Pipette Tip Smooth Cavity Design for Low Separation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipette tips often feature internal 'stop' and 'sealing' structures that complicate the separation process, increase manufacturing costs, and reduce reliability over multiple use cycles.
Innovation Solution
A pipette tip design with a smooth, flexible internal cavity lacking distinct internal 'stop' or 'sealing' structures, combined with exterior fins for easy separation, and a manufacturing method using injection molding with mid-mold plastic injection to reduce tooling complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal stop and sealing structures are added to pipette tips, then seal reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes internal stop and sealing structures from the pipette tip design, extracting these functions entirely. Instead of having dedicated internal structures for sealing, the design relies on the natural deformation of the tip walls during engagement with the pipettor shaft, achieving sealing through the engagement geometry rather than through complex internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the tip material, specifically using elastomeric or thermoplastic elastomer materials that can dynamically deform during engagement. This material parameter change allows the tip walls to flex and conform to the shaft, creating effective seals without requiring rigid internal sealing structures.
2Reliability
If internal stop and sealing structures are added to pipette tips, then sealing function is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate internal stop and sealing structures, reducing the number of components and manufacturing steps. The sealing function is achieved through the basic engagement geometry of the tip and shaft, which simplifies the molding process and reduces tooling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sealing function into the basic structural engagement between the tip and shaft. Rather than having separate sealing components, the engagement geometry itself creates the seal through the deformation of tip walls during insertion, combining structural support and sealing functions into a single integrated design.
3Manufacturing precision
If internal stop structures are added to pipette tips, then penetration depth control is improved, but separation force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes internal stop structures that create high separation forces. Instead, penetration depth is controlled by the engagement geometry between the shaft and tip, where the shaft engages the tip at a specific depth determined by the external dimensions and wall flexibility, allowing for easier separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the tip material to be more compliant and flexible. This parameter change allows the tip walls to deform during engagement and return easily during separation, reducing the force required to eject the tip from the shaft compared to rigid stop structures.
4Strength
If reinforcing rib structures are added to pipette tip exterior, then structural strength is improved, but separation ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes external reinforcing rib structures that interfere with separation. Instead, structural strength is maintained through the inherent properties of the elastomeric or thermoplastic elastomer materials, which provide sufficient rigidity for liquid transfer while allowing flexible engagement and easy separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters to use elastomeric or thermoplastic elastomer materials that provide the necessary structural strength without requiring external ribs. These materials have appropriate modulus and flexibility characteristics that allow the tip to maintain its shape during use while deforming easily during engagement and separation cycles.
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 'soft eject' design ensures low separation force and high seal reliability, simplifying tooling, reducing costs, and maintaining reliability across multiple use cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The interior chamber or cavity is relatively smooth and flexible
Data Source
AI summary
A pipette tip (10) including: a proximal end (11) and a proximal body region (12) defining a first cavity that receives a flatted pipette member; and a distal end (13) and a distal body region (14) defining a second cavity that receives and discharges a liquid aspirated by the pipette member; the cavities are in gas-liquid communication, the first cavity is defined by various resilient surfaces as defined herein, one cylindrical surface (25) forms a gas-liquid seal with the pipette member, and which surfaces are free of, for example, an internal stop structure, a distinct sealing structure, or both. Methods of making and using the article are also disclosed.