Pipette Decoupling Mechanism for Single-Button Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipettes require significant effort to produce different sizes and often have complex designs that lead to larger dead volumes and dosing inaccuracies, necessitating the use of multiple buttons for operation.
Innovation Solution
A pipette design featuring a detachable connection between a displacement unit and a drive unit, utilizing a decoupling device to allow single-button operation, reducing dead volume and improving dosing accuracy by decoupling the drive element from the drive device after the dosing stroke, and using a separate ejection mechanism to eject the pipette tip without further piston movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the piston is moved during the ejection stroke to provide free space in the cylinder, then the pipette tip can be ejected, but a dead volume is formed that impairs dosing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ejection function into two independent components: the piston (for dosing) and the ejector (for ejection). The ejector is displaceably arranged on the housing and can move independently of the piston, allowing ejection to occur without piston movement. This segmentation eliminates the dead volume problem while maintaining ejection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ejector as an intermediary component between the piston and the pipette tip ejection process. The ejector is driven by a separate drive mechanism (ejection button) and acts as a mediator that pushes the pipette tip off the attachment without requiring piston movement, thus avoiding dead volume formation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple buttons are used for dosing and ejection operations, then functions are separated and controlled precisely, but the device complexity and ease of operation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dosing and ejection functions into a single integrated system controlled by one button. The button is connected to both the piston drive mechanism and the ejector drive mechanism, allowing sequential activation of both functions through a single actuation. This merging simplifies operation while the internal mechanisms maintain functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the single button that sequentially triggers different functions. The first press activates the piston for dosing, and a subsequent press (or continued press) activates the ejector for ejection. This periodic activation pattern allows one-button control of multiple functions while maintaining clear functional separation through time-sequenced operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the upper housing part and lower housing part are permanently connected, then assembly is simple, but adaptability for different pipette sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into separable upper and lower parts that can be connected and disconnected. The lower housing part contains the piston and attachment, while the upper housing part contains the drive mechanisms. This segmentation allows different combinations of parts to be assembled for different pipette sizes and applications, providing versatility while maintaining relatively simple assembly and disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system between the upper and lower housing parts, allowing the configuration to change based on operational needs. The detachable connection enables rapid reconfiguration for different pipette sizes, and the modular design allows selective assembly of components to match specific application requirements, enhancing adaptability without significantly complicating the assembly process.
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
Enables easier handling and assembly, reduces the effort required for producing different sizes, minimizes dead volume, and enhances dosing accuracy by allowing single-button operation and efficient ejection of pipette tips.
Implementation Method 1
a decoupling device between the drive device and the drive element, which when the end stop element is in contact with the end stop and continued displacement of the actuating element in the actuating direction decouples the drive element from the drive device
Implementation Method 2
a lower stop body which, when the drive element is decoupled from the drive device by the decoupling device, hits an actuating end of the ejection extension in order to move the ejection extension and the ejection slide downwards
Data Source
AI summary
The pipette (1) has a decoupling device (44) for decoupling a drive element (34) i.e. sleeve, from a cylindrical lifting rod (6) during contact of a circular collar (38) at an overlifting spring bearing (32) and continued displacement of an actuating element (4) in an actuating direction. A lower stop body (27) is coupled with the rod, and strikes an actuating end of a dropping extension (74) during decoupling of the drive element from the rod for downwardly displacing the extension and a dropping slider (72) during displacement of the drive element in the actuating direction.