Anti-static Pipette Tip Tray with Grounding Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipette tips in trays often generate and retain static charge due to friction during handling, leading to repulsion and inaccurate dispensing, as well as potential discharge of static electricity to sensitive samples or equipment, causing distortions and equipment malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The design of pipette tip trays with a rack and lid that immobilize tips and incorporate electrically conductive elements in contact with the exterior, allowing for static charge discharge through a convenient tab for grounding, reducing static buildup and preventing electrostatic shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pipette tips are handled and inserted into trays, then the tips are arranged and organized, but static charge is generated through friction leading to repulsion and inaccurate dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive member is introduced as an intermediary between the pipette tips and the tray structure. This conductive member provides a controlled path for static charge dissipation, preventing charge accumulation that causes repulsion. The conductive member acts as a mediator that safely transfers excess charge to ground through the tray exterior, eliminating the harmful electrostatic effects while maintaining tip organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful static charge is extracted from the system by providing a dedicated discharge path through the conductive member connected to the tray exterior. This separates the charge dissipation function from the tip holding function, allowing the tray to perform both organizing and charge management roles simultaneously without interference.
2Productivity
If pipette tips are stored in trays without immobilization, then the tips are accessible, but static charge builds up causing repulsion and dispensing inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive member serves as an intermediary that continuously dissipates static charge from the pipette tips during storage. By maintaining electrical contact between the tips and the conductive member, which is connected to ground through the tray exterior, the system prevents charge accumulation that would otherwise cause repulsion and compromise dispensing accuracy, while tips remain freely accessible.
3Use of energy by moving object
If pipette tips accumulate static charge, then friction during handling is reduced, but electrostatic discharge occurs to sensitive samples or equipment causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive member and grounding connection convert the potentially harmful static charge into a beneficial controlled discharge path. Instead of allowing charge to accumulate and then discharge unpredictably to sensitive equipment, the system provides a safe, continuous path to ground that dissipates charge gradually, transforming the harmful electrostatic effect into a protective mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray exterior and conductive member act as intermediaries that intercept and redirect electrostatic discharge away from sensitive samples and equipment. By providing a controlled discharge path through the conductive member connected to ground, the system prevents uncontrolled electrostatic discharge while maintaining the low-friction handling characteristics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Substantially reduces static charge accumulation on pipette tips, preventing repulsion and ensuring accurate dispensing while safely discharging static electricity, protecting sensitive samples and equipment from electrostatic interference.
Implementation Method 1
the electrically conductive member is in effective communication with the pipette tip tray exterior
Implementation Method 2
Pipette tips in trays often generate and retain static charge due to friction during handling
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are anti-static pipette trays that reduce the amount of static charge accumulated on or in pipette tips and allow for discharge of any accumulated static charge.