Concentric Aspiration Chambers for Multichannel Pipetting

Solution Overview

Problem

Multichannel pipetting systems face ergonomic and space constraints when sampling high volumes, as increasing piston stroke or chamber size can lead to operator discomfort and space issues, and existing staggered piston arrangements are not fully satisfactory.

Innovation Solution

The design features concentric aspiration chambers and pistons, allowing for reduced overall space, improved ergonomics, and maintaining a conventional pitch between sampling-cone-holder end pieces, with optional features like different chamber surface areas for multivolume sampling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the piston stroke is increased to sample high volumes, then the sampling volume increases, but the operator ergonomics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling volumeVSAvoidoperator ergonomics

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nested aspiration chambers where an inner chamber is positioned within an outer chamber. The inner chamber contains a first piston for high-volume sampling, while the outer chamber contains a second piston for low-volume sampling. This nesting arrangement allows both high and low volume sampling capabilities within a compact space, enabling high-volume sampling without requiring excessive piston stroke that would compromise ergonomics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If the piston diameter and aspiration chamber size are increased to sample high volumes, then the sampling volume increases, but the overall space at the bottom part increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling volumeVSAvoidbottom part space

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nested aspiration chambers where an inner chamber is positioned within an outer chamber. The inner chamber contains a first piston for high-volume sampling, while the outer chamber contains a second piston for low-volume sampling. This nesting arrangement allows both high and low volume sampling capabilities within a compact space, enabling high-volume sampling without requiring excessive piston stroke that would compromise ergonomics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a conventional side-by-side arrangement of aspiration chambers to a concentric/nested arrangement along the longitudinal axis. This dimensional reorganization allows the chambers to share space radially while maintaining independent functionality, effectively reducing the lateral footprint and overall space occupation of the bottom part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the pitch between sampling-cone-holder end pieces is reduced to fit more channels, then the number of channels increases, but the space requirements become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of channelsVSAvoidbottom part space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nested aspiration chambers where an inner chamber is positioned within an outer chamber. The inner chamber contains a first piston for high-volume sampling, while the outer chamber contains a second piston for low-volume sampling. This nesting arrangement allows both high and low volume sampling capabilities within a compact space, enabling high-volume sampling without requiring excessive piston stroke that would compromise ergonomics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a conventional side-by-side arrangement of aspiration chambers to a concentric/nested arrangement along the longitudinal axis. This dimensional reorganization allows the chambers to share space radially while maintaining independent functionality, effectively reducing the lateral footprint and overall space occupation of the bottom part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10639624B2Multichannel pipetting system comprising two aspiration chambers that are imbricated in one another

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 GILSON SAS

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (32) for the bottom part of a multichannel pipetting system, comprising two sampling-cone-holding end pieces (6) and also two aspiration chambers (36a, 36b) that engage respectively with the two end pieces, the two aspiration chambers (36a, 36b) being concentric.