Movable Disposal Container for Pipetting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipetting devices with stationary disposal containers require longer processing times due to the need to move the device to the disposal container and back for tip separation and replacement, leading to inefficient path optimization and random tip arrangement causing waste in disposal volume.
Innovation Solution
A movable disposal container that synchronizes with the pipetting device's movement, allowing simultaneous tip disposal and alignment through guide elements, optimizing the disposal process and utilizing disposal volume effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a stationary disposal container is used, then the disposal container is simple in structure, but the pipetting device must move separately to dispose of tips, increasing processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The disposal container is integrated with the pipetting device, combining the disposal function with the existing pipetting mechanism. This allows tip disposal to occur during the normal pipetting movement rather than requiring a separate movement to a stationary container, thus reducing processing time while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The disposal container is designed to be movable relative to the pipetting device, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to receive used tips during the pipetting process. This dynamic capability enables simultaneous pipetting and disposal operations without complicating the overall structure
2Loss of substance
If tips are disposed of in a stationary container, then the disposal process is simple, but tips are arranged randomly, wasting disposal volume
Solution Approach 1:
Guide elements are introduced as intermediary components within the disposal container to direct and organize the placement of used tips. These guide elements passively arrange tips in an orderly fashion as they are deposited, maximizing the utilization of disposal volume without requiring complex active sorting mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The disposal container incorporates localized guide elements at specific positions to direct tips into particular orientations and locations. This local structuring ensures tips are neatly arranged in specific areas of the container, optimizing space utilization while keeping the overall container design simple
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 solution reduces overall processing time by integrating disposal into the movement path and aligns tips for efficient storage, minimizing waste and the frequency of emptying the disposal container.
Implementation Method 1
into which used pipette tips are disposed of after separation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a metering apparatus (10), in particular a pipetting machine, comprising a pipetting device (12) that can be moved in three directions (X, Y, Z) orthogonal to each other and that has at least one pipetting channel (16) to which a pipetting tip (18) is or can be detachably attached in order to aspirate sample liquid from a sample container (34, 36) associated with the metering apparatus (10) or to dispense sample liquid into a sample container (34, 36), wherein the at least one pipetting channel (16) is designed in such a way that a pipetting tip (18) detachably attached to the pipetting channel can be removed from the pipetting channel (16), preferably can be automatically removed, and a disposal container (40), which is arranged on the metering apparatus (10) and in which used pipetting tips (18) can be accommodated after being removed from a relevant pipetting channel (16). According to the invention, the disposal container (40) is arranged on the metering apparatus (10) in such a way that the disposal container can be moved in at least one direction relative to the at least one sample container (34, 36), wherein the pipetting device (12) and the disposal container (40) can be moved in the same direction (X) at least temporarily, preferably can be moved synchronously.