Pipette Tip System with Self-Aligning Conical Rim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipette tip systems face issues such as static electricity misalignment, exposed unused tips leading to contamination, user fatigue due to uneven force requirements for tip mounting and dismounting, and inefficient packaging, which affect accuracy and safety in handling and usage.
Innovation Solution
The proposed system includes pipette tips with a conical rim and receiver openings that self-align to prevent static, a support card design with a lid to minimize exposure and contamination, and a pipetter with a low-force ejection mechanism using a positive stop and thinning channels to reduce user fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pipette tip is disposed of in the support card with the proximal end proud of the support card top surface, then the pipette tip is easily accessible, but the pipette tip moves significantly within the support card causing static electricity and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the pipette tip from a protruding position (proud of the surface) to a flush position (level with the surface). This dimensional change in vertical positioning eliminates the movement and static electricity problems while maintaining accessibility through the lid opening mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the pipette tip proximal opening is exposed when adjacent tips are being used, then the tip is easily accessible, but the unused pipette tips become inadvertently contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a lid that can be opened to access individual pipette tips. This lid acts as a protective barrier that can be selectively opened, allowing access to one tip while keeping other tips covered and protected from contamination.
3Strength
If the pipette tip is mounted with large force (10-12 lbs), then the tip is securely attached, but the user must apply the same level of force to dislodge the tip causing user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic ejection mechanism with a button that allows the user to selectively apply force for ejection. The mechanism maintains secure attachment during normal use but allows easy disengagement when needed, transforming the static high-force requirement into a dynamic controlled-force operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary ejection mechanism (button and internal lever system) between the user and the pipette tip. This intermediary allows the user to apply minimal force to the button, which then transmits the ejection force to the tip through the internal mechanism, reducing the direct force requirement from 10-12 lbs to a much lower value.
4Ease of operation
If the pipette tip is allowed to move freely in the support card, then the tip is easily inserted, but the tip rubs against adjacent tips building static electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an asymmetric conical receiver opening that matches the conical shape of the pipette tip. This asymmetric geometry provides a self-aligning interface that guides the tip into the correct position during insertion while preventing lateral movement and rubbing against adjacent tips, thereby eliminating static electricity generation.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipette tip system for use with a plurality of pipette tips is disclosed that includes a support card connected to a base, wherein the base comprises an interlocking structure constructed to mate with an adjacent base. This unique base can be used with the several embodiments disclosed herein.