Hand-Held Pipetting Touchscreen Interface for Configurable Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held pipetting devices lack an efficient and ergonomic operating concept that allows users to easily configure and perform a wide range of automated or semi-automated pipetting operations without requiring extensive learning.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held pipetting device with a touch-sensitive screen for entering user-definable pipetting parameters, an electrical control device for controlling the pipetting operation based on these parameters, and a user interface that includes a graphical user interface (GUI) for selecting and defining pipetting operations, allowing users to define pipetting parameters through a series of intuitive screens and interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touch-sensitive screen with multiple screens is used to define pipetting parameters, then the functionality and configurability of the device is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complexity of navigating multiple screens
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is divided into multiple screens, each dedicated to specific parameter groups (e.g., aspiration parameters, dispensing parameters, mixing parameters). This segmentation allows comprehensive configurability while organizing information logically to prevent overwhelming the user, resolving the contradiction between providing extensive parameters and maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides default parameter values and pre-configured settings that are automatically applied unless the user chooses to modify them. This preliminary configuration reduces the number of screens users must navigate for routine tasks, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preserving full configurability when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive pipetting parameters are made available for configuration, then the adaptability of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface dynamically adapts based on the selected pipetting mode and operational context. Only relevant parameters are displayed and enabled for each specific operation type, while unrelated parameters are hidden or grayed out. This dynamic adjustment provides extensive adaptability for different operations while keeping the interface complexity manageable for each specific task.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation mode is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity decreases due to time-consuming manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes a recorder function that automatically captures and stores the parameter configurations and operational sequences during manual pipetting operations. This feedback mechanism allows users to benefit from the simplicity of manual operation while the system learns and stores the workflow patterns for future automated execution, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing ease of operation.
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
Enables users to perform complex pipetting operations efficiently and ergonomically, providing an intuitive workflow that reduces the need for extensive training and allows for flexible configuration of pipetting parameters, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
As the piston slides up, a vacuum is created in the tip, causing the liquid to rise into the tip
Implementation Method 2
the suction force with which the piston stroke device picks up the liquid into the tip
Implementation Method 3
The air cushion moved by the piston acts like an elastic spring from which the volume of liquid in the tip hangs
Implementation Method 4
the direct displacement principle is used... the piston can displace the entire internal volume of the tip
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipetting device with a touch screen and a system comprising said pipetting device. The operating concept of this pipetting device provides that values of pipetting parameters can be set by the user on at least one input screen page, that actuation of the actuating element leads to the display of an output screen page and to the start of a pipetting operation defined according to the pipetting parameters, and that touching a separate input field of the output screen page leads back to an input screen page.