Pipette with Electronic Display for Syringe Dosing Step Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manually driven repeating pipettes require users to manually determine the number of dosing steps possible with a completely filled syringe, which is tedious and error-prone, and do not ensure accurate play compensation when the syringe is partially filled, affecting dosing accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method and pipette with adjustable dosing increments and a display device that allows users to set and display the dosing volume, count dosing steps, and determine the number of steps possible without refilling, ensuring accurate dosing by detecting syringe volume and displaying information on the display device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manually driven repeating pipettes are used without electronic detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and dosing accuracy deteriorate due to inability to track dosing steps and compensate for play

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddosing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect the position of the receiving body and the dosing steps performed. The control device uses this feedback information to display the number of dosing steps completed and remaining, enabling precise tracking of the dosing process without requiring complex electronic control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical counting of dosing steps with an automated detection system. Sensors detect the position of the receiving body and trigger the control device to record and display dosing step information, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated sensing and electronic processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the syringe is partially filled and play compensation is not ensured, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate dosing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddosing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor detects the actual position of the receiving body during each dosing step and provides feedback to the control device. This feedback enables the system to compensate for play and ensure accurate dosing even when the syringe is partially filled, while maintaining ease of operation through automated correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control device adjusts the dosing parameters based on the detected position of the receiving body. When play is detected, the system dynamically changes the dosing parameters to compensate for the position discrepancy, ensuring accurate dosing volume is delivered despite partial filling conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the number of dosing steps is not displayed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information increases as users must manually count and determine remaining steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidinformation about dosing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor continuously monitors the position of the receiving body and provides feedback to the control device, which displays the number of dosing steps completed and remaining on the display device. This feedback loop eliminates information loss by automatically tracking and presenting dosing step information to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual counting of dosing steps with an automated electronic display system. The sensor detects dosing step positions and the control device presents this information electronically on the display, substituting manual mechanical counting with automated information presentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If constant reversing stroke is used without adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to compensate for syringe play

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddosing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the reversing stroke dynamic rather than constant. The control device adjusts the reversing stroke length based on the detected position of the receiving body and the current dosing step, enabling precise compensation for syringe play while maintaining ease of operation through automated adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device changes the parameters of the reversing stroke dynamically based on real-time detection of the receiving body position. This parameter adjustment enables precise dosing by compensating for syringe play, while the automated nature of the adjustment maintains ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2656916B1Method for metering a liquid using a pipette and a syringe and pipette for actuating the syringe to dose the liquid
Publication Date: 2019.01.16 EPPENDORF AG
  • EP2656916B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2656916B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2656916B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves releasably connecting a syringe (3) with a pipette (1). The information related to residual liquid dosing process is optionally set and displayed in an electronic display device (9). The maximum possible number of execution of liquid dosing process is displayed in display device, without refilling the syringe. The liquid dosing process is executed, after filling the syringe with liquid. The number of times of executed dosing processing is determined, so that maximum possible number of liquid dosing process is determined, without refilling the syringe. An independent claim is included for a pipette.