Liquid Metering Device Deforming Pipetting Tips for Nanoliter Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid-metering devices require specially configured pipetting tips with a tube or pipe section of constant cross-section for ballistic discharge of discrete dosage amounts in the nanoliter range, limiting their compatibility with commercially available tips that have tapered designs and varying cross-sections.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-metering device with first and second deformation formations that deform conventional pipetting tips to create a shape suitable for mechanical impulse transmission, allowing for the use of commercially available tips with tapered designs by converging to form a narrow liquid chamber for ballistic discharge of dosage volumes in the nanoliter range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specially configured pipetting tips with constant cross-section tube sections are used, then precise ballistic discharge of nanoliter volumes is achieved, but compatibility with commercially available tips is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically deforms the pipetting tip by moving deformation formations between a retracted position (for loading standard tips) and a deformation position (for creating the narrow chamber). This dynamic transformation allows the same device to accommodate standard tips and create the required narrow geometry on-demand, resolving the contradiction between using standard tips and achieving precise ballistic discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional area of the pipetting tip is changed from the original standard geometry to a deformed geometry with a narrow chamber (cross-sectional area ≤ 0.75 mm²) by the deformation formations. This parameter change enables the tip to function for ballistic discharge while starting from a compatible standard tip configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If deformation formations are added to the device, then compatibility with standard tips is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation formations serve multiple functions: they deform the tip to create a narrow chamber for ballistic discharge, and they also serve as the mechanical structure that transmits impulses to the liquid. By combining these functions in a single structural element, the device avoids adding separate complex components, thus managing complexity while achieving tip compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation formations are designed to automatically deform the tip to the required geometry when moved to the deformation position, without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems. The structure self-adjusts to create the narrow chamber, reducing overall 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
Enables the use of standard pipetting tips for precise dispensing of nanoliter volumes by deforming the tip to create a narrow chamber, enhancing compatibility and operational flexibility while maintaining accurate and repeatable dispensing of dosage amounts.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical impacts exerted in very short intervals by the release tappet on the tube or pipe section close to the lengthwise metering end transmit mechanical impulses to the tube or pipe section filled with dosage liquid
Implementation Method 2
The function of the known liquid-metering device relies on the incompressibility of dosage liquids. The mechanical impacts exerted in very short intervals by the release tappet on the tube or pipe section close to the lengthwise metering end transmit mechanical impulses to the tube or pipe section filled with dosage liquid. Due to the incompressibility of the dosage liquid contained in the tube or pipe section, the mechanical impulse on said section induces a pressure impulse in the dosage liquid
Implementation Method 3
a first and a second deformation formation (46, 48) defining between them an axial longitudinal section of the mounting space (40) extending along the virtual mounting axis A as a deformation area (64), in which the first and second deformation formation (46, 48) can be converged and retracted from each other to deform a pipetting tip (42) in the mounting space (40)
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid-metering device for discharging metered liquid in the nanometer range, includes a pipetting-tip receiving device defining, at least in a metering-ready operating position of the liquid-metering device, a receiving space that runs along a virtual receiving axis and is designed to receive a portion of a pipetting-tip. The liquid-metering device also includes a triggering plunger moveable relative to the pipetting-tip receiving device, between a standby position and a triggering position. The liquid-metering device also includes movement drive, which is coupled to the triggering plunger so as to transmit motion, and a control device for controlling operation of the movement drive. A first and second deformation formation define therebetween an axial longitudinal region of the receiving space as a deformation region, in which region the first and second formations can be brought closer or farther away to/from one another. The triggering plunger is located in the deformation region.