Linear Motor Pipetting Device with Segmented Magnet Arrangements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipetting devices with a single magnet arrangement restrict the mobility of pipette channels, limiting their ability to be closely positioned due to mutual interference.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting device with a linear motor configuration where the stator includes a magnet arrangement and the armature includes a conductor loop arrangement, allowing multiple pipette channels to be independently displaced along a displacement axis, with the option of using permanent magnets and ferromagnetic supports to enhance magnetic field intensity and reduce component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single magnet arrangement is used for multiple pipette channels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mobility of pipette channels is restricted due to mutual interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnet arrangement into multiple separate magnet arrangements, with each magnet arrangement serving a specific group of pipette channels. This segmentation eliminates mutual interference between channels while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
Each magnet arrangement is locally optimized for its specific pipette channels, creating independent magnetic fields that do not interfere with adjacent channels. This local quality approach allows each channel to operate independently while using permanent magnets to keep the overall device compact.
2Quantity of substance
If pipette channels are positioned closer together to increase density, then the device becomes more compact, but mutual interference between channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the magnetic field into separate, isolated magnet arrangements for each channel group, the patent enables closer channel spacing without mutual interference. The physical separation of magnet arrangements creates distinct magnetic zones that prevent cross-channel interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces non-magnetic spacing structures or ferromagnetic shields as intermediaries between adjacent magnet arrangements. These intermediaries block magnetic field leakage and prevent interference between closely spaced channels, enabling higher channel density.
3Measurement precision
If conductor loop arrangements are provided for all pipette channels to enable independent movement, then the mobility and precision are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple conductor loops into a single shared armature structure that can be actuated by one magnet arrangement. This merging approach provides independent movement control for multiple channels while reducing the total number of conductor loop arrangements needed, thereby lowering device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The armature is designed as a universal component that serves multiple pipette channels simultaneously. By coupling multiple channels to a common armature that interacts with a single magnet arrangement, the system achieves multi-functional operation with reduced component count.
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 configuration enables precise, play-free movement of pipette channels along the displacement axis, allows for efficient shaking off of adherent liquids, and increases the density of pipette channels by reducing the minimum spacing between them, while maintaining a compact device design.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor by means of which a pipette channel may be displaced along a displacement axis which is at a right angle to the channel axis
Implementation Method 2
the stator of the linear motor has the magnet arrangement, which tends to have a greater mass per unit length, and for the armature to have the conductor loop arrangement
Implementation Method 3
it is preferable for the magnet arrangement, in particular if it includes permanent magnets, to be provided on a ferromagnetic support
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipetting device, comprising at least two pipetting channels (50, 50′), which extend along a channel axis (K) and which each can be adjusted along the channel axis (K), wherein the pipetting device (10) has a displacement drive, by means of which each pipetting channel (50, 50′) can be displaced independently of the other pipetting channel (50, 50′) along a displacement axis (V) orthogonal to the channel axis (K) regardless of an adjustment along the channel axis (K), wherein the displacement drive comprises a linear motor, the stator of which has at least two magnet arrangements (32, 42), which comprise a row of magnets (36) on a magnet carrier (34, 44), said magnets being consecutive along the displacement axis (V) and being arranged differently with regard to the polarity (P1, P2) thereof, and the armature of which (at 38, at 38′); has at least one conductor loop arrangement (38), which comprises at least one set of three conductor loops (72, 74, 76) that are consecutive along the displacement axis (V), each of which conductor loops is or can be associated with a different phase of a three-phase supply, wherein each pipetting channel (50, 50′) has at least one conductor loop arrangement (38, 38′), wherein the armatures (at 38, at 38′) of two pipetting channels (50, 50′) directly adjacent along the displacement axis (V) are associated with different magnet arrangements (32, 42) and interact therewith.