. The mounting protrusion may extend from the base unit 200 substantially along and / or parallel to a base unit axis (not shown). In particular, the mounting protrusion 203 may be configured to enter into engagement with the pipette tip holding unit, the central section, and / or the one or more engagement elements of the central section. In the shown example, the mounting protrusion 203 may have a substantially non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the base unit axis and may be configured to fit into a corresponding engagement element 103 of a pipette tip holding unit 100 (see, e.g., Figures 2 and 3). The pipette tip holding unit 100 may be configured to be mountable on the base unit 200 such that a relative rotation between the base unit 200 and the pipette tip holding unit 100 may be prevented and / or avoided and / or reduced.

[0112] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a further exemplary base unit 200A. In particular, the base unit 200A may be comprised by the pipette tip holding device 1

[0113] In particular, a pipette tip holding unit, such as pipette tip holding unit 100 of Figures 2 and 3, may be releasably or fixedly mountable on the base unit 200A. Furthermore, the base unit 200 may comprise a grasping surface 202 and a (preferentially circumferential) grasping protrusion 204 (non-limiting examples of possible engagement sections) configured to be graspable by an external device (not shown), such as a concentricity measurement device. Thus, the base unit 200 may be configured to act as an adapter between a pipette tip holding unit and the external device.

[0114] The exemplary base unit 200A further comprises a base unit engagement element in the form of a mounting protrusion 203, similar to the base unit engagement element 203 of Figure 7. Therefore, a duplicate description thereof may be omitted here, and instead reference is made to the description above. Furthermore, a base unit, such as base unit 200A, may comprise one or more protective wall elements 205, as illustratively shown in Figure 8. In particular, each protective wall element 205 may be configured to protect a pipette tip holding unit mounted on the base unit from external damage and / or from plastic deformation of the leaf spring portion(s). Specifically, each protective wall element 205 may be configured such that said protective wall element 205 extends, when a pipette tip holding unit is mounted on the base unit, substantially circumferentially along (and radially outward with respect to the central axis) a respective leaf spring portion. In particular, a number of protective wall elements 205 may be identical to a number of leaf spring portions of a corresponding pipette tip holding unit.

[0115] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an exemplary pipette tip holding unit 100 mounted on an exemplary base unit 200.

[0116] In particular, the pipette tip holding unit 100 may be mounted on the base unit 200 such that the mounting protrusion 203 is inserted into, and has entered into engagement with, a through-hole (an example of an engagement element 103) of the pipette tip holding unit 100. In particular, as shown in Figure 9, a relative rotation between base unit 200 and pipette tip holding unit 100 may therefore be efficiently and easily prevented.

[0117] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an exemplary pipetting system 10. Specifically, the pipetting system 10 may comprise a pipette tip holding device 1, comprising a pipette tip holding unit 100 (not shown in Figure 10 for illustrative reasons) and a base unit 200. The exemplary pipetting system 10 further comprises a pipette tip PT mounted on the pipette tip holding device 1.

[0118] Figure 11 shows an exemplary secondary pipette tip holding unit 300. In particular, the pipette tip holding device 1 may comprise a pipette tip holding unit 100, such as shown in Figures 2 and 3, and at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit 300, such as shown in Figure 11. In particular, the secondary pipette tip holding unit 300 may be configured similarly to pipette tip holding unit 100.

[0119] In particular, the exemplary secondary pipette tip holding unit 300 is configured to exert a secondary holding force onto a secondary cylindrical inner surface (not shown) of the pipette tip (not shown) to hold said pipette tip on the secondary pipette tip holding unit 300. The exemplary secondary pipette tip holding unit 300 may also be integrally formed from titanium.

[0120] The exemplary secondary pipette tip holding unit 300 comprises a substantially cylindrical secondary central section 301 extending along the central axis 102 of the pipette tip holding unit 100. The secondary central section 301 further comprises a secondary engagement element 303 (such as a secondary through-hole extending through the secondary central section 301) configured to, preferably releasably, enter into engagement with correspondingly formed base unit engagement element of a base unit. Similarly to pipette tip holding unit 100, the secondary engagement element 303 may have a substantially non-circular crosssection when viewed along the central axis 102.

