Spring-Loaded Pipette Holding Device for Leak-Free Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipetting devices face reliability issues due to user-dependent attachment processes and susceptibility to air chamber leakage, leading to inconsistent connections between pipetting containers and devices.

Innovation Solution

A holding device with a spring-based clamping mechanism that provides a reliable, leak-free connection independent of the attachment process and air chamber functionality, using a spring device to exert a consistent force and an elastomeric material for the clamping element, which can accommodate different pipette diameters with a tapered seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user-dependent attachment process is used to connect the pipetting container to the device, then the device can be operated manually with flexibility, but the connection reliability and consistency deteriorate due to varying user behavior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation flexibilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device automatically establishes and releases the clamping connection without user intervention. The spring device self-actuates through the air chamber pressure changes, eliminating dependency on user behavior while maintaining ease of operation through simple trigger activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical attachment process is replaced by a pneumatic-mechanical system where air pressure changes actuate the spring device to create automatic clamping and release, ensuring consistent connection reliability regardless of user variability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If an air chamber is used to release the clamping connection, then the device can be operated automatically with high productivity, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to air chamber leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic operation capabilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring device is pre-loaded with elastic energy before clamping is needed. This stored mechanical energy provides a backup clamping force that maintains connection reliability even if the air chamber leaks, as the spring can compensate for pressure loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from relying solely on pneumatic pressure (air chamber) to a combined pneumatic-mechanical system where the spring device provides a mechanical force component. This parameter change in the actuation mechanism ensures reliability while maintaining automatic operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If additional sealing materials are used to prevent leakage, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak preventionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The need for additional sealing materials is eliminated by extracting the sealing function from separate components and integrating it into the clamping connection itself. The spring device creates sufficient contact pressure to ensure sealing without requiring extra sealing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping and sealing functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The clamping connection established by the spring device simultaneously provides both mechanical retention and leakage prevention, eliminating the need for separate sealing materials and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution enhances the reliability and consistency of the connection between pipetting containers and devices, reducing the risk of leakage and user error, while eliminating the need for additional sealing materials, ensuring a stable and efficient pipetting process.

Implementation Method 1

a spring device (102) for establishing the clamping connection, the spring device being set up to exert a spring force (F) acting radially inwards and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

an air chamber device (103) for releasing the clamping connection, the air chamber device having an air chamber (103a) which is designed to be deformed in the pipetting position by a negative pressure applied in the air chamber device, whereby the spring device (102) is elastically deformed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3626343B1Holding device for holding a pipetting container on a pipetting device

Publication Date: 2023.12.13 EPPENDORF AG

Figure 1
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding device for holding a pipetting container, in particular a serological pipette, on a pipetting device, comprising a tubular connecting section configured to hold the tubular end of a pipetting container in a pipetting position by means of a clamping connection, a clamping device arranged on the connecting section and comprising a spring device for establishing the clamping connection and an air chamber device for releasing the clamping connection by means of a vacuum. The invention also relates to a pipetting device with this holding device.