Pipette Tip with Translucent Window and External Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipette tips are made of optically opaque materials, lacking 'see-through' features, which limits visual verification of function and fluid observation during transfer operations.
Innovation Solution
The development of pipette tips with a molded body made from electrically insulating materials, featuring a translucent or transparent section for visual observation, combined with impedance or capacitance electrodes on the outer surface for measurement purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pipette tips are made from optically opaque materials, then electrical insulation is achieved, but visual verification of fluid inside the tip is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a translucent or transparent window section in a specific location on the pipette tip body, while the rest of the tip remains made from electrically insulating opaque material. This localized transparency allows visual verification of fluid presence and depth without compromising the overall electrical insulation properties of the tip.
2Ease of operation
If conventional opaque materials are used for pipette tips, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but fluid observation during transfer is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The molding process creates a localized translucent or transparent window section within the pipette tip body, allowing fluid observation during operation while maintaining standard manufacturing techniques for the rest of the tip structure.
3Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed on the outer surface of the pipette tip, then impedance and capacitance measurements are enabled, but optical transparency at the electrode location is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the electrically conductive electrodes on specific regions of the outer surface that are distinct from the translucent or transparent window section. This spatial separation allows the electrodes to perform impedance and capacitance measurements while the window area maintains its optical transparency for visual verification purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipette tip surface is segmented into functionally distinct zones: electrode regions for electrical measurements and a translucent window region for visual observation. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without interfering with each other's performance.
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
Enables visual verification of fluid inside the pipette tip and facilitates impedance and capacitance measurements, improving the accuracy and reliability of fluid transfer operations.
Implementation Method 1
a translucent or transparent feature for seeing through the outer surface and the inner surface
Implementation Method 2
at least one impedance or capacitance electrode, made from an electrically conductive material, disposed on the outer surface
Implementation Method 3
at least one impedance or capacitance electrode, made from an electrically conductive material, disposed on the outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a pipette tip comprising a molded body made from an electrically insulating material, with an outer surface, an inner surface, and a translucent or transparent feature allowing visibility through both surfaces. The pipette tip further includes at least one impedance or capacitance electrode made from an electrically conductive material, positioned on the outer surface away from the translucent or transparent feature. Each electrode is electrically isolated on the outer surface, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements during liquid handling operations. This innovative design provides enhanced visibility and precise electrical measurements, making the pipette tip ideal for various laboratory applications.