Pipette Carousel UV Decontamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lab instrument decontamination processes, particularly for pipettes, require disassembly, washing, and recalibration, and often involve the risk of residual contamination, necessitating separate sterilization devices and lengthy cooling times.
Innovation Solution
An integrated storage and decontamination apparatus with an ultraviolet lamp and reflector, allowing for 360° UV exposure without disassembly, using a rotatable cap with adjustable openings and a control circuit for customizable UV light duration and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional decontamination processes are used (disassembly, washing, drying), then contaminants can be removed, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple separate steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple decontamination functions (UV irradiation, heat treatment, and storage) into a single integrated apparatus. The housing contains both the UV lamp and heating element, allowing simultaneous or sequential decontamination operations without requiring separate devices for each step.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs decontamination in advance before storage, eliminating the need for post-use cleaning procedures. Items are decontaminated while being stored, so they are ready for immediate use without requiring separate cleaning steps before each use.
2Reliability
If pipettes are disassembled for cleaning, then thorough decontamination can be achieved, but recalibration is required which adds time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential decontamination function (UV and heat treatment) from the complex disassembly-washing-drying-recalibration process. The apparatus treats entire pipettes without disassembly, removing the need for reassembly and recalibration while maintaining effective decontamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical disassembly and manual washing with automated UV irradiation and heat treatment. This substitution eliminates the need for physical manipulation of the pipette components, thereby avoiding recalibration requirements.
3Reliability
If sterilization is performed using traditional methods, then contamination is reduced, but instruments must cool down before use which delays workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses periodic or controlled UV irradiation cycles that can be completed quickly without generating excessive heat. The heating element provides controlled warmth that maintains instruments at usable temperatures, eliminating the need for cooling periods while ensuring thorough decontamination.
4Reliability
If separate germicidal devices are used, then decontamination can be performed, but the system requires multiple separate devices increasing space and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the germicidal function with the storage function into a single unit. The housing serves both as storage container and decontamination chamber, containing both UV lamp and heating element, eliminating the need for separate sterilization equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs multiple functions simultaneously: it stores laboratory items, decontaminates them using UV irradiation, provides heat treatment, and maintains them at appropriate temperatures. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate devices.
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
Effectively reduces biological contaminants such as DNA, mycoplasma, bacteria, fungi, and viruses by up to 99% without the need for separate germicidal devices or recalibration, enabling immediate reuse of instruments.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet light source in the enclosure... Each of the openings on the cap provides access to the enclosure, where an object to be decontaminated is irradiated under UV light
Implementation Method 2
a reflector positioned along interior surface of the side wall for reflecting light from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for decontaminating and storing lab instruments such as pipettes. A carousel feature of the apparatus provides convenient access and allows multiple items to be decontaminated at the same time. The ultraviolet lamp directs UV radiation to surface contaminations of the instruments and effectively eliminates various microorganisms.