Multi-channel pipettor with motorized tip spacing adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hand-held multi-channel pipettors face challenges in accurately adjusting the center-to-center spacing of pipette tip fittings for different container configurations, often resulting in inaccuracies and requiring complex mechanisms that complicate one-handed operation and increase power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held electronic pipettor with a dedicated motor to control the repositioning of pipette tip fitting assemblies, using a miniature DC gear motor and vertically stacked gears to rotate a roller drum with cam tracks, allowing for precise adjustment of tip spacing through user-programmed software and a slender design for ergonomic operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a scissors mechanism is used to manually adjust tip spacing, then adaptability to different container spacings is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inaccuracies in center-to-center spacing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different container spacingsVSAvoidcomplexity of the scissors mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual scissors mechanism with an electronically controlled motorized system. A motor drives a lead screw that moves the tip fittings along precision rails, eliminating the mechanical complexity of scissors linkages while providing accurate, repeatable positioning through electronic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes a sensor that automatically detects the position of tip fittings and provides feedback to the control system. This self-measuring capability allows the system to automatically compensate for positioning variations and maintain accurate center-to-center spacing without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a roller drum with cam tracks is used to adjust tip spacing, then adaptability to different container spacings is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates requiring two-hand operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different container spacingsVSAvoidease of operation requiring two-hand operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the roller drum with cam tracks mechanism with a motorized linear positioning system. The motor drives a lead screw that moves tip fittings along precision rails, providing accurate positioning through electronic control rather than manual manipulation of complex cam mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes sensors that automatically detect tip fitting positions and provide feedback to the control system, enabling automatic positioning and elimination of the need for two-hand manual operation while maintaining adaptability to different spacings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manually powered piston movement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to slower operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual piston operation with an electronically controlled motor that drives the pistons through a train of gears. This motorized system maintains relatively simple mechanical design while dramatically improving productivity through automated, rapid piston movement controlled by electronic signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 accurate and efficient repositioning of pipette tips for different container spacings, optimizing ergonomics, reducing power consumption, and allowing one-handed operation while maintaining a compact and intuitive control system.

Implementation Method 1

a dedicated motor to control the repositioning of the tip fitting assemblies, using a miniature DC gear motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

rotate a roller drum with cam tracks, allowing for precise adjustment of tip spacing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS9339810B2Multi-channel pipettor with repositionable tips

Publication Date: 2016.05.17 INTEGRA BIOSCI CORP

AI summary

A hand-held, multi-channel pipettor has an electronically controlled motor to reposition pipette tips for different center to center spacing. Each repositionable tip fitting assembly has a cam following pin that is driven by cam tracks in a motor driven roller drum. Stationary ports for the multiple aspiration cylinders are strategically placed to simplify management of flexible tubes leading to the repositionable pipette tip fitting assemblies. The pipettor has a user interface that can be operated conveniently by one hand to reposition pipette tips. It has a pipette tip ejection mechanism with a sinusoidal stripper bar.