[0121] The exemplary secondary pipette tip holding unit 300 further comprises three substantially identically shaped secondary spring elements 304 integrally attached to the secondary central section 301. The secondary spring elements 304 may be configured similarly to spring elements 104, and may comprise a secondary connection portion 305 fixedly and integrally connected to the secondary central section 301 and further connected to, via a secondary leaf spring portion 307, a secondary pipette tip contacting portion 306. Each exemplary secondary pipette tip contacting portion 306 further comprises a substantially linear secondary pipette tip contacting surface 308, wherein the secondary pipette tip contacting surface 308 is configured to contact the secondary cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip.

[0122] Each secondary spring element may further comprises a secondary protective rib element 309 fixedly and integrally connected to the secondary connection portion 305. The secondary protective rib element 309 extends substantially along the circumferential direction and along the secondary leaf spring portion 307 of the respective secondary spring element 304. Specifically, the exemplary secondary leaf spring portion 307 is radially positioned, with respect to the central axis 102, between the secondary central portion 301 and the respective secondary protective rib element 309. The exemplary secondary pipette tip holding unit 300 is further configured such that said secondary pipette tip holding unit 300, when viewed along the central axis 102, does not comprise any undercut sections.

[0123] In particular, the secondary pipette tip holding unit 300 may comprise one or more features, as discussed and / or described for the pipette tip holding unit 100. Specifically, the secondary pipette tip holding unit 300 is configured to, by exerting the secondary holding force, align the secondary cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip concentrically around the central axis 102.

[0124] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an exemplary pipette tip holding unit 100 and an exemplary secondary pipette tip holding unit 300 mounted on an exemplary base unit 200.

[0125] In particular, the pipette tip holding unit 100 and the secondary pipette tip holding unit 300 may be mounted on the base unit 200 such that the mounting protrusion 203 is inserted into, and has entered into engagement with, a through- hole (an example of an engagement element 103) of the pipette tip holding unit 100 and a through-hole (an example of a secondary engagement element 303) of the secondary pipette tip holding unit 300. In particular, as shown in Figure 12, a relative rotation between base unit 200, pipette tip holding unit 100, and secondary pipette tip holding unit 300 may therefore be efficiently and easily prevented.

[0126] Furthermore, the at least one spring element (e.g., spring elements 104) of the pipette tip holding unit and the at least one secondary spring element (e.g., secondary spring elements 304) of the secondary pipette tip holding unit may be configured to extend in opposite circumferential directions around the central axis.

[0127] In addition, the at least one spring element (e.g., spring elements 104) of the pipette tip holding unit and the at least one secondary spring element (e.g., secondary spring elements 304) of the secondary pipette tip holding unit may be equally circumferentially spaced around the central axis 102 (when viewed along the central axis 102). In particular, each spring element of the pipette tip holding unit may be arranged (when viewed along the central axis 102) between two secondary spring elements of the secondary pipette tip holding unit. Similarly, each secondary spring element of the secondary pipette tip holding unit may be arranged (when viewed along the central axis 102) between two spring elements of the pipette tip holding unit.

[0128] Figure 13 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary method 400 of manufacturing a pipette tip holding device, such as a pipette tip holding device as described herein.

[0129] The method 400 may comprise a first step 401 of forming the pipette tip holding unit of the pipette tip holding device. The first step 401 may further comprise a second step 402 of providing a plate blank, and a third step 403 of forming the pipette tip holding unit via wire electrical discharge machining from the plate blank.

[0130] Figure 14 shows a schematic overview over an exemplary pipetting system 10. The pipetting system 10 may comprise a pipette tip holding device 1 and the pipette tip PT having at least the cylindrical inner surface P14. The pipette tip PT is mountable on the pipette tip holding device 1 such that the holding force is exerted by the pipette tip holding unit 100 on the cylindrical inner surface P14 of the pipette tip PT.

