Multi-Channel Pipetting Assembly with Variable Air Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipetting equipment requires frequent changes of pipettes with different specifications to accommodate various volume ranges, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in biochemical analyses, especially when handling multiple test items.
Innovation Solution
The automated pipetting equipment incorporates a multi-channel pipetting assembly with a movable mechanism and driving module, featuring pipette bodies with axially arranged air chambers of varying diameters, piston rods, and elastic elements, allowing for precise and efficient liquid handling across multiple volume ranges without manual pipette changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pipettes with different specifications are used to cover different volume ranges, then the volume range coverage is improved, but the device complexity and operation time increase due to frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The pipette body is designed with multiple air chambers of different volumes (first air chamber with larger volume, second air chamber with smaller volume) within a single structure, enabling one pipette to perform multiple pipetting volume ranges. The system can switch between different air chambers to accommodate different liquid volumes, eliminating the need for multiple separate pipettes.
Solution Approach 2:
The smaller second air chamber is nested within or alongside the larger first air chamber in the same pipette body structure. The piston rod can position itself within different air chambers, and the piston tube can extend or retract to match different chamber volumes, creating a nested functional arrangement that consolidates multiple pipetting capabilities into one device.
2Measurement precision
If pipettes are frequently replaced to match different volume ranges, then the pipetting accuracy for specific volumes is improved, but the productivity and sample addition efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a movable piston rod that can dynamically position itself within different air chambers based on the required volume. The piston tube can extend or retract to match the selected air chamber, allowing the system to adapt its internal configuration in real-time without physical replacement, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different air chambers (first air chamber for larger volumes, second air chamber for smaller volumes) and adjusting the piston rod position accordingly. This parameter switching enables the same physical pipette to deliver accurate pipetting across different volume ranges without replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual pipetting is performed to handle various volume ranges, then the flexibility in volume selection is improved, but the time consumption and labor effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The automated pipetting system performs volume selection and piston positioning automatically through motorized control. The driving module actuates the piston rod to the appropriate position within the selected air chamber based on programmed parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention in volume selection and significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining flexibility.
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 expands the volume range accuracy, reduces assembly errors, and enhances sample addition efficiency by enabling automated operation across different volume ranges without the need for frequent pipette replacements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic element respectively corresponds to the at least one piston tube and is telescopically sleeved on the piston rod
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-channel pipetting assembly includes a linkage member and a plurality of pipetting structures arranged in parallel. Each pipetting structure includes a pipette body, a piston rod, a piston tube, and an elastic element. The pipette body has a plurality of air chambers with different inner diameters, and the air chambers are arranged axially and communicate with each other. The piston rod is fixed to the linkage member. The piston tube is sleeved on the piston rod. The piston rod and the piston tube are located in the pipette body, and are axially and reciprocatingly movable in the pipette body. The piston rod matches the air chamber with the smallest inner diameter, and the piston tube matches the remaining air chambers. The elastic element is telescopically sleeved on the piston rod and corresponds to the piston tube. Therefore, a plurality of volume ranges meeting the accuracy requirements can be provided.