Compact Pipetting Unit with Modular Z-Drive and Y-Axis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-needle pipettors face difficulties in arranging and exchanging pipetting units due to their hardware setup, requiring significant effort for alignment and adjustment, limiting their positional flexibility and increasing maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting unit with a compact design featuring a housing with parallel flat surfaces, a Z-shaft guiding system with spring-loaded bearings, and a Z-drive motor gear unit that allows for easy positioning and exchange, along with a Y-drive mechanism for independent movement, enabling the units to be arranged in any position without conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If powerful drives with encoders are located at the top or bottom of the pipetting units to achieve precise positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but the nested structure results in different pipetting units that cannot be positioned arbitrarily and removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pipetting unit is divided into separate functional modules: the drive unit with encoder is separated from the pipetting probe, allowing independent positioning and arrangement of each module. This segmentation enables arbitrary positioning of multiple pipetting units without interference from nested structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a nested three-dimensional arrangement where drives are positioned at top or bottom, to a planar arrangement where all components are integrated within a flat housing. This dimensional change allows pipetting units to be positioned in any orientation without structural interference.
2Volume of moving object
If the Z-axis of a pipetting unit dips through the neighbouring pipetting unit to achieve compact arrangement, then space utilization is improved, but removal of individual pipetting units becomes difficult and requires considerable effort
Solution Approach 1:
Each pipetting unit is designed as an independent modular module with self-contained housing, drive mechanisms, and pipetting components. This segmentation allows individual units to be removed without disassembling or interfering with neighboring units, greatly simplifying maintenance and replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts the pipetting function into independent, removable modules that can be taken out individually from the multi-needle pipettor assembly. This extraction eliminates the need to dismantle the entire structure for maintenance, as each unit can be independently accessed and removed.
3Length of stationary object
If pipetting units are arranged offset to realise a pipetting distance of 9 mm, then the required pipetting distance is achieved, but the hardware setup requires significant effort for alignment and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The pipetting unit housing is designed with universal mounting features and standardized dimensions that allow identical units to be positioned in any orientation (horizontal, vertical, inclined) without requiring custom alignment procedures. This universality simplifies installation and adjustment significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing incorporates pre-configured mounting interfaces, integrated drive mechanisms, and pre-aligned internal components that eliminate the need for field alignment and adjustment. All critical alignments are performed during manufacturing, allowing rapid installation without specialized tools or procedures.
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 solution enables simplified arrangement and exchange of pipetting units, reducing maintenance time and costs, and allowing for flexible positioning without the need for individual adaptation, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing spare parts inventory.
Implementation Method 1
L-bearings with spring loaded counter bearings for pushing the Z-shaft with a first outer surface towards a first longitudinal end of the housing
Implementation Method 2
Z-drive motor gear unit with a Z-drive and a Z-drive gear wheel which engages with its teeth into the toothed surface of the Z-shaft for moving the Z-shaft upwards and downwards
Implementation Method 3
Y-drive gear wheel is arranged next to an opening in the housing for engaging into a toothed Y-drive gear rack
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3C
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipetting device, a system comprising said pipetting device and a system for handling liquids and provides a pipetting device, comprising a housing with two parallel flat surfaces with a maximal distance of 17.5 mm between them accommodating a Z-shaft mounted in a guiding and connected to a Z-drive for actuating the Z-shaft; and a Y-drive which is connected to the housing and comprises a Y-gear wheel that is arranged next to an opening in the housing