Pipette Tip Removal Mechanism Using Inverted Lifting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipette tip removal mechanisms are inefficient due to high-speed tip ejection leading to aerosol contamination, ergonomic issues, and bulky construction, with moving parts prone to dirt accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A pipette design where the tip cone is lifted upwards to contact a stationary sleeve, using a stiffer loading spring for controlled tip removal, eliminating the need for a separate sleeve mechanism, resulting in a compact, ergonomic, and cleanable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sleeve mechanism is used to push the tip off, then the tip removal function is achieved, but the tip is ejected at high speed causing aerosol contamination
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing the tip off with a downward-moving sleeve, the invention inverts the approach by lifting the inner mechanism (tip cone) upward so that the tip contacts and is pushed off by a stationary sleeve. This inversion allows controlled tip removal without high-speed ejection, eliminating aerosol contamination while maintaining ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If a separate sleeve mechanism is used for tip removal, then tip detachment is achieved, but the pipette construction becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the tip removal function into the existing inner mechanism by lifting the tip cone upward against a stationary sleeve. This eliminates the need for a separate movable sleeve mechanism, reducing device complexity and achieving compact construction while maintaining full tip removal functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If a movable sleeve is used to eject the tip, then tip removal is achieved, but moving parts are prone to dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the movable sleeve component from the tip removal mechanism, leaving only the tip cone as a movable part that lifts upward. The sleeve becomes stationary and forms part of the fixed housing, eliminating seams and moving parts that accumulate dirt, thereby improving cleanability and reducing device complexity.
4Force
If a stiff return spring is used to push the tip off, then tip detachment force is sufficient, but user fatigue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the mechanism to lift the tip cone upward rather than pushing downward, the invention changes the direction of force application. This allows the use of a stiffer return spring that provides sufficient detachment force while improving ergonomics and reducing user fatigue through more efficient force transmission.
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
This approach ensures controlled tip removal, reducing aerosol spread, improving ergonomics, and enhancing the pipette's robustness and compactness, while preventing dirt accumulation and reducing user fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring arranged to be compressed between the tip removal button and a lower part of the inner mechanism when the inner mechanism is in the lower position, the first spring being stiffer than the second spring
Implementation Method 2
a second spring arranged to be compressed between the lower stop and the plunger when the plunger is in the lower position
Implementation Method 3
The tip is held in place at the lower end of a pipette's tip cone by friction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pipette comprising a tip removal mechanism adapted for lifting an inner mechanism of the pipette with regard to a body of the pipette when the user presses the tip removal button. The present invention further relates to a method for disengaging a disposable tip attached to a tip cone of a pipette of the present invention, and to a method for pipetting with a pipette according to the present invention.