Multi-Tier Pipette Tip Holder for Broad-Range Volume Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipette technology requires multiple devices to handle a broad range of liquid volumes, leading to clutter and increased costs due to the need for different pipette tips of varying sizes for accurate and precise dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tiered pipette tip holder with a concentric cylinder ejection mechanism that accommodates different sized pipette tips, allowing a single device to handle volumes from 2 μl to 5,000 μl with precision and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pipetting devices are used to handle different liquid volumes, then accurate and precise dispensing across a broad volumetric range is achieved, but device complexity and work area clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipette device incorporates a multi-tiered tip holder with multiple attachment surfaces of different diameters, allowing a single device to accommodate various tip sizes (e.g., 10 μL, 100 μL, 1000 μL tips) simultaneously. This universal design enables one pipette to perform the function of multiple specialized pipettes, resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tip holder features a nested concentric cylinder structure where smaller diameter attachment surfaces are positioned within larger diameter surfaces. This nesting arrangement allows multiple tip sizes to be accommodated in a compact configuration, enabling broad volumetric range capability without increasing overall device size or complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pipetting devices are used to handle different liquid volumes, then accurate and precise dispensing across a broad volumetric range is achieved, but costs increase due to multiple devices and tip inventories
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling a single pipette to accept multiple tip sizes through the multi-tiered holder design, the system reduces the total number of tips needed in inventory. Users no longer need separate tip packs for each volumetric range, thereby reducing material consumption and costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single pipette is designed to accommodate different tip sizes, then device versatility improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tip holder features distinct attachment surfaces with different diameters optimized for specific tip sizes. Each surface is locally engineered with precise dimensional specifications matched to its intended tip type, allowing accurate accommodation of various tips without requiring the entire device to meet ultra-precise tolerances across all dimensions
4Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-tiered tip holder is implemented, then adaptability to different tip sizes improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concentric nested cylinder structure provides a compact and mechanically simple way to accommodate multiple tip sizes. The nested arrangement minimizes the number of separate components needed compared to alternative designs, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Broad volumetric range pipettes with multi-tiered pipette tip holder and ejection assemblies and methods of using such pipettes are disclosed herein. These pipettes typically include a concentric cylinder arrangement with each outer cylinder configured for contacting and dislodging a pipette tip attached to the tip holder portion of the immediately adjacent inner cylinder. In this manner, different sized pipette tips can be used on a single device. In addition, a locking mechanism is described for locking the large tip holder into a downward position to minimize the extension of the small tip holder and thereby enabling attachment of large, filtered pipette tips and reducing/eliminating the risk that the liquid being transferred will contaminate the pipetting device.