Concentric Piston Pipette Coupling Module for Volume Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampling pipettes require multiple devices to achieve a wide range of volume precision, leading to increased space usage on lab benches and inefficiency in protocol traceability.
Innovation Solution
A sampling pipette with a set of concentric pistons and a coupling module that allows the control rod to be configured with multiple pistons, enabling a single pipette to cover a broader volume range without compromising precision or accuracy, and allowing for traceability of pipetting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pipettes are used to cover a wide volume range, then precision and accuracy performance is maintained, but the space required on the lab bench increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pipetting functions into a single device by integrating multiple concentric pistons with different volume capacities. The control rod can couple with different combinations of these pistons to achieve various volume ranges, eliminating the need for multiple separate pipettes and thereby reducing lab bench space while maintaining precision and accuracy through the modular piston design
Solution Approach 2:
The single pipette is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating N concentric pistons that can be selectively coupled to the control rod. This allows the device to perform multiple pipetting operations across different volume ranges (from small volumes with inner pistons to large volumes with outer pistons), making one universal device replace multiple specialized pipettes
2Area of stationary object
If a single pipette is used to cover a wide volume range, then lab bench space is reduced, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested doll configuration where N concentric pistons are arranged one inside another, with each piston having a progressively larger diameter. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be compactly integrated within a single device body, reducing overall device footprint while maintaining the complexity needed for multi-volume capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic coupling mechanisms that allow the control rod to selectively engage with different combinations of pistons based on the required volume. The coupling module can be reconfigured through controlled movement to connect with specific pistons, providing operational flexibility and managing complexity through programmable or mechanically adjustable configurations
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pistons are used within a single pipette, then the volume range is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal volume delivery mechanism is segmented into multiple independent concentric pistons, each responsible for a specific volume range or increment. This segmentation allows the total volume range to be divided into manageable segments that can be selectively activated, extending the overall adaptability while organizing complexity into modular, independently controllable units
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the volume range by creating multiple separate devices, the patent adds another spatial dimension by arranging pistons concentrically in a radial configuration. This dimensional approach allows multiple volume-capable elements to coexist within a compact cylindrical volume, extending functionality without proportionally increasing device footprint or operational complexity
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
Reduces the number of pipettes needed for various volume sampling tasks, minimizing bench space and enabling traceability of operations with a single device, while maintaining precision and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a suction chamber (42)
Data Source
AI summary
A pipette for sampling an extended range of volumes of liquid includes a fixed pipette body. An operating rod is movable in translation relative to the pipette body, along a longitudinal axis of the pipette. The pipette includes a suction chamber and a set of N concentric pistons, wherein N corresponds to an integer greater than or equal to 2. Each of the pistons contributes to delimiting the suction chamber. A coupling module couples the operating rod with the set of N concentric pistons. The module is configured in such a way as to be able to be brought into N distinct configurations in which it respectively couples the operating rod with 1, 2, . . . , N pistons.