Pipette Device Electromagnetic Locking Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipetting apparatuses face challenges in achieving tight grid dimensions due to large actuator drive systems required for maintaining pipette tip attachment and sealing, leading to increased installation space and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting apparatus with a separate sealing component and a switchable magnetic-field source actuator drive system, allowing for reduced force expenditure and smaller installation space by separating the coupling locking and sealing functions, enabling the use of a movable ferromagnetic reaction component with a magnetic-field source to displace the locking actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking actuator is used to maintain pipette tip attachment and sealing, then reliability of attachment is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling configuration is segmented into separate locking and sealing components. The locking component has an engagement surface arrangement that can be displaced between locked and unlocked positions, while the sealing component is positioned at a different axial location. This segmentation allows the locking actuator to only maintain locking engagement without simultaneously maintaining sealing pressure, reducing the force expenditure and simplifying the actuator drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from the locking component and implemented as a separate sealing component. This extraction allows the locking actuator to focus solely on maintaining locking engagement, while sealing is achieved through the relative coupling motion between the coupling configuration and coupling formation. The actuator drive system only needs to overcome the elastic return force of the locking component during attachment, not continuously maintain both locking and sealing forces.
2Reliability
If a strong actuator drive system is used to maintain locking engagement against elastic return force, then attachment reliability is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator drive system operates periodically rather than continuously. During attachment, the actuator is driven into the engagement position against the elastic return force of the locking component. Once engaged, the actuator remains in the engagement position without requiring continuous drive force. During release, the actuator is shifted to the release position to permit unlocking. This periodic operation reduces the required drive system size compared to continuous actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component's elastic return force automatically maintains the actuator in the engagement position once locked, without requiring continuous external force. The actuator drive system only needs to provide force during the attachment and release transitions, while the elastic return force of the locking component self-maintains the locked state. This self-service mechanism reduces the required actuator drive system size.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple pipetting conduits are arranged closely together, then grid dimensions are reduced, but components collide
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling configuration is segmented into compact locking and sealing components positioned at different axial locations. The locking component with its engagement surface arrangement and the sealing component are separated axially, allowing for a more compact overall structure. This segmentation enables pipetting conduits to be arranged closer together without component collisions, reducing the grid dimension while maintaining functionality.
4Device complexity
If the locking component performs both locking and sealing functions, then device complexity is reduced, but force expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and sealing functions are segmented into separate components. The locking component has an engagement surface arrangement that can be displaced between locked and unlocked positions, while the sealing component is positioned at a different axial location. This segmentation allows the actuator to only maintain locking engagement without simultaneously maintaining sealing pressure, significantly reducing the force expenditure required from the actuator drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from the locking component and implemented as a separate sealing component. This extraction reduces the force expenditure on the actuator, as it only needs to maintain locking engagement rather than both locking and sealing. The sealing is achieved through the relative coupling motion between the coupling configuration and coupling formation, not through continuous actuator force.
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
This solution allows for the implementation of pipetting apparatuses with smaller grid dimensions without loss of functionality, reducing the actuator drive system's size to less than 9 mm, enabling identical pipetting conduit subassemblies to be arranged closely together on a single guidance rail, simplifying manufacturing and installation.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator drive system comprises a switchable magnetic-field source and a ferromagnetic reaction component movable by a locally modifiable magnetic field of the switchable magnetic-field source
Implementation Method 2
a ferromagnetic reaction component movable by a locally modifiable magnetic field of the switchable magnetic-field source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pipette device with a pipette channel which extends along a channel axis defining an axial direction and which passes through a channel component arrangement which, at a coupling longitudinal end, has a coupling configuration for the releasable coupling of a pipette tip. The coupling configuration has a locking component with a radially outwardly facing engagement surface arrangement, which is movable between a locking position more radially remote from the channel axis and an unlocking position lying radially closer to the channel axis. The coupling configuration has a sealing component separate from the locking component, and that the actuator drive has a switchable magnetic field source and a reaction component which is movable by the locally changing magnetic field thereof and which is connected to the locking actuator in such a way as to transmit movement.