Pipette Tip Selection via RFID Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipetting devices require specially made tips for selecting interchangeable components, leading to a high risk of incorrect attachment of disposable plunger-cylinder assemblies due to identical fastening elements for different volumes, complicating the selection process and laborious management of dispensing parameters.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled pipetting device with a method that allows users to select a suitable pipette tip from a predetermined set without requiring specially made tips, by entering dose size and amount, and using a control system to indicate and lock in the optimal interchangeable component, ensuring only available components are considered for the task at hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If disposable plunger-cylinder assemblies with identical fastening elements are used for different volumes, then the ease of manufacture and universality are improved, but the reliability of correct attachment deteriorates due to high risk of incorrect attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives identification signals from RFID tags on interchangeable components, automatically verifies compatibility between the component type and pipette tip size, and provides feedback to guide proper selection and attachment, preventing incorrect combinations while maintaining universal fastening elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual identification and selection of interchangeable components with an electronic identification system using RFID tags and readers, eliminating the need for physically distinctive components while ensuring correct selection through automated electronic verification
2Reliability
If specially made tips with identifying means are used for selecting interchangeable components, then the measurement precision and reliability of selection are improved, but the ease of manufacture and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal RFID tags that can be attached to any interchangeable component type regardless of volume or application, allowing the same identification technology to serve multiple functions across different component types without requiring specially made tips for each variant
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags are designed as inexpensive, disposable elements that can be easily attached to interchangeable components, replacing complex identifying features that would require specialized manufacturing while maintaining reliable identification capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection and checking of dispensing parameters using separate tables is performed, then the adaptability to different tip types is improved, but the productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to laborious management
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically retrieves and configures the appropriate dispensing parameters based on the identified interchangeable component type, eliminating the need for users to manually consult tables or configure settings, thereby maintaining full adaptability while dramatically improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores all necessary dispensing parameters and associations between component types and optimal settings in its memory, allowing instantaneous retrieval and automatic configuration when a component is attached, eliminating real-time manual lookup and configuration steps
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a method for selecting a plunger-cylinder tip of a pipette and a device for carrying out the method. In the method, the dose size is entered into the control electronics of the pipetting device; the dose size is stored in the control electronics; the amount of doses is entered; and on the basis of the dose size and the amount of doses, the control electronics indicates suitable available interchangeable components on the display.