Handheld Pipette Quickmix Control for Consistent Sample Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld electric pipetting devices lack a flexible and ergonomic mixing function for thoroughly mixing samples and reagents, leading to inconsistent laboratory results due to uneven distribution of components, stratification, and incomplete reactions.
Innovation Solution
A handheld pipetting device with a mixing function input element that allows users to initiate a mixing process without prior programming, featuring a 'Quickmix' function that automatically performs mixing steps based on user input, ensuring thorough mixing of samples and reagents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mixing function is added to handheld electric pipetting devices, then the thoroughness of sample mixing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipetting device is designed to perform multiple functions including pipetting, mixing, and homogenizing operations through a single integrated system. The mixing function is incorporated into the existing handheld electric pipette structure, allowing the device to serve both as a precision pipetting instrument and a mixing device, thereby improving mixing thoroughness without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing function is merged with the pipetting mechanism by utilizing the same motor-driven piston system. The piston that drives liquid aspiration and dispensing is also used to generate mixing strokes within the container, combining multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism rather than adding separate mixing components
2Reliability
If automated mixing operations are implemented, then the consistency of laboratory results is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs mixing operations automatically once initiated, executing the mixing sequence without requiring continuous user intervention. The motor-driven piston autonomously carries out the mixing strokes, and the system self-regulates the mixing process parameters, allowing the device to serve itself and reducing the operational burden on the user while maintaining consistent results
3Productivity
If mixing function is integrated into handheld device, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld electric pipette is designed as a multi-functional device that combines precision pipetting with mixing and homogenizing capabilities in a single instrument. This universal design allows laboratory users to perform multiple operations with one device, improving productivity by eliminating the need for separate mixing equipment while the integrated design minimizes the increase in device complexity
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 enhances laboratory efficiency and reproducibility by providing a flexible and ergonomic mixing solution that ensures even distribution of samples and reagents, minimizing variability and improving the accuracy of laboratory results.
Implementation Method 1
a movement element for aspirating the at least one sample into the at least one pipetting container, for holding the sample in the at least one pipetting container and for dispensing the sample from the at least one pipetting container
Implementation Method 2
the data processing unit is programmed to execute a mixing process, which includes at least one mixing step and is defined by at least one pipetting parameter
Implementation Method 3
ensures even distribution of samples and reagents, minimizing variability
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1e
Figure 2a~2f
AI summary
The invention relates to a handheld pipetting device, in particular with a touchscreen, a system comprising this pipetting device, a method, and program code. The operating concept of this pipetting device includes a function for the rapid mixing of samples by detecting user input via a mixing function input element, starting and executing the mixing process based on the input, and controlling the movement element during the mixing process such that a mixing step is performed or mixing steps are performed successively and counted by a parameter N_mix, wherein in each mixing step, the mixing volume VM of the sample is taken into the pipetting container by the corresponding movement of the movement element and subsequently dispensed again.