Pipette Tip Disposal Assembly With Nested Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of used pipette tips in biochemical testing systems often requires frequent interruption of automated assays to replace full containers, leading to reduced efficiency and increased risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A pipette tip disposal assembly that includes a receiving element to support the tips and a container with a base dimensioned to match the length of a pipette tip, allowing for controlled toppling and ordered stacking of tips, thereby reducing the volume of waste and minimizing user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If used pipette tips are ejected into a container that can be removed from the analyser, then the tips can be collected and disposed of, but the container must be frequently removed and replaced when full, interrupting automated assays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where a removable inner container holding used pipette tips is placed inside a larger stationary outer container. When the inner container becomes full, it can be quickly removed and replaced without removing the outer container from the analyser, thus maintaining automated assay efficiency while providing adequate capacity for tip collection
2Quantity of substance
If the base of the container has a linear dimension aligned with the length of a pipette tip, then ordered stacking of tips is achieved increasing density, but the receiving element must be positioned at a specific separation distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific region at the base of the container where the linear dimension matches the length of pipette tips. This localized dimensional matching promotes ordered stacking and high-density packing in that specific area, while the rest of the container structure remains simple and does not require complex positioning
3Shape
If pipette tips are toppled from the receiving element along a first direction, then ordered stacking is achieved, but tips may rebound and disrupt order if separation distance is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by limiting the separation distance between the receiving element and the container base to a specific range (no more than three times the first linear dimension). This controlled, partial separation is sufficient to allow tips to topple and stack in order, while preventing excessive separation that would cause rebound and disruption of the stacking order
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 assembly achieves efficient and ordered stacking of pipette tips, reducing the frequency of container replacements and minimizing contamination risks by maintaining a controlled environment for tip disposal.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one pipette tip falling towards a base of the container on being received by the container
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a pipette tip disposal assembly. The assembly comprises a receiving element adapted to support an end of at least one pipette tip, the at least one pipette tip being toppled in use from the receiving element along a first direction; and a container positioned to receive the at least one toppled pipette tip, the at least one pipette tip falling towards a base of the container on being received by the container. The base of the container has a first linear dimension aligned with the first direction corresponding to the length of a pipette tip.