Diaphragm Sealed Liquid Dispensing Device for Corrosive Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid transfer devices, such as handheld pipettors and automated biochemical systems, face challenges in ensuring accurate volume dispensing, particularly with small quantities, and are prone to aerosol contamination and corrosion when handling corrosive liquids.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispensing device with a hollow body and an integrated cap member featuring a resilient diaphragm that seals the upper end, allowing for precise liquid aspiration and dispensing through controlled deformation, suitable for both manual and automated use, and capable of handling corrosive liquids without contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bulb is used for manual liquid transfer, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but accurate volume dispensing cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional bulb-squeezing mechanical system with a piston-cylinder mechanism that provides controlled mechanical displacement. The piston is driven by a motor or automated system, replacing manual bulb compression with a more precise mechanical system that can accurately control the volume of liquid displaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a liquid-tight seal between the piston and cylinder wall that allows relative movement while maintaining hydraulic integrity. This pneumatic-hydraulic system enables precise volume control through controlled piston displacement, replacing the imprecise bulb compression method while maintaining ease of operation through automated or motorized piston actuation.
2Measurement precision
If vacuum pumps or pistons are used in automated systems, then liquid transfer accuracy is improved, but the devices become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the liquid transfer function with a compact piston-cylinder assembly that integrates the seal, piston, and cylinder into a single unified component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate vacuum pump systems or complex multi-component piston assemblies, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining accurate liquid transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a liquid-tight seal that allows relative movement between the piston and cylinder wall, utilizing flexible sealing principles similar to flexible shells and thin films. This approach enables precise volume control through piston displacement while maintaining a compact, integrated design that avoids the bulk of traditional vacuum pump systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If filters are provided in the body, then aerosol contamination is prevented, but corrosive liquids may corrode the pipettor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filter component from the main pipettor body and replaces it with a disposable tip that can be easily removed and replaced. The tip incorporates the filtering function, allowing aerosol prevention while enabling the user to discard the contaminated tip after use with corrosive liquids, thereby protecting the main pipettor body from corrosion damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable tip design that is discarded after single use, particularly when handling corrosive liquids. This disposable component performs the filtration function to prevent aerosol contamination while sacrificing itself to protect the expensive, reusable pipettor body from corrosion, eliminating the need for corrosion-resistant materials in the main body.
4Measurement precision
If the diaphragm is made resilient and deformable, then accurate liquid aspiration is achieved, but the cap member must be precisely engineered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the diaphragm to convert small, imprecise displacements of the cap member into large, precise volume changes in the liquid. The diaphragm's elastic deformation amplifies the effect of cap member movement, allowing accurate liquid aspiration even when the cap member itself is not manufactured with high precision. The elastic modulus and geometry of the diaphragm are optimized to provide this amplification effect.
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
The device provides precise and accurate liquid transfer, eliminating cross-contamination risks and enabling the handling of corrosive liquids, with the diaphragm's elasticity and design ensuring reliable operation in automated systems.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient diaphragm which is deformable in a downwards direction
Implementation Method 2
Squeezing of the bulb in a lateral direction expels air from the device and the resultant suction when the bulb is released
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispensing device comprising a hollow body having an opening in a lower end thereof for receiving liquid, and an integrated cap member arranged to sealingly close the body, said cap member comprising a resilient diaphragm which is deformable in a downwards direction. The device is suitable for use in automated apparatus.