Pipette Tip Composite Sealing Layer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipette tips fail to provide a sufficient and consistent seal with pipette shafts, especially in low-volume molecular biology experiments, leading to precision issues during liquid transfer and dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A pipette tip member with an elongated tubular receptacle featuring a coaxial and concentric sealing layer and supporting layer, where the sealing layer is made of a softer, more compressible material and the supporting layer is harder, providing a secure and fluid-tight connection with the pipette shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer tip member is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tip member is constructed as a composite structure with an inner sealing layer made of elastomeric material and an outer supporting layer made of rigid or semi-rigid material. This composite design enables the sealing layer to provide compliant sealing contact with the pipette shaft while the supporting layer maintains structural integrity and resists deformation during liquid dispensing, thereby achieving reliable sealing without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip member applies local quality by making different parts of the tip member have different properties: the inner sealing layer is made softer and more compliant specifically at the sealing interface with the pipette shaft, while the outer supporting layer is made harder to maintain overall structural strength. This localized differentiation of material properties optimizes both sealing performance and structural function.
2Reliability
If the sealing layer is made of softer material, then the sealing effect is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials where the inner sealing layer uses elastomeric material with higher elongation and lower hardness (e.g., Shore A 40-70) to achieve compliant sealing, while the outer supporting layer uses rigid material with higher tensile strength and modulus to maintain structural integrity. The synergistic combination allows the softer sealing layer to conform to the pipette shaft surface while the harder supporting layer prevents tip collapse or deformation under liquid pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip member applies local quality by making different parts of the tip member have different functions: the inner sealing layer is made softer and more compliant specifically at the sealing interface with the pipette shaft, while the outer supporting layer is made harder to maintain overall structural strength. This localized differentiation of material properties optimizes both sealing performance and structural function.
3Manufacturing precision
If the tip member is made of single material, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the sealing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tip member is constructed as a composite structure with an inner sealing layer made of elastomeric material and an outer supporting layer made of rigid or semi-rigid material. This composite design enables the sealing layer to provide compliant sealing contact with the pipette shaft while the supporting layer maintains structural integrity and resists deformation during liquid dispensing, thereby achieving reliable sealing without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip member is segmented into functionally distinct layers: an inner sealing layer and an outer supporting layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function (sealing vs. structural support) while being manufactured as an integrated component through co-molding or lamination processes, balancing manufacturing precision with ease of production.
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 pipette tip member achieves an improved sealing effect, preventing excess sliding and ensuring precise liquid transfer and dispensing, even in low volumes, by maintaining a reliable contact with the pipette shaft.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing layer is made of a softer, more compressible material
Implementation Method 2
the sealing layer is made of a softer, more compressible material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a pipette tip member with improved seal.