Electronically Controlled Tip Lock Mechanism for Pipette Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipetting systems with disposable plunger-cylinder combinations face high risks of incorrect attachment due to identical attachment means for different tip sizes, leading to potential setting mistakes and inefficiencies, especially when handling viscous or volatile liquids.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled tip lock mechanism in a pipetting device that prevents accidental setting mistakes by requiring input of attachment parameters through a keyboard before allowing pipetting actions, ensuring accurate attachment and operation of replaceable parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If identical attachment means are used for all tip sizes to simplify the design, then device complexity is reduced, but the risk of incorrect attachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the attachment means asymmetric with respect to the tip size. Different tip sizes have different attachment means configurations, creating an asymmetric relationship that prevents mismatched attachment. The electronic tip lock mechanism is positioned at different locations or has different engagement characteristics for different tip sizes, ensuring that only compatible tips can be properly attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the electronic tip lock mechanism that provides confirmation signals to the control unit. When a tip is attached, the tip lock sensor detects the attachment status and sends feedback to the control unit, which then enables or disables pipetting functions based on the detected tip type and size. This feedback loop ensures that the system is aware of the attached tip configuration and prevents incorrect operations.
2Device complexity
If manual setting of portioning parameters is required to maintain simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically retrieve and input portioning parameters based on the detected tip type. When a tip is attached and identified by the tip lock mechanism, the control unit automatically queries the stored parameter database for the corresponding tip type and loads the appropriate portioning parameters, eliminating the need for manual parameter entry by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing portioning parameters for various tip types in the control unit's memory during the design and manufacturing phase. This preliminary preparation of parameter data allows the system to quickly retrieve and apply the correct parameters automatically when a tip is attached, without requiring real-time manual configuration during operation.
3Ease of operation
If special identifying means are added to tips to enable automated recognition, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the identification function from complex active components and implementing it through the passive mechanical configuration of the attachment means itself. The tip size and type are identified through the physical characteristics of the attachment interface and the position of the tip lock mechanism, rather than requiring separate identifying components on the tips. This extracts the identification capability from the tip design while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The object of this invention is a method for attaching a pipette tip and an apparatus for such method. The method comprises the following steps: opening the interlocking which attaches the replaceable part with the help of electronically controlled interlocking mechanism for detaching or receiving the replaceable part; saving the information of the opening of the interlocking mechanism to the control electronics of the pipette; closing the interlocking which attaches the replaceable part with the help of the electronically controlled interlocking mechanism for attaching the replaceable part; saving the information of the closing of the interlocking mechanism to the control electronics of the pipette; providing the dispensing parameters and/or type and/or size of the replaceable part with the help of a keyboard to the control electronics to ensure the attachment of a desired replaceable part and to achieve pipetting readiness. The object of this invention is thus also to present a pipetting apparatus where the setting mechanism of the replaceable part is so arranged that it prevents accidentally performed setting mistakes but does not require using of a special tip.