Ergonomic Pipette Handle with Flexible Finger Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipettes lack ergonomic flexibility and tactile comfort, as they do not adapt to individual hand shapes, leading to suboptimal grip and manual handling during liquid dispensing.

Innovation Solution

A pipette with a flexible finger support made of elastic material, featuring a pivoted tip part and a spring that presses the tip part towards the handle, allowing users to shape the finger rest for optimal comfort and including a detachable elastic part and a lower radial support for improved grip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid finger support is used, then structural stability is maintained, but ergonomic adaptability and tactile comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic adaptabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The finger support is designed with a spring mechanism that allows it to dynamically adapt to different finger pressures and shapes. The spring enables the support to move and conform to the user's finger while maintaining structural integrity through its elastic properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The finger support utilizes elastic material properties to change its physical state between compressed and relaxed positions. This parameter change allows the support to adapt ergonomically while the material's inherent elasticity maintains structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a flexible finger support is used, then ergonomic comfort is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile comfortVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The finger support employs an elastic material that functions as a flexible element, allowing it to conform to the user's finger for improved tactile comfort. The flexible nature of the elastic material provides the necessary adaptability while maintaining sufficient structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded mechanism creates a dynamic system where the finger support can flex and adapt to different finger shapes and pressures, providing tactile comfort while the spring's restoring force maintains structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed finger support design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but user customization and ergonomic optimization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecustomizabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism allows the finger support to dynamically adjust to different user needs without requiring multiple fixed designs. This single dynamic component provides customization capability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized spring and elastic material production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic material and spring mechanism enable parameter changes in the finger support's position and shape based on user interaction, providing customization without requiring complex manufacturing processes. The standard elastic materials and spring components keep manufacturing simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances ergonomic fit and reduces manual effort required for handling, providing a customizable grip that improves tactile comfort and operational efficiency during liquid dispensing.

Implementation Method 1

a spring that presses the tip part towards the handle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a spring that presses the tip part towards the handle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the flexible support element is positioned substantially in the lengthwise direction of the handle... the user may shape the finger rest to be optimally suitable for him/her

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2452752B1Handpipette with ergonomic handle
Publication Date: 2014.02.12 THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC OY
  • EP2452752B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

A handle pipette including at least one cylinder with an upper end and a lower end, said cylinder having a movable piston, an elongate handle (1), by which the pipette can be manually gripped, said handle having an upper part, and in the upper part of the handle, a sideways extending finger support (7), which finger support (7) is at least partly flexible and/or it can be shaped by the user.