Pipette Tip Washing Manifold With UV Fiber Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for washing and sterilizing pipette tips in large-scale laboratory settings are inefficient and costly, leading to significant waste and contamination issues, as existing devices are either too expensive, complex, or not scalable for industrial use.
Innovation Solution
A washing device with a manifold dispenser system that directs fluid to multiple pipette tips using UV light and fiber optic channels for comprehensive cleaning and sterilization, combined with a UV curtain and agitatable platform for enhanced cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plasma systems are used to clean pipette tips, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex plasma generation systems with a simpler mechanical washing system using manifolds, spray nozzles, and rinse mechanisms that deliver cleaning solutions through pipette tips without requiring exotic plasma-generating equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adopts a cost-effective approach using disposable or easily replaceable washing components (manifolds, nozzles, tubing) that can be periodically replaced, avoiding the need for expensive, complex plasma systems while achieving adequate cleaning for reuse applications
2Reliability
If complex cleaning systems with multiple jet streams are used, then cleaning capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing system is divided into separate functional modules: a manifold for fluid distribution, individual spray nozzles for each tip position, and a rinse mechanism, allowing each component to be simple while the combination provides comprehensive cleaning coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold and nozzle system is designed to handle multiple functions (washing, rinsing, drying) through a single integrated structure that can service multiple pipette tips simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity compared to individual cleaning stations for each tip
3Device complexity
If small-scale cleaning methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but cleaning scale is insufficient for large laboratories
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple cleaning functions (washing, rinsing, drying) and multiple tip processing capabilities into a single integrated device that can handle 96-tip racks, achieving large-scale laboratory productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through automated multi-step cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from processing tips individually or in small groups to processing entire 96-tip racks simultaneously by adding the spatial dimension of parallel processing through the rack-compatible manifold design, dramatically increasing throughput without proportionally increasing complexity
4Reliability
If pipette tips are discarded after single use, then contamination risk is eliminated, but operational cost and waste increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers pipette tips for reuse through automated washing and sterilization cycles, eliminating the need to discard functional tips after single use while maintaining contamination prevention through thorough cleaning and sterilization processes that restore tips to safe reusability
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process transforms the state of used pipette tips by changing physical parameters (temperature, chemical exposure, mechanical agitation) to remove contaminants and restore the tips to a clean, sterile state suitable for reuse, thereby converting waste material back into usable consumables
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 efficient and economical large-scale sterilization of pipette tips, reducing waste and contamination risks, while being cost-effective and adaptable for industrial-scale use.
Implementation Method 1
an ultra-violet (UV) light source, and a plurality of fiber optic channels coupled to the UV light source, each of the fiber optic channels extending into a corresponding one of the liquid outputs
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of fiber optic channels coupled to the UV light source, each of the fiber optic channels extending into a corresponding one of the liquid outputs
Implementation Method 3
a manifold dispenser comprising at least one liquid input and a plurality of liquid outputs that operably direct fluid to contact a plurality of laboratory consumables
Data Source
AI summary
A washing device comprises a manifold dispenser comprising at least one liquid input and a plurality of liquid outputs that operably direct fluid to contact a plurality of laboratory consumables held by a rack in the washing device, an ultra-violet (UV) light source, and a plurality of fiber optic channels coupled to the UV light source, each of the fiber optic channels extending into a corresponding one of the liquid outputs. The plurality of liquid outputs may each comprise a nozzle having an opening into which a respective one of the plurality of fiber optic channels extends.