Pipette Tip Latch Mechanism for Secure Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipettes lack efficient and reliable mechanisms for handling disposable pipetting tips, leading to difficulties in secure attachment and detachment, especially under force effects.
Innovation Solution
A pipette design featuring a guide section with a guide groove and a latch mechanism that moves between latch and release positions, ensuring secure attachment and detachment of disposable pipetting tips through a combination of translational and rotational movements, facilitated by a coupling part and an ejector system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of tip attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions between different positions (latched and unlatched) to dynamically control the attachment state. The spring element provides dynamic force to maintain the latched position, ensuring reliable attachment while keeping the mechanism simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch mechanism automatically engages and disengages the tip based on insertion and removal forces, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system self-regulates the attachment state through the spring force and geometric constraints.
2Reliability
If a secure latch mechanism is implemented, then the reliability of tip attachment is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically engages when the tip is inserted and disengages when removal force is applied, eliminating the need for manual operation. The spring force automatically maintains engagement during normal use while allowing easy release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses dynamic transition between latched and unlatched states based on applied forces. Normal usage forces maintain the latched state, while deliberate removal forces trigger the unlatched state, providing both security and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a complex latch mechanism with multiple movements is used, then the reliability of tip attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch body combines multiple functions in a single component: it provides the locking surface, guides the tip through its geometry, and works with the spring element to maintain engagement. The guide groove and latch hook are integrated features that work together to ensure reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism uses dynamic transition between positions rather than complex multi-component assemblies. The spring-loaded design provides the necessary force management with minimal parts, achieving reliability through clever use of simple mechanical principles.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipette for dispensing liquids, including a fluid tube which extends along a tube axis and has at a first end region a guide section in the shape of a circular cylinder or conical section. The guide section is provided with a guide groove extending along the tube axis, in which a latch is movably mounted in the guide groove between a latch position and a release position, in which the latch has a latch body extending along the guide groove and a latch hook projecting radially outwards from the latch body. The latch hook is arranged in the guide groove in the release position and the latch hook projects radially outwards beyond the guide section in the latch position.