Capacitive Pipette Tip for Automated Volume Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated laboratory systems face challenges in accurately determining the volume of sample liquids in pipette tips and detecting the correct pipette tips for precise pipetting operations, especially in handling large quantities of samples in medical, chemical, and pharmaceutical laboratories.
Innovation Solution
A pipette tip with a volume measuring electrode and a pipetting device equipped with a capacitance measuring unit that uses a measuring capacitor to determine the liquid volume and detect the pipette tip's connection, featuring a conductive tip for immersion detection and a second electrode for ensuring fluid-tight connection and precise volume measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated pipetting devices are used to handle large quantities of samples, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision of liquid volume deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical volume measurement methods with a capacitive sensing system. A measuring capacitor with at least one electrode detects liquid volume through capacitance changes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement mechanisms while maintaining high precision in automated pipetting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in electrical capacitance parameters to determine liquid volume. By measuring capacitance variations as the liquid level changes relative to the electrode, the system achieves precise volume measurement without mechanical intervention, suitable for high-speed automated processing.
2Reliability
If pipette tips are designed for one-time use to ensure reliability, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipette tip integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the liquid containment vessel and the sensing element. The measuring capacitor electrode is incorporated directly into the tip structure, allowing the same component to perform both pipetting and volume measurement functions, thereby maintaining reliability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pipette tip structure with the sensing mechanism by integrating the measuring capacitor electrode into the tip. This merging of functions allows the disposable tip to provide both liquid handling and precise volume determination capabilities in a single integrated component.
3Reliability
If detection methods are added to verify pipette tip connection, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification by automatically detecting the presence and correct installation of the pipette tip through capacitance measurements. The measuring capacitor detects changes in electrical properties when the tip is properly connected, enabling the device to automatically verify setup without requiring manual checks or complex user procedures.
4Measurement precision
If capacitance measuring units are integrated into pipetting devices, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an electrical capacitive sensing system. The measuring capacitor provides precise volume measurement through electrical field interactions with the liquid, eliminating the need for mechanical displacement sensors or other complex mechanical measurement mechanisms.
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
Enables precise determination of sample liquid volumes and reliable detection of pipette tips, ensuring accurate and reliable pipetting operations by measuring capacitance changes, which corresponds to the liquid volume and tip connection status, enhancing analytical accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
determining a volume of a sample liquid located in the pipette tip as a function of a measured capacitance of a measuring capacitor
Implementation Method 2
conductive tip for immersion detection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to pipette tips for connecting to a pipette tube of a pipetting device that is used for taking up and dispensing fluids. A pipette tip is shaped as a long tube that forms a pipette body with an opening on one of its ends and the other end is designed to connect to the pipette tube. The pipette tip is characterised in that it has an electrode as a volume measuring electrode of a measuring capacitor. The present invention further relates to pipetting devices with a pipette tip, methods for determining the volume of a fluid sample in such a pipette tip, methods for recognising such a pipette tip on a pipetting device, methods for producing such a pipette tip, uses for such a pipette tip and a set of pipette tips.