Multichannel Pipette Gravimetric Testing Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing multi-channel pipettes are time-consuming and costly, particularly for gravimetric testing, which requires extensive weighing procedures, and existing solutions either lack portability or incur high follow-up costs.

Innovation Solution

A testing device where the containers for pipette channels are integrated as load sensors with load cells, eliminating the need for separate components and allowing for simultaneous weighing of multiple channels, reducing the size and weight of the device while maintaining high precision, and using a portable design with plastic containers and electromagnetic force compensation load cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional gravimetric testing method is used, then measurement precision is ensured, but testing time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The testing device divides the multi-channel pipette into individual channels, each tested simultaneously in separate weighing vessels. This segmentation allows parallel testing of multiple channels, reducing total testing time while maintaining individual channel measurement precision through dedicated load cells for each vessel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The testing device is designed to test multi-channel pipettes with different numbers of channels (e.g., 8-channel, 12-channel, 16-channel) using the same basic apparatus. The universal design allows adjustment of weighing vessels and load cells to accommodate various channel configurations, ensuring precision across different pipette types while maintaining efficient testing speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple weighing vessels are used for simultaneous testing, then testing speed increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting speedVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual weighing vessels with separate load cells are combined into a single integrated testing platform. The housing unifies the support structures, and the system operates as one coordinated unit rather than separate testing stations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the productivity benefits of simultaneous multi-channel testing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If high resolution load cells are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using one extremely high-resolution load cell for all channels, the device employs multiple load cells with appropriate resolution for each individual channel measurement. This local quality approach ensures sufficient precision for each channel without requiring oversized load cells, thereby reducing overall device weight while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If portable design with plastic containers is used, then device portability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses standardized plastic weighing vessels that can be mass-produced with consistent dimensions and properties. These standardized containers serve as reliable copies that maintain uniformity across production batches, reducing the need for complex individual calibration and assembly procedures, thereby enabling portable design without compromising manufacturing precision requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 rapid, reliable, and cost-effective gravimetric testing of multi-channel pipettes, achieving similar speed to existing high-speed systems while being portable and reducing follow-up costs, with the ability to test multiple channels simultaneously and handle larger volumes.

Implementation Method 1

The testing device (1) comprises exactly four containers (2a to 2d) designed to accommodate the four test volumes of the four pipette channels, with each container being assigned exactly one weighing cell (3a to 3d) for weighing the container together with the test volume of a pipette channel that may be located therein: Each weighing cell works according to the principle of electromagnetic force compensation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force compensation:

Data Source

PatentEP2759816B1Testing device for gravimetric testing of multichannel pipettes

Publication Date: 2016.01.13 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a testing device for the gravimetric testing of multichannel pipettes according to the preamble of claim 1. In the context of the invention, piston-stroke pipettes are used in particular as multichannel pipettes.