[0131] The pipetting system 10 may further comprise a pressure changing unit 11. The pressure changing unit 11 may be configured to variably adjust a pressure in the pipette tip PT mounted on the pipette tip holding device 1 in order to draw, hold, and / or discharge a fluid in the pipette tip PT.

[0132] The pipetting system 10 may further comprise a measuring unit 12. The measuring unit 12 may be configured to perform a concentricity measurement of the pipette tip PT mounted on pipette tip holding device 1.

[0133] Figure 15 shows a schematic flow chart of an exemplary method 500 of performing a pipetting operation.

[0134] The method 500 may comprise in a first step 501 providing a pipetting system 1, as described herein.

[0135] The method may further comprise a second step 502 of mounting the pipette tip PT on the pipette tip holding device 1 such that the holding force is exerted by the pipette tip holding unit 100 on the cylindrical inner surface P14 of the pipette tip PT. The step 502 of mounting the pipette tip PT may further comprise a third step 503 of elastically deflecting, by the cylindrical inner surface P14, the at least one spring element 104 towards the central axis 102 to generate the holding force.

[0136] In addition, the method 500 may comprise a fourth step 504 of performing at least one pipetting operation using the mounted pipette tip PT.

[0137] It is noted that the invention is not restricted to any particular exemplary embodiment shown and / or described herein, but is instead defined by the independent claims.

[0138] REFERENCE SIGNS

[0139] PT Pipette tip

[0140] PA Pipette tip axis

[0141] PW Circumferential wall

[0142] PIO Orifice

[0143] Pll Mounting opening

[0144] P12 Internal cavity

[0145] P13 Inner mounting cavity

[0146] P14 Cylindrical inner surface

[0147] P15 Sealing groove

[0148] PT1 Orifice portion

[0149] PT2 Body portion

[0150] PT3 Mounting portion

[0151] 1 Pipette tip holding device

[0152] 10 Pipetting system

[0153] 11 Pressure changing unit

[0154] 12 Measuring unit

[0155] 100, 100A-D Pipette tip holding unit

[0156] 101 Central section

[0157] 102 Central axis

[0158] 103 Engagement element

[0159] 104 Spring element

[0160] 105 Connection portion

[0161] 106 Pipette tip contacting portion

[0162] 107 Leaf spring portion 108 Pipette tip contacting surface

[0163] 109 Protective rib element

[0164] RD1 First radial distance

[0165] RD2 Separation radial distance

[0166] L, Ll-3 Leaf spring length

[0167] 200, 200A Base unit

[0168] 201 Grasping groove

[0169] 202 Grasping surface

[0170] 203 Mounting protrusion

[0171] 204 Grasping protrusion

[0172] 205 Protective wall element

[0173] 300 Secondary pipette tip holding unit

[0174] 301 Secondary central section

[0175] 303 Secondary engagement element

[0176] 304 Secondary spring element

[0177] 305 Secondary connection portion

[0178] 306 Secondary pipette tip contacting portion

[0179] 307 Secondary leaf spring portion

[0180] 308 Secondary pipette tip contacting surface

[0181] 309 Secondary protective rib element

[0182] 400 Method of manufacture

[0183] 401-403 steps

[0184] 500 Method of performing a pipetting operation

[0185] 501-504 steps

Claims

CLAIMS1. Pipette tip holding device (1) for holding a pipette tip (PT), comprising: a pipette tip holding unit (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) configured to hold the pipette tip (PT) by exerting a holding force onto a cylindrical inner surface (Pl 4) of the pipette tip (PT), wherein the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) comprises: a central section (101) extending along a central axis (102); and at least one spring element (104) fixedly attached to the central section (101), wherein one or more of the at least one spring element (104) extend, along a circumferential direction, partially around the central axis (102), wherein the at least one spring element (104) is elastically deflectable by the cylindrical inner surface (P14) towards the central axis (102) to generate the holding force, and wherein the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100 A, 100B, 100C, 100D) is configured to, by exerting the holding force, align the cylindrical inner surface (Pl 4) of the pipette tip (PT) concentrically around the central axis (102).

