Fluid Transfer Apparatus Acceleration Sensor Wear Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manually operated fluid transfer apparatuses, such as pipettes, experience wear and reduced reliability due to intense mechanical actuation, affecting both instrument longevity and user convenience, especially when used in automated systems.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an acceleration sensor into the fluid transfer apparatus to detect changes in movement state, allowing for automatic adjustment and evaluation of mechanical loading, thereby enhancing operating convenience and maintaining reliability by providing insights into the intensity of actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual mechanical actuation is used for fluid transfer, then the apparatus can be operated, but wear increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual operationVSAvoidinstrument reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical actuation with an automated drive mechanism. The drive unit automatically actuates the piston in the piston cylinder assembly, eliminating the need for manual mechanical operation. This substitution reduces wear on mechanical components and improves instrument reliability while maintaining operational functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If intense mechanical actuation is performed, then productivity is maintained, but operating convenience decreases and wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation intensityVSAvoidoperating convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus incorporates a sensor device that automatically detects the movement state of the piston and provides feedback to the control device. The system self-regulates the actuation process based on detected parameters, eliminating the need for intensive manual operation while maintaining productivity. The automated control adjusts operation based on real-time feedback, improving operating convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If manual actuation is repeated continually, then fluid transfer function is maintained, but mechanical wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid transfer rateVSAvoidmechanical wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces repeated manual mechanical actuation with an automated drive mechanism controlled by sensor feedback. The drive unit automatically performs the piston actuation cycles required for fluid transfer, eliminating wear from manual operation while maintaining the same fluid transfer productivity. The automated system can perform repeated cycles without the mechanical degradation associated with manual use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If acceleration sensor and control device are added, then operating convenience increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic controlVSAvoidsensor and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor device detects the movement state of the piston and provides information to the control device. The control device uses this feedback to automatically adjust and control the drive mechanism. This feedback loop enables automatic control and improved operating convenience while managing system complexity through integrated sensor-control coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution increases operating convenience and maintains reliability by automatically detecting and evaluating mechanical loading, allowing for informed decision-making about the apparatus's usage and reducing wear, thus improving the overall performance and lifespan of the fluid transfer apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor device, which comprises at least one acceleration sensor which is signal-connected to the control device and by means of which at least one acceleration value can be measured during the movement of the fluid transfer apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3685919B1Fluid transfer apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 EPPENDORF AG
  • EP3685919B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3685919B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluid transfer apparatus, in particular pipetting apparatus, for transferring at least one fluid laboratory sample, in particular a biochemical or medical laboratory sample, comprising a base body, which has a connecting section serving for connecting a container to the base body for the intake of the at least one fluid sample into the container, a movement device, which can bring about the intake and/or delivery of at least one fluid laboratory sample into the container, an electrical control device, which controls at least one function of the fluid transfer apparatus, a sensor device, which comprises at least one acceleration sensor which is signal-connected to the control device and by means of which at least one acceleration value can be measured during the movement of the fluid transfer apparatus, wherein the control device is designed such that it uses the at least one acceleration value during the control of the at least one function. The invention furthermore relates to a method for using at least one acceleration value in a fluid transfer apparatus.