Pipette Tip Holder Locking for Vertical Stack Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipette tip racks lack an efficient and compact locking and releasing mechanism that facilitates automated handling in liquid handling robots, often requiring manual manipulation and risking uncontrolled collapse during manual handling.

Innovation Solution

A holder design with opposing lateral sidewalls and a matrix of openings, featuring a locking mechanism that can be released by applying a vertical force from above, utilizing flexible tongues or deformable pins, and a release device inserted into openings to unlock the topmost holder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism requires horizontal force or squeezing action for release, then the locking is secure, but the ease of automated handling is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidease of automated handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional locking release mechanism by changing the force application direction from horizontal/sideways to vertical/vertical-axis. The release mechanism is positioned at the top of the stack and actuated by vertical force, which is the natural direction of gravity and robot end-effector approach, thereby enabling automated handling while maintaining secure locking during transport and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary release mechanism component positioned at the top of the stack that mediates between the locking mechanism and the external force. This intermediary structure allows vertical force application to be transmitted effectively to the locking mechanism, enabling automated robots to release the stack without requiring horizontal manipulation forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual handling is used to remove the topmost rack, then flexibility is maintained, but the risk of uncontrolled collapse and tip falling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling flexibilityVSAvoidrisk of uncontrolled collapse

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing a release mechanism that is pre-positioned and ready at the top of the stack. The locking mechanism is designed to be released by a simple vertical action that can be performed before the stack is fully handled or transferred. This preliminary release capability allows controlled removal of the topmost rack without risking uncontrolled collapse of the entire stack.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If stacks are handled carefully to avoid collapse, then safety is improved, but the productivity and handling speed are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestack stabilityVSAvoidhandling speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing the locking and release mechanisms to be self-actuating through simple vertical force application. The release mechanism at the top of the stack automatically engages with the locking mechanism when vertical force is applied, eliminating the need for complex lateral manipulation or precise manual coordination. This self-service approach maintains stack stability during transport while enabling rapid automated handling at high speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates safe and automated handling of pipette tip racks by allowing vertical release without lateral manipulation, ensuring stability during manual and automated use, and optimizing space utilization.

Implementation Method 1

The means for locking comprises at least one flexible or deformable tongue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The means for locking comprises a radially deformable hollow pin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS12472504B2Holder, a set of parts, and a method of manipulating holders of laboratory consumables

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SARTORIUS BIOHIT LIQUID HANDLING OY

AI summary

According to an example aspect of the present invention. there is provided a holder for disposable pipette tips, the holder comprising: two pairs of opposing lateral sidewalls, each sidewall comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, and two lateral edges; the sidewalls are joined to each other via their lateral edges; a plate comprising a matrix of openings, connected to the upper edges of the sidewalls; wherein the holder may be locked on top of another holder to form a stack of holders; wherein the locking is configured to be released by applying a force to a locking element from above the stack of holders.