2. Pipette tip holding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein each spring element (104) comprises: a connection portion (105) fixedly connected to the central section (101); a pipette tip contacting portion (106) configured to contact the cylindrical inner surface (P14) of the pipette tip (PT); and a leaf spring portion (107) connecting the connection portion (105) and the pipette tip contacting portion (106).

3. Pipette tip holding device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, for each spring element (104), a radial position of the connection portion (105) around the central axis (102) is different than a radial position of the pipette tip contacting portion (106) around the central axis (102), and / or-36-wherein, for each spring element (104), a circumferential position of the connection portion (105) around the central axis (102) is different than a circumferential position of the pipette tip contacting portion (106) around the central axis (102).

4. Pipette tip holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each spring element (104) is substantially identically shaped.

5. Pipette tip holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) comprises at least two, preferably three, spring elements (104), and, optionally, wherein the at least two spring elements (104) are equally spaced around the central axis (102).

6. Pipette tip holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) is formed from titanium, and / or wherein the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100 A, 100B, 100C, 100D) is integrally formed.

7. Pipette tip holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pipette tip holding device (1) further comprises a base unit (200, 200A), wherein the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100 A, 100B, 100C, 100D) is releasably or fixedly mountable on the base unit (200, 200A).

8. Pipette tip holding device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) is configured to be mountable on the base unit (200, 200A) such that a relative rotation between the base unit (200, 200A) and the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) is prevented.

9. Pipette tip holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pipette tip holding device (1) further comprises at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit (300), wherein the at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit (300) is configured to exert a secondary holding force onto a secondary cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip (PT).

10. Pipette tip holding device (1) according to claim 9, wherein each secondary pipette tip holding unit (300) comprises: a secondary central section (301) extending along the central axis (102); and at least one secondary spring element (304) fixedly attached to the secondary central section (301), wherein one or more of the at least one secondary spring element (304) extends, along the circumferential direction, partially around the central axis (102), wherein the at least one secondary spring element (304) is elastically deflectable by the secondary cylindrical inner surface towards the central axis (102) to generate the secondary holding force, and wherein the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) and the at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit (300) are configured to, by exerting the holding force and the secondary holding force respectively, align the cylindrical inner surface (Pl 4) and the secondary cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip (PT) concentrically around the central axis (102).11 . Pipette tip holding device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein one or more of the at least one secondary pipette tip holding unit (300) is mountable on the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) and / or another secondary pipette tip holding unit (300).

12. Method (400) of manufacturing a pipette tip holding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising:forming the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100 A, 100B, 100C, 100D), wherein forming the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100 A, 100B, 100C, 100D) comprises: providing a plate blank; and forming the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100 A, 100B, 100C, 100D) via wire electrical discharge machining from the plate blank.

13. Pipetting system (10), comprising: a pipette tip holding device (1) for holding a pipette tip (PT) according any one of claims 1 to 11; and the pipette tip (PT) having the cylindrical inner surface (Pl 4), wherein the pipette tip (PT) is mountable on the pipette tip holding device (1) such that the holding force is exerted by the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100 A, 100B, 100C, 100D) on the cylindrical inner surface (Pl 4) of the pipette tip (PT).

14. Pipetting system (10) according claim 13, wherein the pipetting system (10) further comprises: a pressure changing unit configured to variably adjust a pressure in the pipette tip (PT) mounted on the pipette tip holding device (1) in order to draw, hold, and / or discharge a fluid in the pipette tip (PT); and / or a measuring unit configured to perform a concentricity measurement of the pipette tip (PT) mounted on pipette tip holding device (1).

15. Method (500) of performing a pipetting operation, comprising: providing a pipetting system (10) according any one of claims 13 to 14; mounting the pipette tip (PT) on the pipette tip holding device (1) such that the holding force is exerted by the pipette tip holding unit (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) on the cylindrical inner surface (P14) of the pipette tip (PT),wherein mounting the pipette tip (PT) further comprises elastically deflecting, by the cylindrical inner surface (Pl 4), the at least one spring element (104) towards the central axis (102) to generate the holding force; and performing at least one pipetting operation using the mounted pipette tip (PT).

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