Reusable Pipette Carrier Comb Structure for Sealing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipette tip magazines are used only once and then disposed of, leading to high material consumption and costs.
Innovation Solution
A reusable transfer device with a comb structure and inner teeth facilitates the introduction of a pipette carrier, allowing for the reuse of the device instead of the entire magazine, and includes features like holding elements and guide grooves for secure alignment and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pipette tip magazine is used once and then disposed of, then the reliability and sealing quality are ensured, but material consumption and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine is divided into two functional segments: a reusable comb structure (made of durable plastic or metal) and a disposable pipette tip carrier. This segmentation allows the expensive, precision-critical components (sealing surfaces, structural framework) to be reused while only the consumable tips are discarded, directly reducing material waste while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the entire magazine after single use, the invention enables recovery and reuse of the comb structure. The disposable carrier with pipette tips is discarded after use, but the valuable comb structure is recovered and prepared for the next loading cycle, transforming a single-use system into a reusable system with minimal waste.
2Loss of substance
If a reusable transfer device is implemented, then material consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like comb structure with varying tooth lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The comb structure features local quality variation through teeth of different lengths: most teeth have a first length for standard pipette tip engagement, while at least one tooth has a second length for engaging a grip element. This localized differentiation provides the necessary functional complexity only where required, keeping the overall structure simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The varying tooth lengths create self-aligning and self-locking features during the insertion process. The longer tooth automatically engages the grip element first, guiding the carrier into the correct position, while the shorter teeth engage the pipette tips. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for additional alignment components or complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If inner teeth of varying lengths are used to facilitate carrier introduction, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variation in tooth lengths is implemented in a minimal, partial manner: only at least one tooth differs in length from the others, rather than requiring all teeth to have precisely controlled individual lengths. This partial differentiation achieves the functional benefit of facilitated carrier introduction while keeping manufacturing precision requirements within standard tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer device for inserting a pipette carrier into a pipetting apparatus that includes a comb structure having an elongated base and a plurality of teeth arranged perpendicularly thereto, wherein the teeth are arranged parallel and equidistantly relative to one another and comprise two outer teeth and a plurality of inner teeth arranged between the outer teeth, wherein the elongated base and the two outer teeth are embodied in the form of a three sided frame, wherein at least one inner tooth has a length greater than at least one other inner tooth.