Pipette Display Apparatus for Partial Syringe Dosing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of pipettes and syringes face challenges in determining the maximum number of dosing steps possible without refilling the syringe, especially when it is partially filled, leading to uncertainty and potential inaccuracies in liquid dispensing.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize an adjustable dosing increment, a display apparatus, a drawing lever, and a control button to detect the position of a drive element, allowing for the display of the maximum possible dosing steps and enabling precise dosing by executing a reverse stroke, even when the syringe is partially filled, using incremental encoders and sensors for accurate displacement tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the syringe is partially filled with liquid, then the user can save time by not completely filling it, but the maximum number of dosing steps cannot be accurately determined leading to uncertainty and potential inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for filling syringeVSAvoidaccuracy of dosing step count

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to detect the position of the drive element and provides real-time feedback through a display apparatus showing the maximum possible dosing steps. This feedback mechanism allows users to make informed decisions about partial filling without compromising dosing accuracy, resolving the contradiction between time savings and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system calculates and displays the maximum number of dosing steps in advance based on the detected liquid volume in the syringe. By performing this calculation beforehand, users can immediately see how many complete dosing steps are possible with the current liquid amount, eliminating uncertainty and allowing for efficient partial filling without sacrificing dosing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the display shows the maximum dosing steps based on complete filling assumption, then the dosing information is simple to obtain, but the information is inaccurate when the syringe is partially filled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of obtaining dosing informationVSAvoidaccuracy of dosing information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display apparatus provides accurate feedback about the actual maximum dosing steps possible with the current liquid volume. The system continuously monitors the drive element position and updates the displayed information accordingly, maintaining both simplicity of operation and reliability of the dosing information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical estimation methods with electronic sensing and calculation systems. Sensors detect the drive element position, and electronic components calculate the accurate maximum dosing steps, substituting complex mechanical measurement systems with more reliable electronic detection and computation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the syringe is designed to accept variable liquid volumes, then the adaptability is improved, but the determination of maximum dosing steps becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in liquid volumeVSAvoidcomplexity of dosing step calculation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses electronic sensing and computational methods to determine maximum dosing steps, replacing complex mechanical calculation mechanisms. The control apparatus automatically calculates the correct number of dosing steps based on sensor input, maintaining device adaptability while reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines and displays the maximum dosing steps without requiring user calculation or input. The pipette device performs the calculation itself based on the detected liquid volume, making the system adaptable to variable volumes while keeping the user interface simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11697113B2Method for dosing liquid by means of a pipette and a syringe, and pipette for actuating a syringe for dosing liquid

Publication Date: 2023.07.11 EPPENDORF AG

AI summary

A pipette with an adjustable dosing increment, wherein a control apparatus determines a dosing volume by a set dosing increment when a syringe is inserted in the pipette, and determines a maximum possible number of dosing steps following an execution of a reverse stroke without refilling the syringe given the set dosing increment and completely or partially filled syringe by the position of a displacement means on the path, and displays the maximum number of dosing steps on a display apparatus until the reverse stroke is executed. The control apparatus also determines the number of executed dosing steps and displays the number of executed dosing steps and/or the number of dosing steps still possible without refilling the syringe on the display apparatus.