Pipette Tip Inner-Surface Holding for Accurate Concentricity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods of measuring pipette tip concentricity using the outer surface fail to accurately account for manufacturing deviations, leading to potential deformations, accidents, and contamination due to incorrect reference surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A pipette tip holding device that aligns the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip with a central axis, allowing precise measurement and secure holding, using spring elements to exert a holding force and maintain alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the outer surface of the pipette tip is used as the reference surface for measuring concentricity, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor because it does not account for manufacturing deviations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoidconcentricity measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by using the inner cylindrical surface as the reference instead of the outer surface. The holding device grasps the inner surface and aligns it with a central axis, thereby using the inner surface as the reference for concentricity measurement. This inversion resolves the contradiction by providing accurate measurement while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device acts as an intermediary between the pipette tip and the measurement system. It grasps the inner cylindrical surface, aligns it with its central axis, and transfers this aligned position to the measurement device. This intermediary function enables accurate concentricity measurement by establishing a proper reference frame based on the inner surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the outer surface is used as the reference surface, then the measurement setup is simple, but the reliability is poor due to potential deformations and accidents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement setup complexityVSAvoidmeasurement and operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the reference surface from outer to inner surface. By using the inner cylindrical surface as the reference and aligning it with the holding device's central axis, the system achieves reliable concentricity measurement and positioning, eliminating the reliability issues associated with outer surface reference methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If conventional holding methods are used, then the device structure is simple, but the positioning precision is poor leading to inaccurate fluid dispensing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding device structureVSAvoidpipette tip positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device inverts the conventional approach by grasping the inner surface rather than the outer surface. This inversion enables precise alignment of the pipette tip's central axis with the holding device's central axis, thereby achieving accurate positioning and fluid dispensing while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device serves as an intermediary that aligns the pipette tip with the measurement and dispensing system. By grasping the inner cylindrical surface and aligning it with its central axis, it ensures precise positioning of the orifice, which is critical for accurate fluid dispensing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables accurate concentricity measurement and secure holding, reducing accidents and contamination risks while ensuring precise control over fluid dispensing and positioning.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (104) configured to exert a holding force onto the cylindrical inner surface (P14)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4706823A1Pipette tip holding device, pipetting system, method of manufacture, and method of performing a pipetting operation

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL AG

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure concerns a pipette tip holding device for holding a pipette tip, comprising a pipette tip holding unit configured to hold the pipette tip by exerting a holding force onto a cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip. The the pipette tip holding unit comprises a central section extending along a central axis, and at least one spring element fixedly attached to the central section, wherein one or more of the at least one spring element extend, along a circumferential direction, partially around the central axis. The at least one spring element is elastically deflectable by the cylindrical inner surface towards the central axis to generate the holding force, and the pipette tip holding unit is configured to, by exerting the holding force, align the cylindrical inner surface of the pipette tip concentrically around the central axis. The disclosure further concerns a pipetting system and a manufacturing method.