Pipette Tip Extension for Pressure-Equalized Tube Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid handling technologies fail to automate the handling of pipette tubes, particularly in the use of automated pipette tubes, and the use of automated pipette tubes, and the use of automated pipette tubes, and the use of automated pipette tip extensions, and the use of automated pipette tip extensions, and the use of automated liquid handling systems, particularly in the context of application development or small-batch-applications.
Innovation Solution
A pipette tip extension that can be attached to a pipette tip, comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an exterior wall with an inner cavity and distance elements to create a fluid uptake area, allowing for fluid connection with the surrounding atmosphere and enabling precise liquid handling in automated systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual tubes are used in automation, then flexibility for application development is improved, but handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipette tip extension acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the pipette tip and the liquid sample. It provides a dedicated fluid uptake area that simplifies the interaction between the automated pipetting system and the liquid, reducing handling complexity while maintaining flexibility for various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension divides the liquid handling function into distinct segments: the pipette tip for precise dispensing, the extension body for fluid uptake and pressure equalization, and the reception aperture for atmosphere connection. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function, simplifying overall system handling.
2Extent of automation
If tubes are aggregated in microplates or carriers, then automation handling is improved, but flexibility for individual tube use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pipette tip extension is designed as a universal component that can be attached to any standard pipette tip. It provides multiple functions including fluid uptake, pressure equalization, and contamination prevention, making it adaptable to various applications while maintaining compatibility with automated systems through its simplified interface.
3Device complexity
If pipette tips are used directly without extension, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure equalization and contamination prevention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The extension is designed to be self-contained with the fluid uptake area and reception aperture integrated into its structure. It automatically performs pressure equalization through the atmosphere connection and prevents contamination through its sealed design, without requiring additional components or complex mechanisms.
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 pipette tip extension facilitates efficient and automated liquid handling by maintaining a fluid connection with the atmosphere, ensuring pressure equalization and preventing contamination, while allowing for precise positioning and mixing of liquids.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid uptake area extends from the bottom up to the reception aperture and is in fluid connection with the surrounding atmosphere at the reception aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A pipette tip extension attachable to a pipette tip is disclosed. The pipette tip extension has a proximal end, a distal end, and an exterior wall extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The exterior wall has an outer side and an inner side and forms at the proximal end a reception aperture for inserting a pipette tip. The pipette tip extension also has a bottom at the distal end, an inner cavity enclosed by the inner side of the exterior wall and the bottom, and one or more distance elements arranged at the inner side of the exterior wall and protruding into the inner cavity.