Electronic Dosing Device with Integrated Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic dosing devices for liquids have cumbersome operations due to numerous controls and lack of clear indication for the next meaningful step, leading to potential user errors.

Innovation Solution

An electronic dosing device with a manageable housing, electric motor, displacement device, holding device for pipette tips or syringes, and an electrical information system that provides clear indications of the next operating step through a display or light sources, reducing the complexity of operation and minimizing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating elements are provided for selecting mode, setting parameters, and controlling operation, then the dosing device achieves functional versatility, but the operation becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple operating elements (mode selection, parameter setting, and operation control) into a single integrated button. This single button can trigger different functions depending on the current display indication, thereby maintaining functional versatility while significantly simplifying the user interface and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device provides visual feedback to the user about the current operating state and the next meaningful displacement of the displacement element. This feedback mechanism guides the user through the operation sequence, allowing a single button to control complex functions by displaying the required operational steps clearly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If a single button is used to control liquid dispensing and intake, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot recognize the next meaningful operating step

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol element quantityVSAvoidoperational step information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display device provides continuous visual feedback to the user about the current operating state and the next meaningful displacement of the displacement element. This feedback mechanism compensates for the limited control elements by clearly displaying the required operational steps, ensuring the user always knows what to do next.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The display device uses different visual indicators (such as color changes or different display patterns) to indicate different operating states and the next meaningful displacement. This visual coding system allows the single button to control complex functions while providing clear, intuitive feedback to the user about the current and next operational steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Loss of information

If the display shows readiness for exposure, then the user knows the device is ready, but the readiness for submission is not displayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness informationVSAvoidoperation clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display device provides comprehensive visual feedback about the current operating state, including readiness for both exposure and submission. This feedback mechanism ensures the user is always informed about the device's state, eliminating ambiguity and improving operational clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The display device uses different visual indicators to show different readiness states (exposure readiness vs. submission readiness). By using distinct visual codes, the system provides clear information about the current operational state without increasing the number of physical controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 simplifies the operation by clearly indicating the next meaningful displacement of the displacement element, enhancing user understanding and reducing errors during dosing processes.

Implementation Method 1

a drive arranged in the housing with an electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a displacement device arranged in the housing or that can be arranged on it, with a displacement element that is and/or can be connected to the drive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical displacement: Displacement

Implementation Method 3

an electrical information device at the lower end of the housing, which for the purpose of outputting information about the next meaningful displacement of the displacement element controls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2292330B1Electronic metering device for metering liquids
Publication Date: 2016.04.27 EPPENDORF AG
  • EP2292330B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2292330B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2292330B1 patent drawingFigure 4.1~4.4

AI summary

Electronic dosing device for dosing liquids, comprising: • an elongated, manageable housing, • a drive unit with an electric motor arranged in the housing, • at least one displacement device arranged in or attachable to the housing with a displacement element that is connected and/or connectable to the drive unit, • at least one electrical operating device in or on the housing, • at least one electrical information device in or on the housing, • an electrical control device arranged in the housing that is connected to the electric motor, the electrical operating device and the electrical information device and, depending on the position and/or previous changes in the position of the displacement element, controls the information device to output information about the next appropriate displacement of the displacement element, and • an electrical power supply.