Pipette Volume Locking for One-Handed Adjustment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipette volume lock systems require two-handed operation, are prone to unintentional adjustment, or lack user intuitiveness, posing operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A pipette with a single-button operation that locks the set pipetting volume during use, featuring a locking mechanism activated by the operating element, allowing one-handed adjustment and prevention of unintended volume changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a volume lock system is implemented to prevent unintentional adjustment of the set pipetting volume, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring two-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the volume setting function and the locking function into a single operating element. The operating element has a first region for setting the volume and a second region for activating the lock, allowing both functions to be performed with one hand on a single component rather than requiring separate controls that would need two hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element serves multiple functions: it is used for both setting the pipetting volume and for activating/deactivating the volume lock. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate controls, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining reliable volume protection.
2Device complexity
If the operating button is used for both volume setting and unlocking, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of user intuitiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is divided into distinct functional regions: a first region for volume setting and a second region for locking/unlocking. This spatial differentiation of functions on the same component provides intuitive tactile feedback and visual distinction, making the dual-function element easy to understand and operate.
3Reliability
If the locking element is pressed throughout the volume setting process to prevent unintentional adjustment, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring continuous pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is activated by a brief pressing action on the second region of the operating element before or during the volume setting process. Once activated, the lock remains engaged automatically without requiring continuous pressure, allowing the user to freely adjust the volume using the first region of the operating element.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from an active state (requiring continuous pressure) to a passive latched state (maintaining lock without pressure). The mechanism uses spring elements and engagement features to maintain the locked state dynamically without continuous user input, enabling one-handed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipette with a body for receiving a displacement device, the displacement device comprising a displacement chamber and a movable boundary element for bounding a pipetting stroke of the pipette. The pipette furthermore has an operating element for setting the pipetting volume of the pipette by movement of the boundary element in the body and for performing a pipetting operation, the operating element being in operative connection with a piston movable in the displacement chamber of the displacement device. The pipette furthermore comprises a counter for displaying the set pipetting volume and a locking mechanism for locking and/or unlocking volume setting by the operating element. It is provided that, on actuation of the operating element, the operating element is configured to perform a pipetting operation, to transfer the locking mechanism into a locked position and to lock adjustment of the pipetting volume.