Evertable Coupling Formation for Pipetting Device Tips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipetting devices require significant force to couple and decouple pipette tips, leading to material deformation issues and potential contamination due to the use of O-rings, which can result in undesirable changes in elastic behavior and risk of media loss.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting device with a deformation component that undergoes a unique deformation mechanism where the wall thickness remains relatively constant between release and locking positions, allowing for radial displacement without significant force, using leaf springs or fabric tubes with specific orientations to achieve secure coupling and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an O-ring is used as a deformation component and severely squeezed axially to achieve radial expansion for form-fitting engagement, then secure coupling with the circumferential groove is achieved, but considerable squeezing force is required and the O-ring undergoes undesirable changes in elastic behavior over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the deformation parameter from severe axial squeezing causing radial expansion to moderate axial deformation with controlled wall thickness reduction. The deformation component is designed with specific wall thickness ratios (wall thickness smaller than axial dimension) to enable effective coupling through less extreme deformation, reducing the required squeezing force while maintaining coupling security.
2Reliability
If an O-ring is severely squeezed axially to deform radially outwards for secure coupling, then form-fitting engagement with the circumferential groove is achieved, but over time undesirable changes in elastic behavior occur so that the O-ring no longer fully returns to its original shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the deformation parameters by controlling the wall thickness to axial dimension ratio of the deformation component. This controlled geometry allows the component to undergo reversible deformation within elastic limits, preventing permanent set and material fatigue that occur with severe O-ring squeezing, thereby extending service life while maintaining coupling reliability.
3Reliability
If considerable axial squeezing force is applied to the O-ring for radial deformation, then secure coupling is achieved, but the coupling formation and deformation arrangement must be designed to be sufficiently stable and powerful drives are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the required deformation force by optimizing the geometric parameters of the deformation component, specifically designing the wall thickness to be smaller than the axial dimension. This geometric optimization enables effective coupling with moderate deformation forces, eliminating the need for powerful drives and simplifying the overall device structure.
4Force
If the wall thickness of the deformation component is reduced to enable radial displacement with less force, then the required deformation force is lowered, but the component must maintain sufficient structural integrity for secure coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the wall thickness parameter within specific bounds - small enough to enable low-force radial displacement but large enough to maintain structural integrity. The controlled wall thickness allows the deformation component to achieve the necessary radial expansion for coupling while retaining sufficient strength to withstand operational loads and maintain secure coupling.
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 solution reduces the mechanical load on the deformation component, extends its service life, lowers the required force for deformation, and minimizes the risk of incorrect deformation, enabling secure and reliable coupling with reduced risk of contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the radially outer outer surface of the bulging section O-ring is shifted radially outwards due to the material properties of the solid O-ring, which is generally elastomeric
Implementation Method 2
the form-fitting engagement of the deformed O-ring with the circumferential groove running around the coupling track
Implementation Method 3
the deformation component not only ensures a captive coupling between the pipette device and the pipette tip, but also seals a separating gap between the coupling formation of the pipette device and the counter-coupling formation of the pipette tip
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipetting device (10) comprising a coupling formation (16) for detachably coupling a pipetting tip (70) to same, and comprising a pipetting channel (12) for changing a pressure in a pipetting tip (70) coupled to the coupling formation (16), said channel extending along a channel path (K) and passing through the coupling formation (16), wherein the coupling formation (16) is formed in such a way that a pipetting tip (70) can be pushed on and taken off said formation along a coupling path (C) which is preferably collinear with the channel path (K). The coupling formation (16) has a coupling deformation assembly having a deformation component (18) and surrounding the pipetting channel (12), which deformation component can be deformed between a locking position and a release position for locking and unlocking a pipetting tip (70) on the coupling formation (16), wherein a radially outer lateral surface section (18c) of a bulge section (18c) of the deformation component (18) - which bulge section is positioned between longitudinal ends (18a, 8b) of the deformation component (18) provided along the coupling path (C) at a distance from one another - is positioned, in the locking position, radially further outwards in relation to the coupling path (C) than in the release position. According to the invention, at least in the locking position, a wall thickness (w) of the bulge section (18c) of the deformation component (18) is smaller than the dimension of the deformation component (18) along the coupling path (C).