Elastomeric Counter-Stop for Tool-Free Dosing Device Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dosing devices with ejection mechanisms are difficult to assemble and disassemble, particularly due to the rigid snap-ring and housing interactions that require specialized tools and can lead to unintentional release of the ejection button.

Innovation Solution

The dosing device incorporates an elastically deformable stop and counter-stop made of materials like elastomers or thermoplastic elastomers, which absorb impact and facilitate easier assembly and disassembly by reducing the suddenness of the ejection mechanism's return, allowing for a detachable latching connection that can be dismantled without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid snap-ring and rigid housing wall counter-stop are used in the ejection mechanism, then the ejection button is secured against unintentional release, but the assembly and disassembly become difficult and require specialized tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring ejection button against unintentional releaseVSAvoiddifficulty of assembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the counter-stop from rigid to elastically deformable. The counter-stop is made of an elastically deformable material or designed with elastic elements, allowing it to deform under the snap-ring's elastic force during assembly and disassembly, eliminating the need for specialized tools while maintaining reliable securing of the ejection button during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastically deformable counter-stop acts as a cushioning element that absorbs the impact force during assembly and disassembly. The elastic deformation provides a cushioning effect that prevents the snap-ring from striking the counter-stop with harmful force, enabling tool-free assembly while maintaining operational reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Strength

If a rigid snap-ring connected to the ejector rod is used, then the ejection mechanism provides strong locking, but the snap-ring strikes the counter-stop with strong impulse causing potential damage and requiring drilled ejection button for repair

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking strength of snap-fit connectionVSAvoiddifficulty of disassembly for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the counter-stop from rigid to elastically deformable. This allows the counter-stop to absorb impact forces through elastic deformation, preventing damage to the snap-ring and ejection button during normal operation, and enabling safe disassembly for maintenance without requiring drilling or specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful impulse force from the snap-ring striking the rigid counter-stop into a beneficial elastic deformation of the counter-stop. The previously harmful impact is transformed into a controlled elastic compression that absorbs energy and protects the components, making the system easier to repair and maintain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If the ejector rod passes through a hole in the rigid housing wall, then the structure is simple, but the counter-stop formed by the hole edge introduces strong impulse into the ejection mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of housing structureVSAvoidstrong impulse into ejection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the counter-stop from a rigid geometric feature (hole edge) to an elastically deformable component. The counter-stop can be made of elastic material or incorporate elastic elements, allowing it to deform under load and absorb impact energy, thereby eliminating the harmful impulse while maintaining the simple structural arrangement of the ejector rod passing through the housing wall

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter 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

This design simplifies the assembly and disassembly process, prevents unintentional release of the locking mechanism, and allows for easier maintenance and repair by reducing the shock impact during ejection, while maintaining operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the stop and/or counter-stop consists at least partially of an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer and is elastically deformable perpendicular to its contact surface, so that the stop and/or counter-stop dampens the impact when the restoring means moves the ejection device with the stop against the counter-stop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2210667B1Metering device with tip ejector

Publication Date: 2019.05.08 EPPENDORF AG

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AI summary

The dosing device has a base body (2), where a seat (8) is arranged at the base body for mounting a pipette tip (9) in a detachable manner. A starting device is arranged on the base body for releasing the pipette tip from the seat. A stop or a counter stop is elastically deformable perpendicular to the stop surface.