Pipette Locking Mechanism With Cylindrical Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipettes have complex locking mechanisms that can be easily destroyed, require excessive force for operation, and limit the precision of dosing volume adjustment, leading to errors and increased assembly costs.
Innovation Solution
A pipette design featuring a circular-cylindrical locking element with a part-cylindrical active surface that securely locks the transmission part, allowing for adjustable locking positions and easy unlocking, reducing the need for a wedge mechanism and minimizing operational force, while also providing accessible unlocking elements for both left- and right-handed users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with wedge mechanism is used, then the locking security is improved, but the device complexity increases and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wedge mechanism from the locking system, retaining only the essential locking elements (locking element with circumferential locking surfaces and locking lever with detent). This extraction of the unnecessary wedge component simplifies the overall mechanism while preserving the core locking function, directly resolving the contradiction between locking security and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking element with multiple circumferential locking surfaces, a locking lever with detent, and a release element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without the need for a complex integrated wedge mechanism, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If a wedge mechanism is used for locking, then the locking security is improved, but the force required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the wedge mechanism entirely, the patent eliminates the high force requirements associated with wedge-based locking. The remaining locking system uses a simple detent mechanism that requires minimal force to engage and disengage, directly resolving the contradiction between locking security and operational force
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever acts as an intermediary between the release element and the locking element. It provides mechanical advantage through its lever arm geometry, allowing the release element to move a small distance with low force while still achieving sufficient movement to disengage the detent from the locking surfaces, thereby reducing the force required for operation
3Measurement precision
If a threaded spindle with adjusting device is used, then the dosing volume adjustment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the adjustment mechanism for the threaded spindle (enabling dosing volume adjustment) and as part of the locking mechanism (through its interaction with the locking element). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjusting devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining adjustment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the adjustment function and locking function into a unified system. The actuating element's rotation simultaneously adjusts the threaded spindle for volume calibration and engages/disengages the locking mechanism. This consolidation of functions reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The pipette (1) has a transfer element (19) and display adjustable unit (23) that are coupled to the transmitting portions (20,21) for transmitting a rotary movement of the transfer element to a movement of display adjustable unit. A circular cylindrical locking element is arranged on the outer circumference of the transfer element. The locking portion and the unlocking elements (106) are coupled to the transmitting unit for transferring the movement of the unlocking element relative to the housing to the movement of the locking portion from the locking position.