Modular Pipetting Head with Detachable Coupling for Easy Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipetting devices have complex structures that complicate production, maintenance, and component replacement, leading to issues like contamination and the need for frequent replacement of both pipetting heads and carriers due to mechanical and electronic component errors.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting device design featuring detachable mechanical and electrical coupling means between the pipetting head and carrier, allowing for easy replacement and secure, error-free connection, with a seal actuation device and drive means to establish and release fluid-tight connections between pipetting tips and channels, and a modular design that minimizes electronic components on the pipetting head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the pipetting head and pipetting head carrier form a single unit with common supporting structure and housing, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pipetting system into separate modular components: the pipetting head can be independently replaced from the pipetting head carrier. The coupling means allow the pipetting head to be detachably connected to the carrier, enabling independent maintenance and replacement of each component without affecting the other.
2Measurement precision
If many electronic components are arranged on the pipetting head and carrier, then functionality and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity increases and replacement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic components are segmented and distributed across separate modules: sensors, processors and memory elements can be arranged on the pipetting head, pipetting head carrier, or base carrier depending on functional requirements. This segmentation allows selective replacement of electronic components without replacing the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means provide universal mechanical and electrical interfaces that can accommodate different configurations of electronic components. The electrical coupling means enable flexible connection arrangements that support various sensor and processor configurations without requiring custom integration for each component layout.
3Reliability
If the pipetting head is frequently replaced due to mechanical errors and contamination, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipetting head is designed as a separate replaceable module that can be quickly detached from the pipetting head carrier using the coupling means. This segmentation enables rapid replacement of contaminated or malfunctioning pipetting heads without requiring disassembly of the entire system or replacement of the carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipetting head can be designed as a disposable or frequently replaceable component with simpler construction. The robust coupling means ensure that even with frequent replacement cycles, the connection remains reliable and replacement procedures remain quick and straightforward.
4Ease of operation
If mechanical coupling means provide detachable connection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may decrease due to potential connection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling means and electrical coupling means are combined into an integrated coupling system. When the pipetting head is attached to the carrier, both mechanical and electrical connections are established simultaneously, reducing the risk of incomplete or incorrect connections. The coupled design ensures that mechanical positioning and electrical alignment occur together, enhancing connection reliability while maintaining ease of replacement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipetting device, in particular a pipetting robot, comprises: a positioning device (12) comprising a main frame (14) movable in a first principal direction (X), wherein the pipetting device (10) is movable along the main frame (14) in a second principal direction (Y); at least one base carrier (28) and at least one pipetting head carrier (30), wherein the base carrier (28) and the pipetting head carrier (30) are movable relative to each other in a third principal direction (Z); at least one pipetting head (22) with a pipetting channel (38) to which a pipetting tip (24), in particular a disposable pipetting tip, can be coupled, wherein the pipetting channel (38) comprises a pressure generation device (40) for generating pressure changes in the pipetting tip (24) for aspiration or...Dispensing of sample liquid, at least one mechanical coupling means (72a, 72b, 72c) and at least one electrical coupling means (60a, 60b) arranged on the pipetting head (22) and which can be connected or are connected to a respective mechanical or electrical feedback means (70a, 70b, 70c, 62), wherein the respective feedback means (70a, 70b, 70c, 62) is formed on the pipetting head carrier (30).