Pipette Tip Remover Using Segmented Ramp for Jam-Free Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plunger-operated pipettes with tip removers often require complex motor-driven mechanisms that can jam easily due to bidirectional operation, making them unreliable and difficult to control.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable ramp member with a circle-forming ramp surface is used to facilitate one-way tip removal, allowing for simpler control and reliable operation without the need for motorized power during return, utilizing a spring for automatic return to the top position and an angular sensor to stop the motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-driven mechanism is used for tip removal, then automation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to jamming from bidirectional operation
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp member is divided into multiple segments, each representing a distinct phase of the tip removal cycle. This segmentation allows the motor to operate in one direction only, with each segment corresponding to a specific action (approaching tip, removing tip, returning). The segmentation eliminates the need for bidirectional motor operation, thereby preventing jamming while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp member undergoes periodic rotation through its segments in a consistent direction, creating a cyclic operation pattern. The mechanism repeats the same rotational direction for each tip removal cycle, with the ramp member progressing through its segments in a predetermined sequence. This periodic action in one direction eliminates the reliability issues associated with bidirectional motor operation.
2Extent of automation
If a motor-driven mechanism is used for tip removal, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp member serves as an intermediary element between the motor and the tip removal function. Instead of directly driving the tip removal mechanism, the motor rotates the ramp member, which in turn forces the remover element to move. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall mechanism by converting simple rotational motion into the required linear motion for tip removal, reducing the complexity of direct drive mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional motor operation is used, then flexibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the motor to rotate in both directions to achieve flexibility, the invention inverts the approach by designing a system where the motor rotates in only one direction. The ramp member's segmented design allows the single-direction rotation to achieve all necessary functions (approaching tip, removing tip, returning), thereby eliminating jamming while maintaining operational flexibility through the segment sequence.
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 solution enables reliable and efficient tip removal with reduced risk of jamming, as the mechanism only requires one-way rotation, simplifying control and operation, and does not necessitate motorized power for the return process.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanism can be provided with a spring for returning the remover element
Implementation Method 2
the ramp member forces the remover element towards the tip
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipette, comprising a tip remover element which, upon moving it against a tip, disengages the tip. The remover element is operated with a mechanism, comprising a rotatable ramp member which is provided with a circle-forming ramp surface, including one or more segments within which the ramp surface has a high point and a low point, whereby the ramp surface, upon rotating through a single segment, forces the remover element first to move against the tip and then allows it to return.