Handheld Pipette With Interrogation Circuitry For Particle Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipette devices lack efficient methods for interrogating and counting particles in fluid samples during extraction, particularly in a bulk container setting, and do not provide real-time data processing and display capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held pipette instrument equipped with a microprocessor, pressure transducer, and interrogation circuitry that uses a removable pipette tip to detect particles and communicate data via USB or wireless modules, allowing for real-time particle counting and data display, with a user control system for selecting operation modes and a suction system regulated by a microprocessor-controlled vacuum pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pipette device is equipped with sensors and data processing capabilities for particle counting, then measurement precision and information quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sensor, microprocessor, memory, and other electronic components within the existing pipette body structure. The sensor is positioned to detect particles through the tip, the microprocessor is housed within the body, and memory is integrated into the system architecture, creating a nested configuration that adds functionality while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipette device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can extract fluids, count particles, measure pressure, store data, and communicate results. The microprocessor controls various operations including suction regulation, data processing, and communication protocols, allowing a single device to serve as both a fluid handling tool and an analytical instrument.
2Loss of information
If real-time data processing and display capabilities are added to the pipette, then information availability is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor automatically processes sensor data in real-time, performing particle counting and pressure measurements without requiring external intervention. The device self-manages data storage in memory, generates output signals, and controls the suction process based on sensor feedback, reducing the need for complex external processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides real-time feedback about particle presence and pressure conditions to the microprocessor, which adjusts the suction process accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time data availability while using simple control logic to manage the complexity of coordinating multiple functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If a microprocessor-controlled vacuum pump is used to regulate suction pressure, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor controls the vacuum pump to operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The pump is activated only when pressure regulation is needed, with the microprocessor monitoring pressure sensor feedback and triggering pump operation in response to pressure deviations, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining precise pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical pressure regulation mechanisms with an electronically controlled system using a microprocessor and electronic vacuum pump. This substitution enables more precise pressure control through electronic feedback loops while allowing for intelligent power management that reduces energy consumption compared to continuously operating mechanical systems.
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 precise particle counting and real-time data processing and display, facilitating efficient fluid sampling and data analysis, with the ability to perform selected tests and communicate results to a remote terminal.
Implementation Method 1
a source of suction; a pipette tip interface configured to hold a removable pipette tip and to place an installed pipette tip into communication with said source of suction
Implementation Method 2
a pressure transducer disposed in communication with the microprocessor to monitor a suction pressure profile delivered to the pipette tip interface
Implementation Method 3
interrogation circuitry adapted for detecting particles moving through a said installed pipette tip
Implementation Method 4
a microprocessor and an associated memory; wherein said pipette tip interface is further structured and arranged to dispose said installed pipette tip in communication with said interrogation circuitry
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipette instrument 100 carrying interrogation circuitry 132 adapted to interrogate a data signal received from a removable instrumented pipette tip 114. The pipette 100 includes a microprocessor and memory 130 that can be programmed to perform data collection procedures. User controls typically include a start button 108, and a track wheel 1 10. A display device 1 12 can present device options through one or more menu, and show data resulting from one or more test result. The pipette can interrogate particles carried by a fluid flowing through a tip 1 14 by detecting either of, or both of, Coulter principle phenomena, and Stokes-shift phenomena.